If your website or digital product is connected to a federal government agency in any way, then Section 508 compliance could be a requirement, not just a recommendation. Section 508 was the U.S. government’s answer to the internet’s meteoric rise. It seeks to expel discrimination from government funded programs and remove barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from accessing essential services. So, what is Section 508? Why does it matter? And what do you have to do to comply?
What is Section 508 compliance?
Section 508 is a federal law that mandates accessibility requirements for all digital and electronic technology used by U.S. federal agencies. It was first introduced as part of the broader Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
While the Rehabilitation Act was the first major disability rights law in the U.S., it was amended in 1998, via Section 508, which brought with it a new focus on digital accessibility. The amendment aims to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to information and technology, including websites, software, and digital documents.
Unlike the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which applies broadly to both public and private sector organizations, Section 508 hones its attention on federal agencies and organizations that do business with them.
Essentially, the key goal of Section 508 is to remove digital barriers that could prevent individuals with disabilities from accessing crucial information and services provided by the government.
Which digital products are impacted by Section 508 guidelines?
As you are aware, Section 508 covers digital government products. But what exactly is a digital product? A digital product is any product that exists in digital form and can be accessed, used, or consumed electronically. Unlike physical products, digital products are intangible and are often distributed via the internet. Here are some examples:
- Websites
- Mobile applications
- PDFs and other digital documents
- Online training materials
- Software programs
- Electronic kiosks and terminals
- Multimedia content (videos, audio files, presentations)
- Telecommunication products
- Intranet sites
Which organizations need to follow Section 508 standards?
Section 508 applies primarily to U.S. federal agencies, but it also extends to companies and organizations that work with or receive funding from the federal government. Here are some examples of entities required to comply:
- Federal agencies and government departments
- Government contractors and vendors
- Software companies providing products to government agencies
- Universities and research institutions receiving federal funding
- Healthcare providers that interact with federal systems
- Financial institutions offering services to government bodies
Even if Section 508 doesn’t apply to your organization, understanding and adhering to its requirements can improve accessibility, benefiting your business in the long term and preventing potential legal issues down the road.
What accessibility standard provides the basis for Section 508?
Every hero needs a sidekick, and for Section 508, that’s the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). While Section 508 sets the rules, WCAG does the heavy lifting.
Simply put, WCAG is a set of guidelines recognized and implemented all over the world with the sole aim of improving web accessibility. So while Section 508 mandates that we need to make our websites accessible, WCAG explains how.
To comply with Section 508, you must first comply with WCAG 2.1 AA. This means ensuring you have text alternatives for non-text content, that all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard, and that your content is compatible with assistive technologies.
Why is it important to comply with Section 508?
Complying with Section 508 is important for a number of reasons. Beyond the fact it’s a legal obligation, it brings with it a number of business benefits too.
Following legal compliance guidelines
Section 508 is a federal and therefore a legal requirement. Non-compliance can result in legal consequences, including lawsuits and loss of federal contracts. If found guilty in a court of law, fines can be applied up to $55,000 for first time violations and $110,000 for subsequent violations. Lawsuits related to digital accessibility have been on the rise in recent years.
Enhanced accessibility, inclusion, and user experience
Accessible digital content benefits not only users with disabilities but also a broader audience. Features like captions, readable fonts, and voice navigation improve usability for everyone, including aging populations and users with temporary impairments. Captions, for example, allow users in noisy environments to follow along, and voice navigation allows you to access information even when your hands are busy.
Increased reach
Making your digital content accessible expands your audience. There are over 70 million adults living with a disability in the U.S., and without accessibility, you close the door on this huge pool of potential customers. Prioritizing Section 508 compliance can therefore lead to more customers and a healthier bottom line.
Ability to sell digital products to US federal government
If you want to work with the U.S. government, your digital products need to comply with Section 508. Government agencies prioritize vendors that offer accessible products, turning compliance into a competitive advantage.
How does Section 508 differ from ADA?
The ADA is another disability rights law, similar to that of Section 508. While both focus on accessibility, they differ slightly in scope and application.
First and foremost, the ADA applies broadly to all public and private entities, covering employment, public services, and public accommodations. Section 508, on the other hand, applies specifically to federal agencies and contractors.
In terms of focus, the ADA addresses both physical and digital accessibility. This means websites as well as physical buildings and other services fall within its jurisdiction. Section 508 concentrates solely on ensuring that electronic and information technology used by federal agencies is accessible.
