How Do You Know If a Website Is 508 Compliant?
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Being Section 508 compliant means your site follows the guidelines of the Rehabilitation Act. According to this, it is designed for everyone, means disabled users can also have unrestricted access to your content. If a user cannot browse your site with a keyboard or a video does not have captions, the interaction quickly creates obstacles. For millions of Americans, these limitations can make important online services impossible to use.
Section 508 compliance standards were designed to address this challenge. This law ensures that federal agencies and the businesses that work with them provide accessible digital content to all users.
The problem is that many organizations assume they are compliant because an automated scan gives them a ‘pass’. But true accessibility needs detailed tests and professional review. With more than 13 years of expertise, ADACP helps organizations achieve compliance while improving usability for all.
So, how do you really know if your website meets Section 508 rules? Here are the key things to check.
TL;DR: Being Section 508 compliant means your website is accessible to all users. This includes people with disabilities. Protecting the rights of disabled users is required under U.S. federal law. To check compliance:
- Run automated accessibility scans.
- Test with screen readers and keyboard navigation.
- Match your site against WCAG 2.0 AA standards (referenced by Revised Section 508).
- Request a professional audit from experts like ADACP, who bring 13 years of hands-on experience.
If you are unsure about your status, book a Free Consultation with ADACP today.
What is Section 508 Compliance?
Section 508 ensures that federal agencies develop and use accessible electronic and information technology (EIT). In simple terms, your websites, apps, and digital tools can be used by everyone, including those who rely on screen readers.
Since the 2018 Refresh, Section 508 has been harmonized with WCAG standards. If you aim for additional improvements, you can follow WCAG 2.2 AA.
If your website meets WCAG 2.1 AA, you are effectively 508 compliant. However, the best practice is to follow the latest WCAG 2.2 standards.
Want to explore Section 508 in greater depth? Check out our comprehensive guide: What Is Section 508 Compliance?. Here we break down accessibility law, requirements, and real-world examples to help you understand exactly what it means for your organization.
Is 508 compliance the same as WCAG compliance?
No, they are not the same. WCAG is international guidance and Section 508 is U.S. law that references WCAG. Meeting WCAG AA usually satisfies Section 508 requirements. Section 508 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (amended in 1998). It requires that all federal agencies make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities.
Which organizations need 508 compliance?
Section 508 compliance requirements take a legal angle for specific organizations in the United States. It applies to:
- Federal agencies that create, maintain, or use electronic and information technology.
- Contractors and vendors doing business with the federal government.
- Universities and public institutions that receive federal funding.
What happens if a website isn’t 508 compliant?
Failure to meet these standards can result in serious consequences such as fines, lawsuits, and loss of federal contracts. Non-compliance may also damage your reputation because your product might exclude people with disabilities. It even translates to missed market opportunities because over 61 million Americans live with a disability.
How Do You Check If a Website Is 508 Compliant?
There is no single magic button that tells you yes or no. Instead, compliance requires a multi-step process.
1. Automated 508 compliance testing tools
Automated scans are the first checkpoint. They quickly flag missing alt text, color contrast issues, and keyboard traps.
Remember: Automated tools only catch about 30–40% of issues. Manual checks are essential.
Automated tools are helpful for catching surface-level errors, however, accessibility lawsuits have increased over 300% since 2018.
Only a professional audit confirms full 508 compliance. With 13 years of experience, ADACP provides the hands-on testing and validation that tools alone cannot deliver. Contact us to learn more about 508 compliance testing.
2. Manual Testing
Manual testing goes beyond what automated scans can catch. Manual testers check your website for every scenario. For example, testers use screen reader testing tools to confirm whether content is properly announced and understandable.
Keyboard navigation checks are also essential to ensure users can tab through menus, links, and forms without getting stuck.
Finally, color contrast testing verifies that text and background colors meet the recommended ratio of 4.5:1. Content should remain readable for people with low vision or color blindness.
If your site passes manual testing, you are one step closer to achieving true Section 508 compliance.
Are you looking for a complete manual testing guide to ensure every interactive element on your site works perfectly? We have another blog on What is a full Section 508 compliance checklist for websites? that explains all the steps to make your site fully accessible.
Is keyboard-only navigation required for Section 508 compliance?
Under Section 508, every interactive feature on your website must be fully operable without the use of a mouse. This means users should be able to navigate menus, fill out forms, open dropdowns, activate buttons and access all content using only the keyboard. Common keys like Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, and Spacebar should allow stress-free navigation through your site.
