Comparable Access for Individuals with Disabilities
to NASA Information and Electronic Technology:
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973
What is the purpose of this pamphlet?
The purpose of this pamphlet is to convey NASA procedures regarding
complaints of discrimination filed pursuant to section 508 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.[1]
What does the law require?
Section 508 requires all Federal agencies to make electronic
and information technology developed, procured, maintained, or
used by the agencies accessible to Federal employees and members
of the public with disabilities, unless to do so would impose
an undue burden. Section 508 covers all types of electronic and
information technology in the Federal sector. Section 508 does
allow for some exceptions, such as for national security systems.
Federal agencies must be in compliance with standards
issued by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance
Board (“Access Board”). The Access Board issued these standards
on December 21, 2000. The standards became effective on June
21, 2001, the date for agency compliance. [2]
Who may file a complaint under the law?
The law authorizes individuals with disabilities to file complaints
with any agency alleged to be in noncompliance with section 508
with respect to electronic and information technology procured
on or after June 21, 2001.
To whom do the law's requirements apply?
Section 508 applies to all Federal departments and agencies.
Section 508 does not apply directly to the private sector, nor
does it impose requirements on recipients of Federal financial
assistance.
Who is covered under the law?
Section 508 covers individuals with disabilities who are Federal
employees or applicants for Federal employment. The law also
covers members of the public seeking information or services from
any Federal department or agency.
How will NASA process section 508 complaints from
NASA employees or applicants for employment?
Section 508 complaints from NASA employees or from applicants
for employment with NASA will be processed pursuant to U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission regulations at 29 CFR Part 1614.
How will NASA process section 508 complaints from
members of the public?
Members of the public who contact NASA directly to file a complaint
related to section 508 must provide the following information:
Section 508 complaints from members of the public shall have
the date documented on the complaint and shall be forwarded to
OEOP for processing within five days of complaint receipt. Complaints
shall be forwarded to: NASA Headquarters, Office of Equal Opportunity
Programs, 300 E St. SW, Rm. 4W31, Washington, DC 20546.
What forms of relief are available to complainants
under the law?
Injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees (but not compensatory or
punitive damages) are available if the complainant prevails in
an action against the Agency. In addition, individuals with disabilities
may file civil actions in U.S. District Court alleging noncompliance
with section 508.
Where to Send Your Complaint
You may send a discrimination complaint letter to
any of the following NASA Component Facilities:
NASA Headquarters
Office of Equal Opportunity Programs
300 E St., S.W.
Code E
Washington, DC 20546
NASA
Ames Research Center
Office of Equal Opportunity
Mail Code 19-5
Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000
acardenas@mail.arc.nasa.gov
Dryden Flight Research Center
Office of Equal Opportunity Programs
Mail Code D-1023
P.O. Box 273
Edwards, CA 93523-0273
Erma.cox@dfrc.nasa.gov
Goddard Space Flight Center
Equal Opportunity Programs Office
Mail Code 120
Greenbelt, MD 20771-0001
Dillard.menchan.1@gsfc.nasa.gov
NASA Headquarters
Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management
Code CE
300 E St., SW
Washington, DC 20546-0001
Pcovingt@hq.nasa.gov
Marshall Space Flight Center
Office of Equal Opportunity
Mail Code 0S01
Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812
Charles.H.Scales@msfc.nasa.gov
Johnson Space Center
Equal Opportunity Programs Office
Mail Code AJ
Houston, TX 77058-3696
Estella.h.gillette1@ksc.nasa.gov
Kennedy Space Center
Office of Equal Opportunity
Mail Code AJ
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899-0001
Kenny.aguilar-1@KSC.nasa.gov
Langley Research Center
Office of Equal Opportunity Programs
Mail Code 478
Hampton, VA 23681-2199
vibimerritt@larc.nasa.gov
Glenn Research Center
Office of Equal Opportunity Programs
Mail Code 500-311
21000 Brookpark Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44135-3191
Robert.romero@grc.nasa.gov
Stennis Space Center
Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity
Mail Code AA00
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-6000
SSCODEO@ssc.nasa.gov
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Diversity Programs Office
Mail Code 180-200
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109-8099
tsolorza@jpl.nasa.gov
Wallops Flight Facility
Equal Opportunity Programs Office
Mail Stop 120W
Wallops Island, VA 23337-5099
Lisa.C.Johnson.1@gsfc.nasa.gov
Introduction