R895-14-1. Purpose and Authority

  Each state agency shall develop, procure, maintain, and use accessible electronic information and Information Technology (IT) acquired on or after June 1, 2015, that conforms to the applicable provisions set forth by s. 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and 29 U.S.C. s. 794(d), including the regulations set forth under 36 C.F.R. part 1194, and the voluntary guidelines reflected W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.0.

  Information Technology accessibility ensures that people with and without disabilities can access the same information, perform the same tasks, and receive the same services using information technology. It is the digital equivalent to accessibility in the physical environment. While IT accessibility can provide usability benefits to everyone who uses IT, accessibility is vital to many people with disabilities. This rule is established under the authority of Sections 63F-1-102; 63F-1-205; and 63F-1-206 as amended, and 63F-1-210 as enacted.

  (1) Undue Burden to Agencies.

  If compliance with this rule causes an undue burden to agencies; agencies may propose an alternative method of access that allows users with disabilities to use information and data. The alternative method must be submitted to the CIO in writing, and the CIO must approve.

  (2) Accessibility Testing Protocols.

  The Department of Technology Services provides guidelines for accessibility testing and revises them on a regular schedule for use by State Agencies. Current testing protocols measure accessibility against United States Public Access Board Guidelines of 2015, including Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, and W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.0.