REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SUPPORT - SECTION 508 POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

Pyramid is an industry leader in the implementation of Section 508 Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) for government agencies. We ensure that all software systems and enhancements that we develop are in complete compliance with the EIT disability standards.

The Section 508 EIT technical compliance standard was initiated in 1998 by a Congressional amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requiring that all federal agencies make all EIT that is developed, procured, maintained, or used by agencies accessible to people with disabilities. This standard was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology that prevent people with disabilities from having the same access to information that is readily available to people without disabilities.

In support of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Pyramid integrated the Section 508 standards into the agency's business processes, ensuring that all EIT procured and developed after 21 June 2001 is in compliance with the HUD Access Board technical standards. Pyramid continues to support HUD in meeting Section 508 compliance through staff training and evolving requirements.

Pyramid's Section 508 experience at HUD includes the following:

Implementation

• Developed an interim directive that captures the current Section 508 policies and procedures in place at HUD to give employees guidance and understanding of the requirements.
• Drafted a comprehensive document listing the roles and responsibilities of each key business area.
• Supported the establishment of an Advisory Board Committee for Section 508 that includes key members from HUD.
• Supported the integration of Section 508 guidelines into the procurement process. Recommended the areas of the procurement process that should be considered for Section 508 implementation and the procurement forms that should contain Section 508 criteria.
• Supported the development of comprehensive Section 508 compliance procedures.
• Supported the integration of Section 508 criteria into other key agency process areas, including funding requests, technical reviews, enterprise architecture, and training.

Training

• Identified HUD's training requirements.
• Developed a comprehensive Section 508 training program that focuses on the six Access Board Standards and technical provisions.
• Developed training to assist agencies in performing "good faith" market research, focusing on Section 508 claims of Undue Burden, Commercial Non-Availability, Equivalent Facilitation, and other exceptions.
• Developed training to ensure Section 508 compliance in conducting meetings, presentations, and conferences.
• Developed training to demonstrate the interoperability of assistive technology and Section 508-compliant systems.
• Provided logistical, outreach, and coordination support to successfully conduct training.

Compliance Testing

• Developed customized accessibility and compliance testing solutions.
• Conducted IV&V Section 508 testing of individual agency systems and company systems.

Compliant Systems Development

• Supported the development of systems that are Section 508 compliant.
• Assisted in upgrading and enhancing existing systems to comply with Section 508 standards.