NYS Policies Governing "Web Accessibility" - Statutory Requirements

State policy and Federal legislation and regulations govern the Department’s responsibility to provide access to technology for persons with disabilities. The following statutory requirements mandate that those employees and citizens with disabilities have reasonable access to electronic and information technology, and further, that the Department must make reasonable accommodations to such persons to ensure they can adequately perform their jobs and/or access government services.

• Statewide Technology Policy P04-002
  Accessibility of State Agency Web-Based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications - June 21, 2004
• NYS Mandatory Technology Standard S04-001
  Accessibility of State Agency Web-Based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications - June 21, 2004
• New York State Public Officers Law: Augments Section 504 by requiring that public meetings, hearings, conferences, training sessions and other events be conducted by State agencies in facilities which offer barrier-free access for people with disabilities. Moreover, agencies must make auxiliary aids and services (e.g. assistive listening devices, interpreter services) available, as necessary, to allow people with all types of disabilities to participate on an equal basis.
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Public Law 102-569, Section 504: Requires that the services, programs, and activities of a covered entity which receives federal funds must be accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, with or without "reasonable modifications" as necessary.
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Section 508: Requires that employees with disabilities and citizens with disabilities have comparable access to electronic and information technology.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336: Requires that State agencies must:
  1. Make "reasonable accommodation" to the known disabilities of an otherwise qualified person with a disability, such that, that individual can perform the essential functions of their employment position; and,
  2. Ensure that their services, programs and activities are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, which may require an agency make "reasonable modifications."

Last Update: Tuesday, May 02, 2006