Accessibility is the practice of making content usable for as many people as possible. This includes people with disabilities, but also groups of people using different kinds of digital devices Desktop computers, cellphones, tablets, etc. The term “508 compliance” refers to adhering to accessibility laws. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires electronic materials (i.e. web pages, digital document files, email, etc.) to be made accessible for people with disabilities. Disabilities may include visual, auditory, speech, dexterity, cognitive, and mobility. If persons with disabilities can use a piece of technology just as well as people without disabilities, then it is deemed accessible. This means creating new content and updating old content so assistive technologies, such as screen readers, are able to accurately translate web page and document information to the user.
In addition to being required by law, Section 508 compliance is crucial because it enables users with various disabilities and users using various devices to access our information. Having our content accessible to all is mutually beneficial to users and the institution. It also protects the institution from accessibility lawsuits.
The answer to this question depends on the content you are distributing and the means with which you are distributing it. If it is being used on and/or distributed by digital devices, which is often the case in the digital age, the answer is yes. If it is being created solely for the purpose of print, then the answer is likely no.
Clear governance and strong agency leadership are necessary for Section 508 programs, which prioritize accessibility, improve compliance, and lessen legal vulnerability. The involvement of many other significant stakeholders is also critical to the success of an agency's IT Accessibility/508 program.
Federal legislation, policies, and the widely recognized duties and responsibilities of the information technology industry, as well as the best practices described in the Reference and Resources section, served as the basis for the roles and responsibilities mentioned in this article.
Audio, Video, and Multimedia Creators
Make synchronized material, audio, and video content that is available and publish it.
Work with website management to make sure that media include text alternatives, captioning, audio descriptions, and playback controls.
Content Creators & Document Authors
Produce and disseminate accessible documents, systems, goods, and information.
Developers
When creating and managing software, websites, and mobile applications, adhere to the Section 508 Standards.
Enterprise architecture
Ensure that the IT portfolio services and products that the agency creates, purchases, uses, and maintains are currently available.
Executive sponsor
Make sure that those working on requirements and acquisition planning create precise needs and create plans, specifications, and other materials that address IT accessibility by utilizing the standards set forth in 36 CFR part 1194.
Procedural, Training, and Education Developer/Designer
Make sure that electronic content, including procedures, training materials, online training, and learning management systems, incorporates Section 508 requirements and best practices.
Quality Assurance Specialist/Tester
Assess agency ICT for compliance with Section 508 requirements and keep track of the results.
Scrum master
Make sure the items in the product backlog are effectively handled and precisely specified.
Security engineering
Collaborate with project managers, Section 508 program managers, and enterprise architecture experts to ensure that the agency's IT portfolio products and authenticated and transactional services satisfy Section 508 criteria.
Make sure ICT services and products don't introduce security threats related to non-conformance.
UI/UX and CE Designers
In compliance with Section 508 guidelines published in 36 CFR part 1194, make sure that user interfaces and experiences allow individuals with disabilities to access information on par with those of people without impairments.
Website Managers/Content Managers
Make sure that any website that the agency purchases, creates, uses, or maintains takes Section 508 accessibility issues into account when it comes to planning, running, monitoring, updating, and managing it.
Check that electronic and media content distributed and displayed on the agency's website complies with Section 508 regulations.
Make sure that public-facing websites follow the U.S. Web Design System guidelines.
Agency Employees
Develop and release systems, products, and information that are accessible.
Use best practices and easily accessible methods to create, publish, and collaborate.
To guarantee that individuals with disabilities have equal access to information, plan and conduct meetings and other events utilizing accessible resources and methods.
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