Contract Description: MILVETS provided accessibility related services for the Social Security Administration’s Office of Training as a sub-contractor to Signal Corporation under the ITOP Contract Vehicle. In order to effectively accomplish the required tasking, MILVETS was required to thoroughly understand the nature of the problems encountered by employees with disabilities. In performing, MILVETS was required to understand the accessibility requirements as stated in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and specifically how to convert documents prepared using Microsoft Word (often Table formats) and Visual Basic by using document preparation standards designed for accessible formatting.

Electronic Document Conversion and Reformatting: MILVETS was requested by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Training to convert and reformat an electronic training course entitled CHIP (Customer Help Information Program) so that it would be accessible to employees who use speech output assistive devices. The CHIP3 package was in MS Word Table format; MILVETS successfully converted the package to MS Word Text format, as well as created an ASCII file as a means of alternative access. Columns and Indentations were eliminated, and the document when completed contained no more than 80 characters per line. Tables, Charts, Graphs, etc., within the package were logically reformatted in a linear text format, and other graphics, i.e., pictures of computer screens that could not be recreated, were also identified and screen locations referenced. MILVETS developed fully accessible alternatives (i.e., keystroke equivalencies) for visually impaired employees to the GUI currently used in the training package. In addition to normal Quality Assurance practices, MILVETS performed Quality Assurance through the use of a Braille display to ensure accessibility for blind employees who prefer Braille vs. Speech Output.

Development of Accessibility Standards: MILVETS was requested by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Training to develop standards for the present and future production of Social Security training course materials so they are accessible to employees who use speech output assistive technology. MILVETS developed a comprehensive set of standards, to be used by any SSA staff involved in the design and publication of training related materials, thereby allowing any blind employee full access to the content when reading the material through speech assistive technology. Specific requirements included: Developing standards that specifically addressed the use of: font sizes, typeface, bolding, indenting, underlining, italicizing, tables, charts, textboxes, graphics, screen captures, pictures, bullets, outlines, user drawn objects, white space, margins, footers, headers, and columns.

Development of an Automated Conversion Program: MILVETS was requested by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Training to develop and automated program in Visual Basic for application language to convert existing and future SSA training course materials, in conjunction with the previously developed accessibility standards and parameters, so that new training course materials are accessible to employees who use speech output assistive technology (including archived documents). MILVETS developed a comprehensive automated program that could be used by any SSA staff involved in the design and publication of training-related materials. When executed this program/macro reformatted the existing training material and allows any blind employee full access to the content when reading the material through speech assistive technology. The successful conversion rate for the application on existing documents reached 99% and the original task goal was 90%. On documents that were written using MILVETS Writing Standards for SSA training materials, MILVETS achieved 100% conversion accuracy.

Accessible Web-Site Design: MILVETS as a sub-contractor to Signal Corporation and PriceWaterhouseCoopers is required to support the accessible web-design and maintenance of the SSA’s Office of Employment Support Programs (OESP) for an expected period of 5 years (10/1/99 – 9/30/04). MILVETS designed accessible web sites, format technical material for web sites, incorporate graphic images, clipart, photos, and original drawings in to web pages. MILVETS displayed knowledge of current and developing Internet technologies and architectures including JAVA Swing Class, JAVA, JAVAScript, PERL, and Style Sheets. MILVETS has clearly demonstrated knowledge of management, organizational, and business process improvements as they relate to an Internet electronic services environment. MILVETS has extensive knowledge of and experience designing web sites for persons requiring special accessibility, especially for persons with visual and dexterity impairments. MILVETS has demonstrated the ability to work closely with large organizations in support of their Internet development and maintenance requirements, including the ability to develop timelines of deliverables (such as Acceptance Test Plans and Accessibility Verification Methodologies). MILVETS has shown accuracy of work performed along with responsiveness to customer requirements, as well as cost effectiveness in completing projects.