According to Section 508 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, all Federal agencies—including all contractors and subcontractors who work directly with federal agencies or receive federal funding—must make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. The law does not apply to small businesses that do not have ties to the federal government; which begs the question, “Why would I comply with a law that does not directly affect my business?”

The answer is simple. You could be losing business to competitors who are offering accessible information. For many businesses, it is not a matter of having to do it but wanting to do it because they know it is morally right. And it improves their bottom line.

Consider your brand for a moment. How would you like someone to interact with your product or service? Would you want them to have a pleasant experience from beginning to end? Of course! But how many of your customers are struggling to fill out online forms, read instruction manuals, understand maps, or comprehend images they cannot easily understand?

From the perspective of a person with disabilities, you could have the best product or service on the planet. Nevertheless, if they cannot access it in a way that makes sense, they will seek the information in a practical format that works for them. This lack of access could mean losing a sale or a customer for life.

The good news is we are here to help! The 508 Institute consists of experts who will remediate your web content and digital documents using Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. Getting started can be overwhelming, but do not let it stop you from becoming a diversified company that seeks to assist people with disabilities.

Would you like to learn more? Call or sign up for one of our classes today!