Section 508 Compliance Testing: What It Means for Your Website

What is Section 508 Compliance?

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 mandates that federal agencies' electronic and information technology (EIT) be accessible to individuals with disabilities. While initially aimed at government entities, the ripple effects have reached private organizations, especially those partnering with or serving government bodies. Compliance ensures that your website or digital assets are user-friendly for individuals with visual, auditory, cognitive, and physical disabilities.

Key Aspects of Section 508 Compliance Testing

Section 508 Compliance Testing focuses on several technical and functional areas to ensure inclusivity:

Keyboard Accessibility

Users should be able to navigate your website using only a keyboard. This includes accessible menus, forms, and other interactive elements.

Screen Reader Compatibility

Websites must provide meaningful text alternatives for non-text content, such as images and videos, to accommodate screen readers.

Color Contrast

Text and background colors should maintain a sufficient contrast ratio to ensure readability for users with visual impairments.

Closed Captioning and Subtitles

Videos must include captions to aid users with hearing impairments.

Steps to Achieve Section 508 Compliance

Conduct an Audit: Use accessibility testing tools to identify non-compliance issues.

Fix Identified Issues: Collaborate with your development team or engage experts to address gaps in your website's design and code.

Test with Real Users: Include individuals with disabilities in the testing phase to ensure practicality and usability.

Continuous Monitoring: Accessibility isn’t a one-time task. Regular checks and updates ensure sustained compliance.

Expertise: Professional testers are well-versed in accessibility guidelines like WCAG 2.1, ADA, and Section 508.

Efficiency: Automation testing services reduce the time required for compliance verification.

Scalability: Whether you have a small website or a complex enterprise system, testing companies can scale services as needed.

Focus on Core Business: By delegating testing tasks, you can focus on your primary business goals.