4 Things I Wish I'd Known About 508 Compliance Services Before Hiring an Expert

Compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act is not merely a box to be checked off during the development of digital products. Rather, it represents an egalitarian ethos, a commitment to making electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. If I were to embark again on the journey to ensure 508 compliance, there are four significant insights I wish I had known before hiring an expert.

• Understanding the Depth and Breadth of Section 508

  Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, open new opportunities for people with disabilities, and encourage development of technologies to achieve these objectives. However, its reach extends far beyond merely ensuring that websites and applications are accessible.

  The law covers all federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use EIT. Understood in its fullest context, 508 compliance is not limited to software development or website design. It extends to telecommunications, videos, multimedia productions, self-enclosed products like information kiosks or copiers, and even desktop and portable computers.

  Therefore, before hiring a 508 compliance expert, it is crucial to understand where and how this law applies to your organization’s technology. This understanding is an intricate process that needs a detailed analysis and often, a paradigm shift in recognizing accessibility as a right, not a privilege.

• The Importance of Bearing Universal Design Principles in Mind

  Universal design, a term coined by the architect Ronald Mace, is the concept of designing products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. This concept, applied to EIT, significantly decreases the burden of 508 compliance.

  For example, when software designers and developers incorporate universal design principles from the outset, they create products that are more robust and flexible, ensuring that a wider range of users can access their services. This approach, sometimes called "design for all," is not merely about compliance but also about creating an inclusive digital environment.

• The Utility of Automated Compliance Testing Tools

  Automated testing tools offer a convenient way to test websites and applications for 508 compliance. These tools can quickly scan your EIT products, identify potential issues, and often suggest remediation steps. However, they are not the panacea they seem to be.

  While these tools are excellent at detecting certain types of accessibility issues, such as missing alt text for images or insufficient contrast between text and background colors, they are not so good at detecting other, equally crucial issues. For instance, they often fail to accurately assess the logical order of content, which is critical for screen readers, or the accessibility of dynamic content updated with AJAX.

  As such, while automated testing tools are valuable for preliminary testing, human expertise is indispensable for a comprehensive compliance evaluation.

• The Value of Continuous Compliance Monitoring

  Compliance with Section 508 is not a one-and-done deal. As EIT products are updated and upgraded - with new features added, bugs fixed, or user interfaces refined - there is always the potential for new accessibility issues to be introduced.

  This necessitates continuous compliance monitoring, ideally integrated into the product development lifecycle. By doing so, you ensure that accessibility is not an afterthought, but a core consideration in all stages of product development. Furthermore, this reduces the risk of costly rework, as issues are identified and addressed in real time.

In retrospect, my journey to ensuring 508 compliance would have been more efficient and less fraught with pitfalls had I been cognizant of these insights. Understanding the scope of the law, the principles of universal design, the limitations of automated testing tools, and the need for continuous monitoring are all crucial elements in an effective 508 compliance strategy.

If you are about to embark on this journey, I hope these insights will help you avoid some of the missteps that many of us have made. Compliance with Section 508 is not just about avoiding legal repercussions, it's about embodying a commitment to inclusion and equal access in the digital age.

Compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act is not merely a box to be checked off during the development of digital products, it represents an egalitarian ethos, a commitment to making electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities.