8 Tips for Designing an Accessible Website Under Section 508

Around 314 million people are estimated to be active internet users in the US.  26% of this population grapple with some form of disability.  When it comes to website design it is important to think about everyone. That's where Section 508 comes in.

Section 508 compliance is a set of rules to make sure websites work well for everyone. Adherence to these rulesensuresthat our websites are friendly and work for everyone. Let's explore how we can make websites that everyone can simply enjoy.

Why do section 508 accessibility requirements matter?

Section 508 standards of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are derived from the United States federal law. It was amended in 1998 to include accessibility requirements for electronic and information technology (EIT) developed, procured, maintainedor used by federal agencies.  These standards cover various aspects of technologyincluding software, websites, multimediaand hardwarewith the goal of making these technologies accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Both public and private organizations use these standards as a benchmark for creating inclusive digital environments. Federal agencies are legally obliged to comply with the accessibility guidelines. Other organizations are also adopting these accessibility standards due to the benefits of

• Industry Best Practices
• Broader Reach
• Increased sales
• Global Accessibility Standards
• User-Centered Design
• SEO Benefits
• Cost-effectiveness

‍

How to make your website Section 508 compliant?

Implement specific design and development practices to make your business website 508 compliant. Let’s discuss the design tips that result in an inclusive website design.

1. Provide Descriptive Text for Images (Alt Text): Descriptive text works for users with visual impairments who rely on screen readers. Make sure that the alt text you use are concise, descriptive and convey the purpose effectively.

For instance, you can use alt text to present a visual picture of the image.  Users with visual impairments can understand the scene captured in the photograph. Mention key details like the person's expression, clothing, and the setting. Those who rely on screen readers receive a meaningful and inclusive experience.

Remember to be specific and consider the context of the image. If an image is purely decorative and doesn't convey meaningful content, you can use an empty alt attribute (alt="") to indicate that the image is decorative and should be ignored by screen readers.

2. Create Keyboard-Friendly Navigation: Keyboard accessibility is crucial in website design. It ensures that individuals who may have difficulty using a mouse can navigate and interact with all elements using only their keyboard.

Design the navigation menu in a way that "Tab" key can be used to navigate through each link and "Enter" key can activate the selected link. This can be used to access different sections of the website seamlessly.

Keyboard accessibility should be testedthoroughly to ensure that all interactive elements like buttons and form fieldsare accessible via keyboard input. Additionally, providing visible focus indicators helps users understand which element is currently active.

3. Make Forms Accessible: Ensure that all forms on your website are accessible. Provide clear labels, instructions, and error messages. This helps users with disabilities. Users who use screen readers or have cognitive impairments should be able to fill up the forms without assistance.

4. Implement Captions for Multimedia: Include captions and transcripts for multimedia content, such as videos and audio.It may help users with hearing impairments or those who prefer or require text-based alternatives.

For instance, you can use <track> element for captions in WebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks) format. Captions provide synchronized text that corresponds to the spoken content.

5. Ensure Color Contrast: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which align closely with Section 508, provide specific contrast ratio requirements. For example, a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text against its background is recommended.

There should be sufficient contrast between the background color and the text color.

Similarly, heading text should also be in noticeable contrasting color. You can also use a slightly darker grayfor paragraph text color to ensure readability against the light gray background.

6. Design Consistent Navigation: Create a consistent and logical navigation structure across your website. This helps used with cognitive disabilities. They can find information easily if every navigation link is represented as a list item. Each of these links can be an anchor pointing to a specific section of the website.

Moreover, consistent placement of the navigation menu is also beneficial for disabled users. There should be clear labels and multiple levels of hierarchy in submenus for easy navigation. A visual indication of the current page or section within the navigation menu to assist users in orienting themselves

7. Provide Text Equivalents for Non-Text Content: If your website features non-text content like charts or graphs, there should be text equivalents for them. This makes information accessible to screen readers and other assistive technologies.Text equivalents allow screen readers to convey information about non-text content.

Use descriptive text equivalents so that screen readers can convey relevant information to the user. You can also provide additional text or summary for complex charts or graphs.

8. Use Section 508 compliance checker: Section 508 Standards or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are established to ensure compliant website design. Use these roadmap to test your website design. Test and update the website design regularly with a combination of automated tool and manual audits.

Automated Section 508 testing

Automated testing tools have become invaluable for identifying and addressing accessibility issues. Website designers and developers can accelerate the identification of accessibility barriers with the following popular tools.

• Contrast Ratio Check Tool
• HTML Validation Tool
• Keyboard Accessibility Testing Tool
• Image Alt Text Verification Tool
• Heading Structure Checker
• Form Accessibility Tool

Manual Section 508 Audits

While automated testing tools are valuable for identifying certain issues, manual audits add a layer of precision for comprehensive compliance. Automated tools might overlook certain aspects that cannot be missed if you invest in regular manual audits. Here are key aspects covered in manual audits for Section 508:

Contrast and Color Usage: Verify that color choices meet contrast requirements and that information conveyed through color is also available through other means.

• Keyboard Accessibility
• Focus Styles
• Semantic HTML Usage
• Multimedia Accessibility
• Interactive Element Accessibility
• User Testing

What should be the frequency of Section 508 compliance testing for website design?

Website design should undergo Section 508 compliance testing at key development milestones. Test your website design before launch and whenever there are significant updates or changes.

Regular testing should be done at least quarterly. This ensures ongoing accessibility and prevention or potential barriers for users with disabilities.

Your online presence should meet the highest standards of accessibility. Leverage the above listed benefits and provide equal access to all users with an inclusive website design. Contact ADACP today and begin the journey of digital accessibility excellence. Our accessibility audit experts are helping all sizes of businesses in designing 508 compliant websites. Let's collaborate to create a web environment where everyone can access your business website.