This zip file contains four files. Each has to do with Section 508 of
the Rehabilitation Act. The Act is being redrafted in Washington and there
are advocates to strengthen section 508 to make federal procurements of
office equipment and peripherals and software etc, accessible to folks
with disabilities. this simple proposition is not as immediately
acceptable to all as one might assume.

    The file 508.asc is the testimony from the Electronics Industries
Foundation which makes the point that in their opinion, the current law is
working slowly but working and ought not to be changed. The file
Response.asc makes a counter argument to the EIF statement. The file
NCOD508.txt is a position taken by the National Council on Disabilities
endorsing a much stronger Section 508 and an analysis as to why. the file
GSA508.txt makes the arguments against stronger language from the
administrative and legal point of view.

    The Congress listens to people who call and let them know their
concerns. Whether you agree or disagree with proposed changes to Section
508, you may want to let your Congress member know.

    this is a serious problem area for many folks with disabilities who
have the talents to work and be productive, but the environment is set up
so as to not allow the productivity and opportunities they could realize
with the access.