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What is meant by 508 compliance?
508 Compliance is shorthand for a law that requires federal government websites to be safe and accessible for people with disabilities. This law covers a range of issues related to assisting people with different kinds of disabilities.
Is 508 compliance mandatory?
December 12, 2017 – You may wonder if non-federal websites are required to comply with the Revised 508 Standards. Since Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 only applies to federal agencies, the short answer is no.
What does Section 508 apply to?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794d) requires federal agencies to develop, procure, maintain or use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) that is accessible to people with disabilities – regardless of whether or not they work for the federal government.
What is Section 508 and why is it important?
Section 508 is an important amendment to The Rehabilitation Act that protects the right of people with disabilities to have equal access to electronic and information technology.
Who needs 508 compliance?
Any and all digital communications that a company under Section 508 jurisdiction creates must be 508 compliant. This includes website content, emails, computer software, gaming systems, apps, and PDF versions of traditionally printed assets. PDFs require 508 remediation as they are not accessible by screen readers.
How do you make something 508 compliant?
How to make PDFs 508 Compliant Structure the original source code properly. For example, suppose you are using Microsoft Word to create the document. Use a PDF writer or PDF converter that supports ISO standards and web accessibility. Run an Accessibility Check. Document the properties. Provide an alternative version.
Do all websites have to be 508 compliant?
All federal, state and local government websites are required to meet accessibility standards under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which was updated in 2001 to include internet and intranet information and applications.
Does section 508 apply to all websites?
In the U.S., Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act is at the forefront. While it does not apply to privately owned websites, such as individuals’ or private businesses’, it does require accessibility for all federal websites and electronic materials.
How do I prove 508 compliance?
There are several ways to validate conformance to the Revised 508 Standards: Automated – High volume 508 conformance testing tools automatically scan and test electronic content; Manual – Manual testing uses a documented, consistent, repeatable process; Hybrid – A combination of automated and manual testing.
Is Section 508 Part of the ADA?
Section 508 is not part of the ADA. Section 508 is an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In 1998 the US Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.
Does section 508 apply to universities?
As written, 508 does not automatically apply to institutions of higher education, even if they receive federal funding. However, States that receive funds through the Assistive Technology Act are required to comply with 508.
What is 508 compliance testing in software testing?
Section 508 compliance testing allows for an organization to test their digital content’s compliance or conformance to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
What is Section 508 compliance checklist?
The accessibility checklists provide the evaluation criteria that must be met to ensure content is accessible to all users. Section 508 requires that all external public facing content and non-public facing official agency communications be accessible.
What is the difference between ADA and Section 508?
Ultimately, ADA protects the civil rights of persons with disabilities participating in interstate commerce; whereas Section 508 is a set of regulations related to access to Government ICT. 508 compliance provides accessibility for digitally published material within government agencies and entities.
How do I meet Section 508?
Email the Government-wide IT Accessibility Team at section.508@gsa.gov with your request to join the 508 listserv. You must have an official government email address (e.g., . gov or . mil) to join.
How do I make a video 508 compliant?
To make videos Section 508 compliant and accessible to all, make sure to: Produce videos that are accessible from the start, with high color contrast and no flashy content. Deliver videos from platforms that are accessible. Use an accessible player with keyboard shortcuts, and easy uploading of closed captions.
Is a PDF 508 compliant?
PDFs do not need to be 508 compliant as long as they are accompanied by compliant, text-based versions of the document. The best text-based alternative is a regular (HTML) web page.
What is a 508 PDF?
The Portable Document Format (PDF) is the standard format for online “electronic” publication of documents. Proper tagging of the visual and structural components of the document also ensures that the document will be accessible, meaning that assistive technologies (i.e. screen-readers like JAWS, etc.).
How much does it cost to make a website ADA compliant?
ADA Compliance first requires that you assess the damage, starting with an audit from $500 to $10,000. And the cost of making your website accessible ranges from $3,000 to $50,000.
Who has to be ADA compliant?
A: According to the ADA, all businesses, even those that do not serve the public, must comply with accessible design standards when constructing or altering facilities; remove barriers in existing facilities where readily achievable and provide auxiliary aids and services when needed.
Which websites must be ADA compliant?
Based on the way the courts and the Department of Justice have interpreted the ADA so far, ADA compliance is clearly mandatory for websites in two categories: Websites for, or funded by, state or local governments. Websites for businesses.
Who is level access?
Level Access provides industry-leading and award-winning digital accessibility solutions to over 1000 corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions.
What tools have you used for 508 compliance testing?
Results from the following tools are also accepted for software testing: Microsoft Inspect. Microsoft Inspect is used with Windows 10 and Microsoft Inspect. Microsoft AccEvent. Microsoft AccEvent is a new tool. Oracle Java AccessInspector. Oracle Java AccessInspector is a new tool. Colour Contrast Analyser (CCA).
Does section 508 apply to states?
Section 508 applies to the Federal government but there may be implications for employees and others at the State level. Many states have also passed legislation requiring Electronic and Information technology (EIT) also know as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility.
Who does 508 of the Rehabilitation Act apply to?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 The law (29 U.S.C § 794 (d)) applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology.
