Website accessibility is now an ever-rising complex topic from most areas around the world. It is leading to some real challenges for websites, in order for them to comply to the guidelines that are set out and changing. So, this is where Section 508 compliance comes in.
What Is Section 508 Compliance?
It came about back in 1986, when being drafted as an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 508 was also brought about to address the workplace needs of disabled workers in the electronics and information technology fields. This has since been replaced, before then having a further refresh back in 2018. This was the aim to bring American standards in line with international accessibility efforts. A key example being through the WCAG 2.0.
What Are the Section 508 Compliance Standards?
It is sought to make all federal information electronically accessible to users with disabilities. It means that websites must allow an employee with a disability to perform the functions of a specific role. Also, to ensure that all employees have access to equal benefits and so that websites are providing the necessary software to employees to access all the information they may need.
The main goal is to ensure websites are creating content that meets the four main criteria areas, when it comes to website accessibility.
Perceivable – A website must ensure that all content can be easily perceived by the way it is presented. Meaning for all, such as those with disabilities, that may include the likes of vision, hearing, or cognitive disabilities.
Operable – Websites must ensure that the navigation and interfaces are all operable for users that have disabilities. This could also include those who rely on assistive technology, for example.
Understandable – All parts of a website, such as the information, content, and the design must be presented so that users of disability will be able to read and understand it.
Robust – All content on websites must also be accessible to all users based on the current standards, whilst also ensuring they are keeping up with the future changes that are taking place around website accessibility.
What Are the Risks of Having a Website That Does Not Comply with Section 508?
If websites do not comply with the guidelines set out in Section 508, then they risk legal consequences, and it could even see them lose their federal contract outright but there are also many other damaging consequences bar losing business. Organizations are now seeing some very expensive lawsuits against them, if they are not ensuring that they allow equal access to the digital content on their sites. It is very clear that websites must ensure they are accessible to everyone.
A much more detailed review can be found on Section 508 compliance: What you need to know. This covers a much more detailed approach for sites to follow, to ensure they are complying with the ever-changing guidelines on website accessibility and the challenges they face through this.