3. WCAG 2.0 AA Standards Alignment
In January 2017, the U.S. Access Board updated Section 508 to align with WCAG 2.0 Level AA. While WCAG 2.1 was finalized in June 2018 and WCAG 2.2 in October 2023, these versions were built upon WCAG 2.0. Content that conforms to WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 also conforms to WCAG 2.0. Though Section 508 still references WCAG 2.0 Level AA, following the newer versions is considered the best practice.
Core Principles of WCAG:
- Perceivable – Information must be visible and audible.
- Operable – All controls must be usable via keyboard.
- Understandable – Content must be clear and predictable.
- Robust – Works across different assistive technologies.
4. Accessibility Statements and VPAT
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) is a structured document that explains how your site meets Section 508 standards. Federal agencies often require a VPAT before awarding contracts.
Want to learn what are VPATs and accessibility conformance reports? For a detailed guide, check out our detailed blog on VPATs and how they help your site meet Section 508 standards.
Common Signs Your Website Is Not 508 Compliant
Did you know? 71% of users with disabilities leave a site immediately if it is not accessible.
Even if your website looks fine, it might still have accessibility issues.
Source: https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog/veterans-day-offer-2024
Example: Even though Dunkin’ Donuts is a large well-known brand, its media page still struggles with accessibility issues like poor color contrast. This is not necessarily intentional neglect. Often, big brands prioritize brand identity and signature colors. In this case, bright pink (#f20c90) and orange (#ff6d0d) can conflict with WCAG contrast standards.
Here are some common signs that your site is not fully Section 508 compliant:
- Images without alt text.
- Videos missing captions or transcripts.
- Forms without proper labels.
- Poor color contrast
- Menus or pop-ups that trap keyboard users.
- PDFs that aren’t tagged for screen readers.
How Long Does It Take to Become 508 Compliant?
Becoming 508 compliant is an ongoing journey where you have to make your website usable for everyone. The time it takes depends on the size and complexity of your website:
- Small websites: Sites with only a few pages take 2–4 weeks. This duration is enough to fix missing alt text, poor color contrast or unlabeled forms.
- Medium to large sites: Sites with hundreds of pages need 1–3 months for a full accessibility overhaul.
- Complex platforms: Compliance is continuous for large platforms with dynamic content, ongoing updates, and frequent changes. For these, you need regular audits, updates and user testing to maintain accessibility over time.
DIY vs Professional Audit
Is a professional audit required for Section 508 compliance?
If you want to guarantee accuracy and meet federal requirements then yes, a professional audit based on 508 compliance guidelines is essential. If you are looking for trusted audit specialists then consider the 13+ years of accessibility expertise of ADACP. We offer fast and efficient remediation and VPAT compliance documentation.
Conclusion
Make your website 508 compliant if you want to avoid legal trouble. It will require testing, auditing, and expert review. So, don’t leave it to chance. Get professional help.
Book your free consultation with ADACP and achieve full Section 508 compliance today.
FAQs
Q1. Who needs to follow Section 508?
Any federal agency or any company working with the U.S. government has to follow these rules. Even private businesses gain from making their sites accessible because accessibility-related lawsuits are not limited to federal contracts.
Q2. How is Section 508 different from ADA compliance?
Section 508 applies specifically to digital technology used by federal agencies. The Americans with Disabilities Act has a broader scope that also covers public-facing businesses. In practice, many organizations aim to meet both.
Q3. What is a VPAT and why is it important?
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template is a report describing your website’s accessibility standards. It is often required as a Section 508 compliance certification that secures federal contracts. Without it, you risk being disqualified from bids.
Q4. Can I rely only on automated testing tools for Section 508 compliance?
Automated tools can’t detect usability problems like confusing navigation or unlabeled forms. A professional audit ensures real-world accessibility.
Q5. Does 508 compliance improve website performance?
Accessible websites load faster and often rank higher in search results. Clearer navigation also reduces bounce rates.
Q6. How often should I test my website for compliance?
At least once a year or any time you launch new features, add PDFs, or redesign pages.
Q7. Why choose ADACP instead of another provider?
The people-focused solutions offered by ADACP have built strong client trust for over 13 years. ADACP offers hands-on training, expert audits, and 508 compliance documentation tailored for federal and private clients. Many competitors rely only on software or self-paced training.
