Unlocking Digital Accessibility: Navigating the World of 508 Compliance
Published: 2023-07-22 15:18:25

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## There are...

- 285 million people with some sort of visual impairment...

- 275 million people with moderate-to-profound hearing impairment...

- Many more with physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities...

**Let's ensure ALL of our users have access to this service regardless of their capabilities.**

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> _"The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped."_ **- Hubert H. Humphrey**

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## So what is 508 compliance anyway…?

508 compliance refers to the standards and guidelines set forth by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in the United States. The goal of this standard is to eliminate barriers in technology that could prevent individuals with disabilities from accessing, using, and interacting with digital information and services. It requires federal agencies to ensure that their electronic and information technology (EIT) is accessible to individuals with disabilities. 
Specifically, it mandates that all federal agencies must make their EIT accessible to people with disabilities, including employees and members of the public. It also serves as a best practice for non-governmental organizations and businesses to ensure inclusivity and equal access to digital information and services for all individuals, regardless of their disabilities.

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## 508 practices:

1. From the start:

It is essential to incorporate accessibility considerations from the early stages of the application design and development process as certain requirements can prove challenging to retroactively implement for complex interactions present in modern user interfaces.

2. Providing alternative text for images.

The alt text is read by screen readers and other assistive technologies used by individuals with visual impairments or those who have difficulty viewing images. For example:
```
<img src="fetterollie-best-blog-ever" alt="Best blog that exists">
```

3. Using captions and transcripts for multimedia.

Captions and transcripts make multimedia content, such as videos and audio, accessible to individuals with hearing impairments.

4. Ensuring keyboard accessibility for all functionalities.

Keyboard accessibility makes digital content and applications usable for individuals with various disabilities, including motor impairments and some types of visual impairments.

5. Using sufficient color contrast for text and images.

Sufficient contrast makes applications and content usable for individuals with certain visual impairments such as color-blindness.

6. Structuring content with appropriate headings and labels.

The use appropriate headings and labels promotes accessibility, improves navigation, enhances user comprehension, and ensures compliance with web standards, leading to a better overall user experience on the web.


7. Avoiding content that could cause seizures or other physical reactions.


8. Providing resizable text and adaptable layouts.

Adaptable layouts create an accessible and user-friendly digital environment that caters to diverse audiences and devices. 

9. Making sure forms and interactive elements are accessible.

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## Challenges with 508:

Designing applications for 508 accessibility poses implementation challenges such as complex interactions, third-party components, dynamic content, multimedia accessibility, assistive technology compatibility, responsive design, accessibility expertise, design vs. accessibility balance, regular updates, and compliance education. Early integration of accessibility, user testing, and staying informed about guidelines can help overcome these challenges.

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## In conclusion:

508 compliance is crucial because it ensures that electronic and information technology is accessible to individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity, equal access to digital content and services, better user experiences, and legal compliance. By adhering to these standards, organizations and developers can create technology that caters to a broader audience and supports the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable digital environment.

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Sources: 

[U.S. Access Board](https://www.access-board.gov/about/) - Advancing Full Access and Inclusion for All

[Section508.gov](https://www.section508.gov/) - Buy. Build. Be Accessible.

[U.S. Department of Health and Human Services](https://www.hhs.gov/) - Enhancing the health and well-being of all Americans

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## Want to Follow Along?
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