Websites have become a crucial tool for the federal government to connect with its audience. However, only a handful of federal government websites are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act sets the standard for accessibility of electronic and information technology for people with disabilities, both for federal government websites and businesses transacting with federal agencies. In this article, we will discuss the steps to make your website compliant with Section 508.
Understand the guidelines
The first step to making your website compliant with Section 508 is to understand the guidelines. These guidelines cover various aspects of digital accessibility, including equipment, applications, and websites. Understanding these guidelines will help you identify potential accessibility barriers on your website and make necessary changes to address them. Accomplishing a VPAT template will also help you identify website elements that need to conform to Section 508.
Make your website structure accessible
Your website structure should be designed in a way that allows users to navigate it easily. This means that your website should have clear headings, subheadings, and a logical hierarchy of content. Use semantic markup, such as HTML tags, to identify different sections of your website. For example, use <h1> for main headings, <h2> for subheadings, and so on. Using HTML tags will also make it easier for search engines to index and display it in search results.
Use accessible images
Images on your website should have appropriate alt text, which describes the content of the image. This is especially important for users who cannot see images and depend on screen readers to understand your content. Use descriptive alt text instead of using text like “image1.jpg” or “picture.jpg.” Additionally, avoid using images that flash rapidly, as this can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy.
Provide captions and transcripts for multimedia content
Multimedia content, such as videos and audio, should have captions or transcripts. Captions help users who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand the content of the video, while transcripts help users who cannot watch or hear the video. You need to add controls for the user to pause, stop, or adjust the volume of the multimedia content.
Ensure your website is keyboard accessible
Users who cannot use a mouse rely on a keyboard to navigate websites. Your website should be designed to be navigable using only a keyboard. This means that users should be able to navigate through links, forms, and other content using the Tab key. Additionally, provide a way for users to skip repetitive content, such as navigation menus, to access the main content of the website quickly.
Use accessible forms
Forms on your website should be designed to be accessible according to the principles of reasonable accommodation. This means that they should have clear labels, logical tabbing order, and be navigable with a keyboard. Additionally, you should provide instructions for completing the form, such as required fields or input formats. For example, you may add a sample text to fields so users can understand the required information or data format.
Test your website for accessibility
Once you have made changes to your website, it is essential to test it for accessibility. There are several online tools available that can help you identify potential accessibility barriers on your website. Additionally, you can hire a professional to perform an accessibility audit of your website.
In conclusion, making your website compliant with Section 508 is essential to ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and use your website. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can create a website that is accessible to everyone. Remember, accessibility is not only the right thing to do. It can also benefit your organization by reaching a wider audience and making it eligible to transact with the federal government.
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