A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Technology Team Excels by Increasing Access

Although technology tends to make people's lives easier, sometimes it creates barriers instead. For example, when computers moved from being text-based, operated primarily with keyboard commands, to graphics-based, often operated through mouse commands, most users found the new format easier to learn and operate. But certain employees with disabilities — those who could not read a graphics-based computer screen or use a mouse — were unable to perform their jobs.

Fortunately, Department staff realized early that computer advances could cause such problems. Therefore, in 1994, OCIO formed an Assistive Technology Team to begin helping people use technology to overcome barriers in the workplace. One of the team's first goals was to create a requirement that any software purchased by ED must be accessible to those with disabilities. However, there was a problem: No federal standards for accessible software existed. So the Assistive Technology Team, in cooperation with the Information Technology (IT) industry and disability advocate groups, developed its own accessibility standards for the Department.

Since then, the Department's standards have become a model for the entire IT industry, and the Assistive Technology Team has become known as a leader throughout the country on accessibility issues. When the federal government decided to create its own accessibility standards for software and computer manufacturers, it looked to ED's accessibility requirements as a starting point. The federal standards are part of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Today, the team continues to test and evaluate all technology destined for use at the Department to ensure it meets ED's standards. The team also searches for and finds computer-based technology to help employees and ED customers access information and information systems.

If a person requests assistance, the team will analyze his or her workstation and components for accessibility. Then, the team creates a "needs assessment," which recommends current, tested technologies. The team members are computer specialists with training in all aspects of assistive technology: They can install the technology and train others to use it.

The team even has developed an Assistive Technology Demonstration Center, where visitors to the center can touch and try the technologies to see which best fit their needs.

To contact the team, call 202-260-5055 or 202-401-8510 (TTY).

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