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The President's New Freedom Initiative: The 2007 Progress Report

CHAPTER 1

Increasing Access through Technology

The Administration has engaged in a multi-tiered approach that enables more individuals to reap the benefits of universally designed assistive technology.  These efforts include supporting the development of new technologies while helping to remove the financial barriers associated with their acquisition. 

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Promoting Greater Access to Assistive Technology

The President continues to devote significant resources to meeting the diverse technology-related needs of people with disabilities and enabling them to have access to these technology resources. 

Next Steps:

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Spearheading Revolutionary Technological Innovations

Assistive technology allows persons with disabilities to maximize their independence and integrate themselves into every aspect of societal life. 

Accomplishments:

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Fostering Policies and Procedures Promoting the Use of Assistive Technology

The Administration continues to make efforts to minimize duplication among the many Federal agencies, the private sector, and non-profit groups in accessing and utilizing appropriate assistive technology.

Accomplishments:

Next Steps:

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Increasing the Availability of Electronic Information

The Administration has significantly expanded development of web-based content while clustering material by subject in order to enhance ease of use by the reader, including subjects such as civil rights enforcement information, emergency preparedness and response, and health and wellness.  This effort complies with Section 508 standards under the Rehabilitation Act and assists people with disabilities who use assistive technology to access electronic information.

Accomplishments:

Next Steps:

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Implementing Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, Federal agencies must make their electronic media accessible to people with disabilities, at a level approaching that of people without disabilities.  President Bush strongly supports implementation of Section 508 and views compliance as integral to meeting the requirements of the E-Government Act that he signed into law in December 2002.  An August 2005 memorandum from the Executive Office of the President reminded agencies of their obligation under Section 508, provided information about resources available from the GSA, and called for the continued coordination between agencies, the Chief Acquisition Officers' Council, and the Chief Information Officers' Council. 

Accomplishments:

Next Steps:

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Creating a Robust Assistive Technology Industry Domestically and Abroad

The Administration has worked diligently to promote opportunities for American companies to expand their reach in this industry both domestically and abroad, linking providers of state-of-the-art assistive technology to individuals with disabilities who need the technology.

Accomplishments:

Next Steps:

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Additional Activities

Agencies from across the federal government have either maintained or expanded their activities under the New Freedom Initiative, and many other efforts are the direct result of following the President’s lead.  The following is some of the work that has been done since 2004.

Accomplishments:

Next Steps:

 

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