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Q. What is Nortel doing to make products and services meet the accessibility requirements of Section 255 and Section 508?

A. We are carrying out wide-ranging and continuous accessibility audits of our products and services, and where practical we are changing our practices.

Q. Does Nortel have an accessibility policy to meet the needs of Section 255 and Section 508?

A. Yes. We are committed to making practical changes which make our technologies, services, and their support documentation more accessible to people with disabilities.

Q. What is Section 255?

A. Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act 1996 requires that wherever it is technically and financially realistic to do so, makers of telecommunication equipment must design, develop, and build products that are accessible to, and usable by, people with disabilities. In the same way, providers of telecommunications services must make their services accessible.

If accessibility for a given product or service is not readily achievable, then the manufacturer or provider must wherever practical, make it compatible with existing peripheral devices, or specialized equipment which is typically used by people with disabilities to achieve access (such as add-on peripheral devices or TTY).

The requirements apply to products and services which have been designed, developed and built (all three events must have occurred after February 1996) after the Act was enacted. There is no requirement to retrofit existing equipment.

Only the Federal Communications Commission can notify and try complaints against manufacturers and providers: there are sanctions and penalties when a complaint is upheld.

Q. What is Nortel doing to support Section 255?

A. We are auditing our relevant products and services and making appropriate changes. We are collaborating with industry peers and people with disabilities to improve our development and testing procedures.

Q. What is Section 508?

A. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 applies to U.S. Federal departments and agencies when they develop, buy, lease, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Federal departments and agencies must ensure equal access to, and use of, electronic and information technology for Federal employees with disabilities and members of the public seeking information or services from their agency. This access must be comparable to that for people who do not have disabilities, unless such a requirement would cause an undue burden.

These requirements have been in place since June 25, 2001. Section 508 carries the simple sanction that unless manufacturers and service providers collaborate with Federal departments and agencies to meet the relevant standards, they will not be able to sell their products to the Federal Government.

Q. What is Nortel doing to support Section 508?

A. We listen to the needs of our government customers and respond in ways that help them comply with Section 508.

Q. What Nortel products are accessible?

A. Nortel is currently writing a product accessibility database which details the features that support the accessibility requirements of Section 255 and Section 508.

Q. Will accessibility put up the price of Nortel products and services?

A. Relevant legislation recognizes that accessibility must be economically feasible, for the purchaser, the user, and the producer of the products and services. However, we frequently find that an accessibility feature makes good design sense for everyone. So, any changes to our costs structure are appropriate, and in line with those of our industry peers.

Q. Is Nortel involved with industry activities related to accessibility?

A. Nortel provides feedback to government on issues relating to this legislation, and is an active contributor to relevant industry associations and initiatives.

Q. How do I inquire about accessibility issues related to Section 255 and Section 508?

A. Our Call Center staff and our technical support representatives can help answer any inquiries. We are available 24 hours a day at 1-800-4NORTEL and TTY users can contact us at 1-888-822-8701. Customers can email us with their inquiries about Section 255 and Section 508 at nortelr@nortel.com.