Thread Subject: Re: What is good enough to qualifyforcompatibilitywith AT?

Note

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From: Baker, Robert C.
Date: Tue, Mar 13 2007 5:40 AM

When SSA sends out its bid, we explicitly provide the guidance that the
product must work with the AT purchased by the agency. In fact - we
specify version numbers - and through a partnership with freedom
Scientific provide free trial versions of JAWS and Magic to any vendor
who asks to perform their own testing. SSA is in a unique position,
however, in that we have 1,500 employees with disabilities who will
complain if we purchase or develop software that is not accessible to
them. Because of the distinct size of this population, and because we
have a centrally managed desktop architecture - we have standardized
that AT platform deployed within the agency. This saves us money, and
helps us to efficiently support AT throughout the agency. Other
agencies have a de-centralized desktop architecture, which lessens the
argument for a standardized AT platform for that agency. I would not
look to 508 to make the distinction that a particular software would
have to work with my agency's AT platform. I think the way we treat
this - as an addition to the mandatory technical requirements in a
procurement solicitation - is the best approach for handling this
"unique" situation.

Thanks,
Robert

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