What is required for 508 compliance?

Section 508 requires that all external public facing content and non-public facing official agency communications be accessible. Examples of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and internal official agency communications include, but are not limited to, the following.

What does it mean to be Section 508 compliant?

508 Compliance is shorthand for a law that requires federal government websites to be safe and accessible for people with disabilities. This law covers a range of issues related to assisting people with different kinds of disabilities.

What are revised 508 standards?

The Revised 508 Standards contain scoping and technical requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) to ensure accessibility and usability by individuals with disabilities. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for Federal agencies.

What types of federal electronic content must comply with the update Section 508 standards?

Section E205 of the Revised 508 Standards specifies which electronic content, including web, software, multimedia and electronic documents, must conform to the technical requirements. Usually, public facing content is published on the web (for example, on an agency website, blog, form, or social media page).

Is 508 compliance part of ADA?

Section 508 is not part of the ADA. In 1998 the US Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.

What are the revised 508 standards?

Is Section 508 Part of WCAG?

Section 508 incorporated WCAG as the federal standard for website and app accessibility. You see, the 2018 refresh of Section 508 enhanced the requirements for information and communication technology (ICT). This update adopted WCAG 2.0 AA as the standard for website, electronic document, and software accessibility.

Is closed captioning mandatory?

Broadcasters, cable companies, and satellite television service providers must provide closed captioning for 100% of all new, non-exempt, English language video programming. Closed captioning must also be provided for televised emergency information in some locations.

What are the three types of captions?

These include closed captions, subtitles, and subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

What is SDH captioning?

SDH subtitles, or subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, are a popular option on video platforms, and many people come to us wondering what it means. Essentially, “SDH” refers to subtitles that meet the additional needs of viewers who do not hear the full soundtrack of a program.

What is Section 508 compliance and who needs it?

Section 508 doesn’t apply to federal agencies only. It also impacts any company that does business with a federal agency. This includes private contractors, the financial industry, healthcare, many legal organizations, and others. If you’re not sure if you need to be 508 compliant, it’s best to ask an expert. What documents fall under Section 508?

What is the difference between Section 508 and 501?

Section 508 and Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are often confused with each other. Section 508 requires that the federal government procure, create, use and maintain ICT that is accessible to people with disabilities, regardless of whether or not they work for the federal government.

How do I ensure my ICT purchases conform to the 508 standards?

When procuring information and communication technology (ICT), ensure your purchases conform to the Revised 508 Standards by clearly communicating the standards and exceptions that apply to each item in your solicitation. ICT includes software, hardware, electronic content, support documentation & services.

What is the revised 508 standards transition roadmap?

This Roadmap, developed by the U.S. Federal Government Revised 508 Standards Transition Workgroup and GSA, shows how to integrate the standards into an existing 508 Program. If your agency already has a mature 508 Program, this guide explains how the revisions to the 508 standards impact you.