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Re: Section 508 Refresh & Public participation

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From: Robinson, Norman B - Washington, DC
Date: Jan 26, 2007 2:00PM

There are many different groups working on different topics. As with any
mailing-list and wiki-based information, the best approach may be simply
to find something you are interested in, read up to the latest
discussion, and then contribute as best you can!

The notice via http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/update-index.htm would
have been useful in my original post.

Just don't be afraid to contribute. There will be many who find it
laborious to explain why the issues are organized the way they currently
are written. You don't necessarily need to understand Section 508 to
know when you have had issues with accessibility or when you've been
asked to make something compliant and found it confusing or wished their
was clearer instructions. None of us are above questioning - especially
me - but please be polite and respect that I might not be as smart as
you! <grins> I'll do my best to help anyone if they ask.

That said, Section 508 isn't really about the technical issues when
there is already technical bodies and technical standards that define
the specifics. It is more about functional performance criteria; what
the people purchasing a product should ask to ensure the products are
accessible. If you keep that in mind I think that would be enough to put
the existing discussions into context.

I hope that is useful to you and the list.

Regards,


Norman B. Robinson
Section 508 Coordinator
IT Governance, US Postal Service
phone: 202.268.8246