Ensuring Equal Access Through the Appropriate Use of Information Technology.

A service provided by the Office of the Chief Information Officer.

The OCIO's Assistive Technology Team provides support services to ED managers and supervisors in determining how technology can be used to meet the reasonable accommodation needs of employees with disabilities and assists with implementation.

• These services include:
  • Needs assessments.
  • Technical support of all assistive technology recommended.
  • Specialty equipment and software demonstration.
  • Guidance to application developers and vendors regarding EDsoftware design requirements.
  • Accessible web site design consultation.
  • Participation on committees on disability and access issues.

The Assistive Technology Team provides recommendations ensuring equal access to information, systems, and technologies; allowing increased productivity in an efficient and cost effective manner.

• Analyze user's workstation and components for accessibility.
• Determine job requirements and assess current productivity.
• Provide a thorough written Needs Assessment recommending current, tested technologies.

This document contains the minimum accessibility requirements software applications must meet in order to be used by all Department employees and customers. These requirements are offered to demonstrate the accessibility needs that must be considered when designing and developing software for ED.

The requirements are located at URL: http://www.ed.gov/fund/contract/apply/clibrary/software.html.

The Assistive Technology Demonstration Center showcases various assistive technologies:

• Screen Reading Software;
• Screen Enlargement Software;
• Combined Screen Reading/Enlargement Software;
• Alternative Input Devices (specialized mice, trackballs, etc.);
• Speech Recognition Software;
• Speech Synthesizers;
• A Networked TTY Solution;
• Ergonomic Keyboards;
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Software;
• CCTVMagnifiers;
• Braille Embossers;
• Headsets for Computer and Telephone;
• Braille Translation Software;
• Talking Caller ID Solutions.