IMPACT: An Example of Information, Awareness, and Legislation, Leading toward a More Accessible Workplace

Abstract

The foundation of IMPACT, the Department of State’s IRM Program for Accessible Computer/Communication Technology, was information, awareness, and legislation, with customer service serving as the ever-important cement. Advocacy of accessible Department IRM technology, information, and programs to Department customers, including employees with disabilities, was the initial goal of IMPACT. Sharing information about technology, as well as employees’ workplace concerns fostered an understanding of basic access issues and promoted positive customer awareness. IMPACT also provided the Department with the opportunity to be proactive, rather than reactive to legislative requirements. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, mandates that U.S. government agencies comply with certain accessibility requirements, and IMPACT is the Department’s Section 508 resource. While IMPACT continues to serve as a customer-driven vehicle to champion accessibility through a foundation of information, awareness, and legislation, that service increases, exponentially, as our customers take back to their organizations information that will assist with their implementation of Section 508, leading to a more accessible workplace.

The author is a program manager at the Department of State. Any views expressed herein are solely those of the author, and not necessarily those of the United States Government or the Department of State.