GOSIC Web Page Accessibility

Web development is underway to make GOSIC.ORG compliant with the US Government Section 508 Compliance and the International Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). In the near future this web site will include several features designed to improve accessibility for users with disabilities. Some of these features are:

1) Images on the site will contain 'alt tags,' which aid users who listen to the content of the site by using a screen reader rather than reading the site.

2) A 'skip to' link provides users with a method for bypassing the header and going directly to the main content each time a page is accessed.

3) A text-only version will be provided as well.

Section 508 Compliance (Federal Information Technology Accessibility Initiative)

In 1986 the US Government amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to include Section 508 with the requirement by law that the US Federal Government provide accessible technology to employees and to the public. Section 508 outlines the accessibility standards for a wide range of information sources and technologies.

The aim is to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities and to encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology. For further information please visit the following web sites: http://www.access-board.gov/508.htm and www.section508.gov .

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 (WCAG 1.0)

GOSIC complies with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 .

Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF)

Users can get information regarding the accessibility of Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files from the Adobe website.

Contact Information

E-mail : Christina.Lief@noaa.gov