ADA and 508 Compliance
What is ADA Compliance?
ADA website compliance applies to the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. It requires that all electronic information and technology—i.e, your website—must be accessible to those with disabilities.
What is 508 Compliance?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220) requires federal agencies to develop, procure, maintain and use information and communications technology (ICT) that is accessible to people with disabilities – regardless of whether or not they work for the federal government. The US Access Board established the Section 508 standards that implement the law and provides the requirements for accessibility. Section 508 requires federal agencies to make their ICT such as technology, online training and websites accessible for everyone.
What does that mean for you and your website?
If a website is fully ADA compliant it meets all the requirements set forth in Section 508 and WCAG 2.0. This means the html or web content as well as all Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF Documents and any other kind of documents uploaded to the site or websites that are linked to meet these requirements and ensures all website visitors who have disabilities can access your website’s content.
Not only is it the law, but it’s the right thing to do.