The Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee (TEITAC) submitted its recommendations to the Access Board

On April 3, 2008 the Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee (TEITAC) delivered its final report to the Access Board. In 2006, the committee was tasked with putting together a set of recommendations to update the currently existing standards mandated by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act.

The proposed standards contain major changes compared to the current standards. It is noteworthy that more types of disabilities, such as learning disabilities are considered. Also, a great emphasis was put on harmonizing the new standards with currently existing accessibility guidelines and standards. While the proposed standards are much more extensive and technical, they will provide more guidance on compliance and testing. Committee members also considered the fast pace of technological development. The new proposed standards will be applicable to a wider range of technologies and leave room for future development.

As the next step, the Access Board will review the report, and put together a set of standards based on the recommendations. These standards then will be posted for public comments. It is still uncertain when the final standards will be enforced.

It is a good idea to get familiar with the recommendations, but as of today developers do not need to take any action. Even Grounds will monitor the changes and post updates, as well as informing the readers when the standards will become effective.

You can read the Access Board's press release and the committee's report.