Enclosure (3) to COMDTINST 5230.60A
ENFORCEABLE SECTION 508 STANDARDS FOR EIT
The published Section 508 EIT accessibility standards, reference (c), include technical provisions with
1) requirements specific to various types of technologies (Subpart B), 2) functional performance criteria
of covered technologies (Subpart C), and 3) requirements for information, documentation, and support.
a. Subpart B - The categories below represent the technologies covered by Subpart B.
(1) Software Applications and Operating Systems (36 CFR Part 1194 Section 21)
(2) Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications (36 CFR Part 1194
Section 22)
(3) Telecommunications Products (36 CFR Part 1194 Section 23)
(4) Video and Multimedia Products (36 CFR Part 1194 Section 24)
kiosks (36 CFR Part 1194 Section 25)
(6) Desktop and Portable Computers (36 CFR Part 1194 Section 26)
b. Subpart C - Acquired products that meet the specific technical provisions set forth in Subpart B
will also meet the broader functional performance criteria in Subpart C. If an agency's
procurement needs are not fully addressed by Subpart B, then the agency must look to Subpart C
for applicable functional performance requirements.
(1) General Functional Performance Standards (36 CFR Part 1194 Subpart C Section 31)
(2) Information, Documentation and Support (36 CFR Part 1194 Subpart C Section 41)
Equivalent facilitation - Nothing is intended by the standards to prevent the use of designs or
technologies as alternatives to those prescribed, provided the alternatives result in substantially
equivalent or greater access to and use of a product for people with disabilities.
Below is a description of the functionality enabled by the Section 508 standards:
1. Software Applications and Operating Systems (36 CFR Part 1194 Section 21) The provisions of this
standard enable persons with disabilities to:
a. Execute all textually discerned functions from the keyboard without the use of a mouse
b. Determine the state and position of the cursor
c. Access explanatory text associated with images
d. Interact with all elements of the system
e. Turn off animation
f. Interpret significance of color coding by another means
g. Be assured that the screen will not blink or flash at certain frequencies (which can cause
epileptic seizures)
h. Complete and submit all electronic forms