Have you ever considered whether your business’s digital presence is as inclusive as it could be? Well, businesses are constantly evolving to keep up with technological advancements in the rapidly changing digital world. While this progress opens up new avenues for growth and accessibility, it’s crucial not to leave anyone behind.

Accessibility in the digital realm is not just a buzzword; it’s a responsibility that every business should take seriously. One significant aspect of digital inclusivity is compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. So, let’s delve into the world of accessibility and explore why your business needs to be 508 compliant.

Understanding 508 Compliance

Section 508 is not a secret code or a complex algorithm. Instead, it’s a set of guidelines laid out by the U.S. government to ensure that information and communication technology (ICT) is accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. This means your website, software, and other digital platforms should be designed to allow everyone, regardless of their abilities, to access and use them.

Here are the basic principles and legal requirements of Section 508:

  1. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): Section 508 adopts the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, known as WCAG, as its standard. WCAG outlines guidelines for making web content more accessible to individuals with disabilities. These guidelines cover a range of issues, including text alternatives for non-text content, keyboard accessibility, and adaptable and distinguishable content.
  2. Software accessibility: Section 508 requires that software applications be accessible to people with disabilities. This involves ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies and incorporating features that make the software usable by individuals with various impairments.
  3. Hardware compatibility: The guidelines also ensure that hardware such as computers, kiosks, and other digital devices is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This might involve providing alternative input methods or ensuring that controls are operable without requiring precise hand movements.
  4. Document Accessibility: If your business deals with electronic documents, such as PDFs, it’s essential to ensure they are also accessible. This includes providing image text descriptions, proper heading structures, and ensuring compatibility with screen readers.
  5. Training and documentation: Section 508 emphasizes the importance of employee training to ensure that those responsible for creating and maintaining digital content are knowledgeable about accessibility requirements. Clear documentation of accessibility policies and procedures is also encouraged.

So, Why Does 508 Compliance Matter?

It is crucial to note that non-compliance with Section 508 can have serious consequences, ranging from legal repercussions to reputational damage. It’s not just a legal box to check; it’s a commitment to creating a digital space that is inclusive and accessible to everyone, aligning with the principles of equality and fairness. Let us explore some of the key reasons why your business needs to be 508 compliant;

  • Inclusivity matters: Just like you wouldn’t want to exclude customers from entering your physical store, you shouldn’t want to exclude them from your digital storefront. 508 compliance ensures that your digital presence is open to everyone, fostering a more inclusive environment for your audience.
  • Legal Implications: Non-compliance with Section 508 isn’t just ethically questionable; it could also have legal consequences. Government agencies and organizations that receive federal funding must adhere to these guidelines. By extension, many businesses that work with or for these entities are also expected to comply.
  • Expanded Customer Base: Making your digital platforms accessible doesn’t just benefit those with disabilities. It opens up your products and services to a wider audience, potentially increasing your customer base. Partner with a professional translation company to provide language accessibility to a growing audience.
  • Brand Reputation: In an era where corporate social responsibility is key to brand perception, being 508 compliant can boost your company’s reputation. It shows that you care about more than just profits – you care about people.

Examples of Inaccessible Contents

  1. Non-descriptive images: An image without an alt text or with a generic description. Users who rely on screen readers miss out on understanding the image’s context or content.
  2. Complex layouts without headings: Web pages with intricate layouts lacking proper heading structures.
  3. Inconsistent navigation: Websites with inconsistent or unpredictable navigation. Users with motor or cognitive disabilities may find it challenging to navigate, potentially leading to frustration or abandonment.
  4. Forms without labels: Online forms without clear and programmatically associated labels. Screen reader users may have difficulty understanding the purpose of each form field, affecting form completion.
  5. PDFs without proper structure: PDF documents lack proper headings, tags, or image text descriptions. Screen reader users may struggle to navigate and comprehend the document’s structure and content.
  6. Unresponsive design: Websites or applications that are not responsive to different screen sizes and devices.
  7. Auto-playing media: Auto-playing audio or video without user control. Users who rely on screen readers may find unexpected and potentially disruptive media playback.

Practical Steps to Achieve 508 Compliance for Your Business

  1. Accessible Website Design: Ensure your website is navigable with screen readers and that all content is perceivable, operable, and understandable by users with disabilities.
  2. Document Accessibility: If your business deals with electronic documents, such as PDFs, make sure they are designed to be accessible. This includes providing text descriptions for images and ensuring proper heading structures.
  3. Software Accessibility: If your business develops software, it’s crucial to ensure that the applications are usable by individuals with disabilities. This may involve implementing features like voice commands or compatibility with assistive technologies.
  4. Employee Training: Equip your team with the knowledge and skills to create and maintain accessible digital content. Awareness is key to fostering a culture of inclusivity.

Ulatus, Your Reliable 508 Compliance Localization Partner!

Ulatus’s 508 Compliant Localization Services epitomize the synergy between professionalism and accessibility, transcending mere language translation. Going beyond linguistic accuracy, Ulatus ensures that every localized piece adheres meticulously to Section 508 standards, guaranteeing universal accessibility for disabled individuals.

Read this case study to understand, how we enabled Encompass to become 508-compliant.

Conclusion

In a more connected world than ever, ensuring that your business is not inadvertently leaving anyone out is essential. Section 508 compliance isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a step towards creating a more accessible, inclusive, and customer-friendly digital space. By embracing accessibility, your business can contribute to a positive change where everyone has equal access to the opportunities presented by the digital landscape. So, ask yourself: Is your business 508 compliant? If not, it’s time to embark on the journey of inclusivity and make your mark in the digital world.