About Digital Accessibility
What is Section 508?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to websites, software, smartphone applications, and electronic documents such as PDFs.
Why does compliance matter?
In 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice clarified that websites are considered places of public accommodation and should therefore comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the activities of places of public accommodations. This means that any company with a website is required by law to maintain compliance for both its website and any digital documents or files posted on the website.
Who needs to be compliant?
All federal agencies and any company with a public website.
When do I need to be 508 compliant?
The time is now. Since 2018, web accessibility lawsuits have increased in almost every industry, impacting businesses of all sizes. Non-compliance can leave a business vulnerable. Making your digital content accessible before releasing to your client or the public is a good business practice as well as the right thing to do.
What are the benefits of 508 compliance?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 27.2%, or 85.3 million, people in the United States have a disability that restricts them from accessing digital information. Making EIT accessible creates a better user experience for people with disabilities, protects businesses from lawsuits and potentially costly litigation, and can boost the image of a company by being seen as aware of and mindful of the needs of disabled consumers.
Is my company’s EIT compliant?
Chances are, if you are not actively trying to make your content accessible, you are not compliant. The 508 Institute can provide compliance solutions to make this shift easy and efficient.
