A federal employee needs access to what a device does, not merely an accessible product label. The Access Board’s January 18, 2017 rule organizes information and communication technology requirements around functions. Its section 508 standards concern covered federal technology; separate section 255 guidelines concern telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment. [2017-00395]

The February 2015 proposal explains the design problem: multifunction devices strain categories built around separate products. It proposed requirements organized by functionality and outcome-based criteria for features that technical provisions did not address. The final approach retains a functional structure. These are stages of one proceeding, not separate evidence that users’ daily experience has already improved. [2017-00395][2015-03467]

Section 508 does not require an indiscriminate replacement of older systems. Its exceptions cover conforming legacy components unaltered on or after January 18, 2018, national-security systems and contractor equipment incidental to a contract. Where undue burden, fundamental alteration or unavailable conforming products constrain compliance, bounded agency determinations and alternative access remain important rather than simply abandoning the user. [2017-00395]

The published schedule separates March 20, 2017 effectiveness from January 18, 2018 section 508 compliance. Procurement standards take legal effect through FAR Council adoption. Revised section 255 guidelines require FCC adoption and retain the readily-achievable qualification; existing duties are not suspended. For employees and public users, the useful question is how the covered function will be accessible under the applicable route, not whether one announcement makes every device universally usable. [2017-00395]

Source documents

  1. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelineshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2017-01-18/html/2017-00395.htm
  2. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelineshttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2015-02-27/html/2015-03467.htm