If not, then there’s a good chance you haven’t heard of Section 508 compliance. It’s a standard enforced by the government to ensure accessibility on any public-facing machine, such as a website. But what is section 508 compliance, and how can it help with user engagement?
If you’re curious, then we’ve got the answers. Keep reading to learn more about this standard and how it can influence your business strategy.
What Is Section 508 Compliance?
It refers to the requirements laid out by the U.S. government’s Section 508 standards to ensure that electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities. The idea behind Section 508 is that people with disabilities should not be excluded or limited when it comes to accessing and using websites, documents, and other technology.
This requires organizations to create and maintain websites and other technology in a way that is accessible to people with disabilities, specifically those using assistive technology such as:
- screen readers
- speech recognition software
To achieve this, organizations should implement certain web and document design standards to ensure they are compliant with these standards.
Who Needs to Be 508 Compliant?
It is an important requirement for any organization handling or serving digital content. According to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 ensures that individuals with disabilities, such as:
- visual impairments
- hearing impairments
Organizations must adhere to particular standards and guidelines in order to provide equal access for all individuals. The goal of Section 508 compliance is to ensure that everyone has access to the same quality of information regardless of disability.
Documents Under Section 508
Most documents accessible online must comply with these standards, including websites, Word documents, PDF to PDFA c#, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, audio and video files, and other electronic documents.
Organizations must also create online documents that are accessible for the visually impaired, including closed captioning for videos and tables and charts that are organized and labeled thoughtfully for people who use screen readers.
How to Implement Section 508 Compliance?
For any websites and applications must be designed to meet all compliance guidelines set by the U.S. Access Board. This means that the website must be navigable via keyboard-only controls and accessible to those with special needs. All digital content, including text, images, videos, audio, and animation, must be accessible to disabled visitors.
If applicable, software must be designed to be compatible with different assistive devices such as screen readers. The systems must meet regulations for compatibility with specific software products such as browsers.
Why Is Section 508 Important?
It is important because it ensures everyone has access to the same technology regardless of the presence, or lack thereof, of a disability. This helps to promote equality among all citizens and gives those with disabilities the opportunity to participate in activities such like:
- distance learning classes
- online job applications
That may have been previously inaccessible. This is also important because its guidelines are often used as a baseline for broader accessibility initiatives across all industries that are dedicated to making the internet and digital information more accessible.
Embracing Section 508 for Inclusive Digital Accessibility
Section 508 Compliance ensures digital accessibility for everyone, and it is a must. Depending on the size of the organization, the necessary resources and level of effort will vary. Start by familiarizing yourself with the regulations and then pinpoint areas where your organization needs to focus. Let’s make the Web an accessible and inclusive experience for all!
Looking for other ways to make your business more accessible? Check out our other articles right here!
Are you providing visitors with a 508-accessible website? Or better yet, are you providing yourself with an accessible website?
If not, then there’s a good chance you haven’t heard of Section 508 compliance. It’s a standard enforced by the government to ensure accessibility on any public-facing machine, such as a website. But what is section 508 compliance, and how can it help with user engagement?
If you’re curious, then we’ve got the answers. Keep reading to learn more about this standard and how it can influence your business strategy.
What Is Section 508 Compliance?
It refers to the requirements laid out by the U.S. government’s Section 508 standards to ensure that electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities. The idea behind Section 508 is that people with disabilities should not be excluded or limited when it comes to accessing and using websites, documents, and other technology.
This requires organizations to create and maintain websites and other technology in a way that is accessible to people with disabilities, specifically those using assistive technology such as:
- screen readers
- speech recognition software
To achieve this, organizations should implement certain web and document design standards to ensure they are compliant with these standards.
Who Needs to Be 508 Compliant?
It is an important requirement for any organization handling or serving digital content. According to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508 ensures that individuals with disabilities, such as:
- visual impairments
- hearing impairments
Organizations must adhere to particular standards and guidelines in order to provide equal access for all individuals. The goal of Section 508 compliance is to ensure that everyone has access to the same quality of information regardless of disability.
Documents Under Section 508
Most documents accessible online must comply with these standards, including websites, Word documents, PDF to PDFA c#, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, audio and video files, and other electronic documents.
Organizations must also create online documents that are accessible for the visually impaired, including closed captioning for videos and tables and charts that are organized and labeled thoughtfully for people who use screen readers.
How to Implement Section 508 Compliance?
For any websites and applications must be designed to meet all compliance guidelines set by the U.S. Access Board. This means that the website must be navigable via keyboard-only controls and accessible to those with special needs. All digital content, including text, images, videos, audio, and animation, must be accessible to disabled visitors.
If applicable, software must be designed to be compatible with different assistive devices such as screen readers. The systems must meet regulations for compatibility with specific software products such as browsers.
Why Is Section 508 Important?
It is important because it ensures everyone has access to the same technology regardless of the presence, or lack thereof, of a disability. This helps to promote equality among all citizens and gives those with disabilities the opportunity to participate in activities such like:
- distance learning classes
- online job applications
That may have been previously inaccessible. This is also important because its guidelines are often used as a baseline for broader accessibility initiatives across all industries that are dedicated to making the internet and digital information more accessible.
Embracing Section 508 for Inclusive Digital Accessibility
Section 508 Compliance ensures digital accessibility for everyone, and it is a must. Depending on the size of the organization, the necessary resources and level of effort will vary. Start by familiarizing yourself with the regulations and then pinpoint areas where your organization needs to focus. Let’s make the Web an accessible and inclusive experience for all!
Looking for other ways to make your business more accessible? Check out our other articles right here!
