Implementation of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

It is the intent of the Board of Trustees of Glendale Community College District to adhere to the provisions of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794d). The Section 508 regulations (36 C.F.R. 1194.1 et seq.) require that electronic and information technology purchased or used by federal agencies must be accessible for use by persons with disabilities.

This law is not limited to assistive technologies used by people with disabilities, but rather it applies to the development, procurement, maintenance, or use of all electronic and information technologies. The standards address software applications and operating systems (36C.F.R. 1194.21), web-based intranet and internet information and applications (36 C.F.R. 1194.22), telecommunications products (36 C.F.R. 1194.23), video or multimedia products (36 C.F.R. 1194.24), self contained closed products such as copiers (36 C.F.R. 1194.25), and desktop and portable computers (36 C.F.R. 1194.26).

These regulations are applicable to California Community Colleges by virtue of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3002). As a result, Glendale Community College will take steps to comply with these regulations. All Glendale Community College contracts and grants commencing after this Board Policy becomes effective on August 26, 2002, will contain a provision requiring the contractor or grantee to comply with the 508 regulations.

References: Section 508, Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Adopted: 8/26/02