The ways in which each law is enforced also differs slightly. ADA is enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and lawsuits are typically filed by private individuals against businesses. Section 508 enforcement is handled through audits and compliance checks with federal oversight.
Ultimately, the ADA and Section 508 are two laws with the similar objectives, but different scope and enforcement processes. While one has a broader reach and is enforced via private litigation, the other is more focused in its application and enforced by federal oversight.
The most common Section 508 compliance errors and how to fix them
Generally speaking, if a digital product is inaccessible, it won’t be compliant with Section 508. Since Section 508’s definition of accessibility aligns with WCAG, failure to meet WCAG standards can be considered a breach of Section 508. In this section, we’ll unpack a few common compliance errors and show you how to fix them.
Poor color contrast
If contrast between text and its background is not distinct enough, it can blend into the background, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read. In keeping with WCAG 2.1 AA standards, ensure digital text has a color contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for larger text.
Lack of alt text for images
Without alt text, screen readers struggle to convey the purpose of an image to their users. Therefore, each and every image should have relevant alt text embedded inside it. Alt text should describe the image accurately but concisely, omitting any jargon.
Poor keyboard navigation
Some users, like those with motor impairments, can’t navigate with a mouse. Instead, they rely on keyboard functions like Tab and Enter to cycle through menu options, click on links and buttons. All website functions should be accessible via keyboard shortcuts. This might involve setting up a logical tab order, implementing semantic HTML, and providing visible focus indicators.
Missing captions and transcripts for video content
Users who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can’t access media like videos or podcasts. For videos, provide closed captions that are accurate and in-sync with the visuals. For podcasts, provide transcripts alongside their audio counterparts, and remember to include non-verbal audio too.
Non-descriptive links
Links labeled “Click here” lack context and don’t convey meaning. Make sure your link text is descriptive and that it points to the link’s destination; for example, “Download the Section 508 compliance guide”.
Improper heading structure
If your content is disorganized, it makes navigation difficult, especially for those with cognitive impairments or those who rely on screen readers. To avoid this, use logical heading structures, such as H1 for titles, H2 for main sections, and H3 for subheadings.
Inaccessible form fields
Inaccessible form fields are another common breach of Section 508 compliance. An inaccessible form will typically have unlabeled fields and lack focus indicators to show the user which field is selected. To really guarantee form accessibility, ensure you provide error messages too. Error messages should contain helpful instructions and be clearly visible, so that users can correct any mistakes quickly and accurately.
How to make your website Section 508 compliant
Knowing how to address common compliance errors is very useful, but how do you identify these errors in the first place? And what should you do once you’ve fixed them? Let’s backtrack a bit. Here’s our simple four-step process to securing Section 508 compliance.
Run an accessibility audit
The first step is to use automated accessibility tools like our accessibility checker to identify gaps in your compliance. The checker scans your website, searching for any WCAG failures and obvious compliance errors.
Begin implementing Section 508 compliance fixes
Once you’ve identified any Section 508 compliance breaches, the next step is to fix them. Follow the recommendations issued alongside your audit results, and refer back to WCAG 2.1 AA when necessary.
Monitor and update website regularly
Accessibility isn’t a one-time fix, so keep up with evolving compliance requirements and conduct regular audits as needed. Any significant design changes should also warrant immediate testing to check if the change has impacted your site’s accessibility.
Training for your team
Finally, make sure to train your team on accessibility topics, such as Section 508 requirements, WCAG best practices, assistive technologies, and so on. This keeps accessibility high on the priority list as it permeates your organization from the top down, better preparing your staff to combat future accessibility challenges.
Conclusion: Don’t delay Section 508 compliance
More than just a legal risk, failing to comply with Section 508 is a missed opportunity. Accessibility improves the usability of your digital products, expands your audience, and keeps your organization on the right side of the law. Whether you’re a government contractor, a federal agency, or you receive government funding, take action today with our simple four-step process.
Section 508 compliance FAQS
Only if they work with the federal government or receive federal funding.
At least after every major design change or update to accessibility regulations. Regular monthly updates are also recommended.
Yes, PDFs must meet accessibility standards like text readability and proper tagging.
Use an automated auditing tool like our accessibility checker.
ADA is broader in scope and is enforced by private litigation. Section 508 is focused specifically on digital accessibility and is enforced via federal oversight.
Yes, fines can reach $55,000 for first-time violations or $110,000 for subsequent violations. Loss of government contracts is also common.