RE: [SEC508] Session Timeouts and 1194.22(p)

["Baquis, David " <baquis@Access-Board.gov>]

I am unaware of any agency positions that differ from the requirement of the 508 Standard.  The Access Board technical assistance has been consistent. This current provision requires two things: first that a warning be given before time expires and that a means be provided to allow users to extend their time.  Of course, we are always open to hearing ideas for equivalent facilitation.  In VPATs, companies may wish to assert their design as an example of equivalent facilitation, if that is their intent.  The alternate design must meet or exceed the technical requirement in order to suffice as acceptable equivalent facilitation. Another way of saying that is whether a new design removes the same accessibility barrier addressed in the original technical requirement. The TEITAC discussed this issue and recommended some additional options in their report to the Access Board: http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/refresh/report/. These suggestions will be considered in the refreshed 508 Standards.

 

David Baquis

Accessibility Specialist

U.S. Access Board

www.access-board.gov

202-272-0013

 

"Thank you for your questions concerning section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998.  Section 508 authorizes the Access Board to provide technical assistance to individuals and Federal departments and agencies concerning the requirements of this section.  This technical assistance is intended solely as informal guidance and is not a determination of the legal rights or responsibilities of entities subject to section 508."

 

From: sec508-admin@trace.wisc.edu [mailto:sec508-admin@trace.wisc.edu] On Behalf Of Rowland, Brian
Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 3:26 PM
To: sec508@trace.wisc.edu
Subject: [SEC508] Session Timeouts and 1194.22(p)

 

I’ve been wondering about session inactivity timeouts and 1194.22(p).  Based on a very small amount of research I’ve done, the industry approach seems to be to assert support for 22(p) and note the presence of a session inactivity timeout in the remarks field of the product VPAT.

Have any agencies put forth a position on this?  I would not consider silent session expirations an example of supporting the technical standard, but the ‘wisdom of the crowd’ seems to imply I am not in the majority.

 

Thanks,

 

Brian Rowland

User Interface Developer

SRA International, Inc.