Being Section 508 compliant means your site follows the guidelines of the Rehabilitation Act. According to this, it is designed for everyone, means disabled users can also have unrestricted access to your content. If a user cannot browse your site with a keyboard or a video does not have captions, the interaction quickly creates obstacles. For millions of Americans, these limitations can make important online services impossible to use.
Section 508 compliance standards were designed to address this challenge. This law ensures that federal agencies and the businesses that work with them provide accessible digital content to all users.
The problem is that many organizations assume they are compliant because an automated scan gives them a ‘pass’. But true accessibility needs detailed tests and professional review. With more than 13 years of expertise, ADACP helps organizations achieve compliance while improving usability for all.
So, how do you really know if your website meets Section 508 rules? Here are the key things to check.
TL;DR: Being Section 508 compliant means your website is accessible to all users. This includes people with disabilities. Protecting the rights of disabled users is required under U.S. federal law. To check compliance:
- Run automated accessibility scans.
- Test with screen readers and keyboard navigation.
- Match your site against WCAG 2.0 AA standards (referenced by Revised Section 508).
- Request a professional audit from experts like ADACP, who bring 13 years of hands-on experience.
If you are unsure about your status, book a Free Consultation with ADACP today.
What is Section 508 Compliance?
Section 508 ensures that federal agencies develop and use accessible electronic and information technology (EIT). In simple terms, your websites, apps, and digital tools can be used by everyone, including those who rely on screen readers.
Since the 2018 Refresh, Section 508 has been harmonized with WCAG standards. If you aim for additional improvements, you can follow WCAG 2.2 AA.
If your website meets WCAG 2.1 AA, you are effectively 508 compliant. However, the best practice is to follow the latest WCAG 2.2 standards.
Want to explore Section 508 in greater depth? Check out our comprehensive guide: What Is Section 508 Compliance?. Here we break down accessibility law, requirements, and real-world examples to help you understand exactly what it means for your organization.
Is 508 compliance the same as WCAG compliance?
No, they are not the same. WCAG is international guidance and Section 508 is U.S. law that references WCAG. Meeting WCAG AA usually satisfies Section 508 requirements. Section 508 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (amended in 1998). It requires that all federal agencies make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities.
Which organizations need 508 compliance?
Section 508 compliance requirements take a legal angle for specific organizations in the United States. It applies to:
- Federal agencies that create, maintain, or use electronic and information technology.
- Contractors and vendors doing business with the federal government.
- Universities and public institutions that receive federal funding.
What happens if a website isn’t 508 compliant?
Failure to meet these standards can result in serious consequences such as fines, lawsuits, and loss of federal contracts. Non-compliance may also damage your reputation because your product might exclude people with disabilities. It even translates to missed market opportunities because over 61 million Americans live with a disability.
How Do You Check If a Website Is 508 Compliant?
There is no single magic button that tells you yes or no. Instead, compliance requires a multi-step process.
1. Automated 508 compliance testing tools
Automated scans are the first checkpoint. They quickly flag missing alt text, color contrast issues, and keyboard traps.
Remember: Automated tools only catch about 30–40% of issues. Manual checks are essential.
Automated tools are helpful for catching surface-level errors, however, accessibility lawsuits have increased over 300% since 2018.
Only a professional audit confirms full 508 compliance. With 13 years of experience, ADACP provides the hands-on testing and validation that tools alone cannot deliver. Contact us to learn more about 508 compliance testing.
2. Manual Testing
Manual testing goes beyond what automated scans can catch. Manual testers check your website for every scenario. For example, testers use screen reader testing tools to confirm whether content is properly announced and understandable.
Keyboard navigation checks are also essential to ensure users can tab through menus, links, and forms without getting stuck.
Finally, color contrast testing verifies that text and background colors meet the recommended ratio of 4.5:1. Content should remain readable for people with low vision or color blindness.
If your site passes manual testing, you are one step closer to achieving true Section 508 compliance.
Are you looking for a complete manual testing guide to ensure every interactive element on your site works perfectly? We have another blog on What is a full Section 508 compliance checklist for websites? that explains all the steps to make your site fully accessible.
Is keyboard-only navigation required for Section 508 compliance?
Under Section 508, every interactive feature on your website must be fully operable without the use of a mouse. This means users should be able to navigate menus, fill out forms, open dropdowns, activate buttons and access all content using only the keyboard. Common keys like Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, and Spacebar should allow stress-free navigation through your site.
