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Public Standards and Guidelines
Web application accessibility standards, including Section 508 and the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA), are designed to ensure that digital content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Adopting a proactive approach to web accessibility means:
- Conducting accessibility audits regularly.
- Adopting inclusive design practices early in the development process.
- Implementing assistive features like screen reader support, captioning, and keyboard navigation.
- Training staff on accessibility requirements.
The goal is a more inclusive, barrier-free experience for all users, especially for government entities responsible for public information and services.
To ensure web applications are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, it's essential to adhere to established standards. Below are key accessibility standards and guidelines:
Section 508
Overview
Part of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, Section 508 requires federal agencies and entities that receive federal funding to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.
Standards
Section 508 standards align closely with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, specifically targeting Level A and AA success criteria, which cover a wide range of accessibility practices.
Requirements
- Perceivable: Information must be presented in ways users can perceive, such as offering text alternatives for non-text content.
- Operable: Interface elements should be usable via a keyboard, with time-based content allowing user control.
- Understandable: Content should be readable, understandable, and navigable for all users.
- Robust: Content should be compatible with a wide variety of assistive technologies..
Applicability
Section 508 applies to federal agencies and organizations contracted by the federal government, covering public-facing and internal content.
More Information
21st Century IDEA
Overview:
Enacted in 2018, the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA) mandates that federal websites and digital services provide a modern and user-centered experience, including accessibility.
Standards
The act directs agencies to follow Section 508 accessibility standards and encourages WCAG compliance to improve accessibility further.
Requirements
- User-Centered Design: Agencies are required to ensure digital services are user-centered, improving the ease of use and accessibility.
- Mobile-Friendly: Websites must be optimized for mobile devices, benefiting users who rely on mobile access or assistive technologies.
- Secure and Measurable: Security must be maintained, and agencies must measure and report on accessibility progress.
- Consistency: The law emphasizes providing a consistent user experience across digital platforms.
More Information
WCAG
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for making web content more accessible. These guidelines are widely adopted and serve as a reference for both Section 508 and the 21st Century IDEA:
Commonalities
Both Section 508 and the 21st Century IDEA advocate WCAG standards, particularly Levels A and AA, and share core principles with the WCAG’s Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR) guidelines. This alignment helps ensure that digital content is accessible, inclusive, and user-friendly across devices and platforms.