Section 508 compliance require federal agencies to create, buy and use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that is accessible to people with disabilities
Key requirements of Section 508
Websites must be perceivable, operable, and understandable for individuals with disabilities. This includes providing alternative text for images, captioning videos, ensuring proper color contrast, and offering keyboard accessibility.
Software applications, including both desktop and web-based applications, must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This involves features like keyboard navigation, compatibility with assistive technologies, and options for resizing text.
Electronic documents, such as PDFs and Word documents, must be made accessible. This includes using proper formatting, providing alternative text for images, and ensuring compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
Multimedia content, such as audio and video, must have captions or transcripts to make them accessible to individuals with hearing impairments.
Section 508 compliance is primarily applicable to U.S. federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding. However, many non-governmental entities and private organizations also adopt Section 508 standards as a best practice to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all users.
It's worth noting that Section 508 has been refreshed and updated to align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA. This alignment ensures that Section 508 compliance is consistent with internationally recognized accessibility standards.
Organizations strive for Section 508 compliance to meet legal requirements, provide equal access to individuals with disabilities, and foster inclusivity and accessibility in their digital presence.
Risks of Non-compliance With Section 508
Section 508 accessibility standards can expose organizations to various risks and consequences, including legal, reputational, and operational implications. Here are some of the risks associated with non-compliance
Failure to comply with Section 508 can result in legal actions and potential litigation. Government agencies and organizations that receive federal funding are required to meet accessibility standards. Non-compliance may lead to legal complaints, investigations, and penalties, which can include financial fines, legal fees, and potential loss of contracts or funding.
Non-compliance with Section 508 can result in missed business opportunities. Many organizations, including private companies, prioritize accessibility in their procurement processes. If your organization's products or services are not accessible, it may be excluded from consideration by potential clients, partners, or customers who prioritize inclusive practices.
Failing to comply with accessibility standards can harm an organization's reputation. News of accessibility barriers, discrimination, or non-inclusive practices can spread quickly through social media and other channels, leading to negative publicity and damage to the organization's image. Reputational damage can impact customer trust, investor confidence, and stakeholder relationships.
Non-compliance with Section 508 limits access to digital content and services for individuals with disabilities. By excluding a significant portion of the population, organizations miss out on potential customers, users, and employees who require accessible technology. This can hinder growth and limit the organization's market reach.
Addressing accessibility issues after development or deployment can be costlier than incorporating accessibility from the start. Non-compliant websites, applications, or documents may require significant remediation efforts, including redesign, reengineering, or retrofitting to meet accessibility standards. The longer accessibility issues persist, the higher the cost and effort required for remediation.
To mitigate these risks, organizations should prioritize accessibility, invest in training and awareness, conduct regular accessibility audits, and ensure compliance with Section 508 standards. By embracing accessibility, organizations can create an inclusive environment, minimize risks, and unlock the benefits of reaching a broader user base.
How To Know If Your Digital Assets Are Section 508 Compliant
Read and understand the accessibility requirements outlined in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Become familiar with the technical standards and criteria that your digital assets need to meet.
Perform a comprehensive accessibility audit of your digital assets, including websites, applications, documents, and multimedia content. This audit can be done internally or by engaging an accessibility consultant or auditor with expertise in Section 508 compliance.
Utilize automated accessibility evaluation tools that can scan your digital assets for common accessibility issues. These tools can help identify areas that require further attention or remediation.
Combine automated tools with manual testing to assess the accessibility of your digital assets. Manual testing involves using assistive technologies, such as screen readers or keyboard navigation, to interact with your content and identify any barriers or issues.
If you use third-party software, platforms, or services, review their accessibility documentation and vendor statements to ensure they are compliant with Section 508 standards. This includes checking for accessibility features, support for assistive technologies, and compatibility with accessibility guidelines.
Seek feedback from individuals with disabilities who use assistive technologies. Engaging users with disabilities can provide valuable insights into the accessibility of your digital assets and help identify areas that may require improvement.
Once you have identified accessibility issues through your audit and testing processes, prioritize and address them systematically. Implement necessary modifications, such as adding alternative text to images, improving keyboard accessibility, ensuring proper color contrast, and providing captions for multimedia content.
Accessibility is an ongoing process. Regularly monitor and assess the accessibility of your digital assets. Keep up with updates to accessibility standards and guidelines, and continue to address any new issues that arise.
Remember that Section 508 compliance is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment to accessibility. By regularly evaluating and improving the accessibility of your digital assets, you can ensure they meet Section 508 standards and provide equal access to individuals with disabilities.