Accessibility — notice of rights

 

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. § 794d)

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 508) requires all electronic and information technology (also referred to as information and communication technology or ICT) that is developed, procured, maintained, or used by a federal agency to be accessible to people with disabilities. Examples of ICT include websites, telephones, multimedia devices and copiers. Access available to individuals with disabilities must be comparable to access available to others. Standards for Section 508 compliance are developed and maintained by the U.S. Access Board. Further information about the Access Board's standards and Section 508 may be found at Section508.gov.

For questions about IRS's Section 508 program supporting ICT, email Robin Meissner.

An individual with a disability who wishes to file a complaint of noncompliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 must send a signed, written complaint within 180 days of the incident that gave rise to the complaint to:

U.S. Department of the Treasury
Office of Civil Rights and Diversity
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20220

The complaint should include:

  • sufficient details of the alleged Section 508 violation to enable the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity to understand what occurred,
  • where and when it occurred, and
  • the responsible Treasury organization, if known.

If accepted for investigation, the appropriate bureau will investigate the complaint and attempt resolution. If no resolution is achieved, the bureau will forward the findings to the Department. A letter of findings will be issued, notifying the complainant of the decision, and providing administrative appeal procedures.

Treasury will provide appropriate assistance to complainants who may need help in filing their complaint and will consider complaints filed in alternate formats. Additionally, oral complaints will be considered if the complainant is unable to write. To file a complaint telephonically, complainants should call 202-622-1160 or use the Federal Relay Service number at 866-377-8642.

To file a complaint against another agency, contact that agency's Section 508 Coordinator.

Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. §§ 4151--57)

The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) requires access to facilities that are designed, built, altered or leased with federal funds. The Access Board is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the ABA.