Accessibility
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is committed to making the information and resources on the Web sites that it sponsors accessible to the widest possible audience, including persons with disabilities.
- Overview
- Alternative Access to Web Information
- Synopsis of Section 508 Accessibility Requirements
- More Information
Overview
In keeping with its mission, AHRQ complies with accessibility requirements by implementing the regulations of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the HHS Policy for Section 508 Compliance and Accessibility of Information and Communications Technology.
AHRQ would appreciate being notified of accessibility problems so that we can remediate them and better serve you.
Federal agencies are required, upon request, to provide information and data to individuals with disabilities through an alternative means of access that can be used by the individuals.
Alternative Access to Web Information
Information from AHRQ Web sites should be accessible via screen readers and other accessibility tools with the exception of some pre-2001 information or links to content resident on Web sites that are not federal government resources. These materials include special accessibility notices to this effect.
If you need an alternative means of access to any information on AHRQ Web sites, please contact us through our public inquiries mailbox. Let us know the nature of your accessibility problem, the Web address of the requested information, and your contact information.
If you need to convert PDF documents, Adobe® offers conversion tools at its Accessibility Resource Center
Synopsis of Section 508 Accessibility Requirements
Section 508 requires federal agencies to ensure that individuals with disabilities who are members of the public or Federal employees have access to and use of electronic and information technology (EIT) that is comparable to that provided to individuals without disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. The requirements of Section 508 apply to an agency's procurement of EIT, as well as the agency's development, maintenance, or use of EIT.
Although federal agencies have an explicit statutory obligation to make all electronic and information technology (EIT) that they develop, procure, maintain, or use compliant with Section 508, individuals may only file complaints or lawsuits to enforce Section 508's requirements with respect to EIT systems procured or deployed on or after June 21, 2001. Learn more at FAR Final Rule.
The Section 508 requirements do not apply retroactively to pre-existing EIT. However, as agencies upgrade and change their electronic and information technology, they must comply with the standards. Specifically, the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards: Economic Assessment states that:
"The standards are to be applied prospectively and do not require federal agencies to retrofit existing electronic and information technology. As agencies upgrade and change their electronic and information technology, they must comply with the standards."
Federal agencies have additional responsibilities under Section 501 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These Sections require that agencies provide reasonable accommodation to employees with disabilities and provide program access to members of the public with disabilities and take other actions necessary to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability in their programs.
More Information
- The HHS Digital Communications Division 508 Program oversees the implementation of Section 508 at HHS. Visit this site to learn more about the OD's activities and leadership.
- The U.S. Access Board's Section 508 Homepage provides information on Section 508 law, frequently asked questions, and standards.
- The Section 508 Homepage provides Section 508 tools, resources, standards, and news.
