Is WCAG the same as 508?

WCAG is simply a set of formal guidelines on how to develop accessible web content. These standards represent a higher level of accessibility than 508 standards, although they are identical or very similar. WCAG focuses primarily on HTML accessibility.

What is a 508 business?

Section 508 was made part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in 1998. Its purpose is to “… require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities.”

What is the difference between ADA and 508 compliance?

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.

What is a 508 compliant website?

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.

Who needs WCAG compliant?

In 2017, Section 508 was revised with the requirement that by January, 2018, all federal agencies and contractors must, among other revisions, comply with WCAG 2.0 A/AA. So in the context of federal government agencies, the answer is simple: WCAG is formalized under law as the accessibility standard.

What is ADA Section 508?

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794d) requires that Federal agencies’ electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities, including employees and members of the public.

What makes a document 508 compliant?

To ensure compliance with Section 508, a person must inspect and review every single page within a document and modify its’ tag-structure to make certain all elements conform to accessibility requirements. Document remediation requires human involvement even when using all the accessibility tools provided.

How do you become 508 compliant?

The best way to ensure you meet the standards is to design your content to follow the standards, have the content audited for accessibility by a third-party vendor, and verify that is accessible to people with disabilities by having users with disabilities perform testing using assistive technology.

What are 508 compliance requirements?

Section 508 requires that the federal government procure, create, use and maintain ICT that is accessible to people with disabilities, regardless of whether or not they work for the federal government.

Is ADA compliance mandatory?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses to make reasonable accommodations for those with recognized disabilities, but only if those businesses fall within the ambit of the law. If your business is on the small side or doesn’t cater to the public, it may not need to comply with the ADA.

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.

Which is the latest Section 508 compliance test?

More information on the latest web testing methodology is contained in the resource Trusted Tester Section 508 Conformance Test Process for Web version 5.0. Trusted Tester V5 uses the Accessible Name and Description Inspector (ANDI), developed by the Social Security Administration.

When to use Section 508 in a project?

Involving Section 508 standards from the start of an IT project and testing during the development process will ensure that most potential Section 508 problems are already remediated by the time the project is ready for deployment.

What is the revised 508 standards roadmap for?

Follow the Revised 508 Standards to ensure your information and communication technology (ICT) is accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities. This Roadmap, developed by the U.S. Federal Government Revised 508 Standards Transition Workgroup and GSA, shows how to integrate the standards into an existing 508 Program.

What to do if your agency has a 508 program?

Assess the maturity of your agency’s 508 program, and take steps to improve accessibility of agency technology. Develop and support a diverse workforce. Use plain language when describing policies and procedures, so employees understand requirements and expectations.