3. WCAG 2.0 AA Standards Alignment
In January 2017, the U.S. Access Board updated Section 508 to align with WCAG 2.0 Level AA. While WCAG 2.1 was finalized in June 2018 and WCAG 2.2 in October 2023, these versions were built upon WCAG 2.0. Content that conforms to WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 also conforms to WCAG 2.0. Though Section 508 still references WCAG 2.0 Level AA, following the newer versions is considered the best practice.
Core Principles of WCAG:
- Perceivable – Information must be visible and audible.
- Operable – All controls must be usable via keyboard.
- Understandable – Content must be clear and predictable.
- Robust – Works across different assistive technologies.
4. Accessibility Statements and VPAT
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) is a structured document that explains how your site meets Section 508 standards. Federal agencies often require a VPAT before awarding contracts.
Want to learn what are VPATs and accessibility conformance reports? For a detailed guide, check out our detailed blog on VPATs and how they help your site meet Section 508 standards.
Common Signs Your Website Is Not 508 Compliant
Did you know? 71% of users with disabilities leave a site immediately if it is not accessible.
Even if your website looks fine, it might still have accessibility issues.
Source: https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog/veterans-day-offer-2024
Example: Even though Dunkin’ Donuts is a large well-known brand, its media page still struggles with accessibility issues like poor color contrast. This is not necessarily intentional neglect. Often, big brands prioritize brand identity and signature colors. In this case, bright pink (#f20c90) and orange (#ff6d0d) can conflict with WCAG contrast standards.
Here are some common signs that your site is not fully Section 508 compliant:
- Images without alt text.
- Videos missing captions or transcripts.
- Forms without proper labels.
- Poor color contrast
- Menus or pop-ups that trap keyboard users.
- PDFs that aren’t tagged for screen readers.
How Long Does It Take to Become 508 Compliant?
Becoming 508 compliant is an ongoing journey where you have to make your website usable for everyone. The time it takes depends on the size and complexity of your website:
- Small websites: Sites with only a few pages take 2–4 weeks. This duration is enough to fix missing alt text, poor color contrast or unlabeled forms.
- Medium to large sites: Sites with hundreds of pages need 1–3 months for a full accessibility overhaul.
- Complex platforms: Compliance is continuous for large platforms with dynamic content, ongoing updates, and frequent changes. For these, you need regular audits, updates and user testing to maintain accessibility over time.
DIY vs Professional Audit
Is a professional audit required for Section 508 compliance?
If you want to guarantee accuracy and meet federal requirements then yes, a professional audit based on 508 compliance guidelines is essential. If you are looking for trusted audit specialists then consider the 13+ years of accessibility expertise of ADACP. We offer fast and efficient remediation and VPAT compliance documentation.
Conclusion
Make your website 508 compliant if you want to avoid legal trouble. It will require testing, auditing, and expert review. So, don’t leave it to chance. Get professional help.
Book your free consultation with ADACP and achieve full Section 508 compliance today.
FAQs
Q1. Who needs to follow Section 508?
Any federal agency or any company working with the U.S. government has to follow these rules. Even private businesses gain from making their sites accessible because accessibility-related lawsuits are not limited to federal contracts.
Q2. How is Section 508 different from ADA compliance?
Section 508 applies specifically to digital technology used by federal agencies. The Americans with Disabilities Act has a broader scope that also covers public-facing businesses. In practice, many organizations aim to meet both.
Q3. What is a VPAT and why is it important?
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template is a report describing your website’s accessibility standards. It is often required as a Section 508 compliance certification that secures federal contracts. Without it, you risk being disqualified from bids.
Q4. Can I rely only on automated testing tools for Section 508 compliance?
Automated tools can’t detect usability problems like confusing navigation or unlabeled forms. A professional audit ensures real-world accessibility.
Q5. Does 508 compliance improve website performance?
Accessible websites load faster and often rank higher in search results. Clearer navigation also reduces bounce rates.
Q6. How often should I test my website for compliance?
At least once a year or any time you launch new features, add PDFs, or redesign pages.
Q7. Why choose ADACP instead of another provider?
The people-focused solutions offered by ADACP have built strong client trust for over 13 years. ADACP offers hands-on training, expert audits, and 508 compliance documentation tailored for federal and private clients. Many competitors rely only on software or self-paced training.
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