Top Mistakes to Avoid in Section 508 Compliance
.svg)
Section 508 website mistakes can cost you more than you think.
Your team spends months redesigning a sleek new website. The visuals are bold, the navigation is smooth, and everyone is excited to go live. But within weeks, feedback about failed 508 web compliance starts coming in. Someone was unable to use the site with a screen reader and another user struggled to read text due to poor contrast. Suddenly, your “perfect” site is a liability.
This happens all the time, even to big brands. For organizations that fall under Section 508 compliance, mistakes can be both embarrassing and costly.
You should know what are the most common Section 508 compliance mistakes. Keep reading to find out what they are, why they matter, and how to prevent them. If you are seriously considering accessibility solutions, this blog is the detailed roadmap you need.
TL;DR: The biggest mistakes in Section 508 compliance are doing only automated testing, ignoring color contrast, missing alt text, inaccessible forms, videos without captions, untagged PDFs, ignoring keyboard navigation, overlooking brand guidelines, treating compliance as a one-time project, and skipping professional audits.
Fix all these mistakes by combining manual + automated testing. ADACP experts know how to use WCAG ratios and tag documents. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we perform Section 508 compliance testing and how we embed accessibility into your design process.
Mistake 1: Relying Only on Automated Testing
Why 508 compliance checkers are a problem: Automated tools are great for catching code-level issues like missing alt attributes but they miss contextual issues. A tool won’t know if your alt text says “image123” instead of describing the photo.
Example: A large university site passed automated scans but failed manual testing because links were labeled “click here” with no context.
Can I achieve 508 compliance with just automated tools?
No, because automated tools cover about 30–40% of issues. Real compliance requires manual audits by accessibility experts and user testing with assistive technologies.
But this often raises another question-
What is 508 compliance testing and how is it different from automated scanning? In simple terms, compliance testing means a full check of your website against Section 508 standards. It should include both manual and automated methods.
If you would like a step-by-step guide, you can read our detailed blog on Section 508 compliance testing.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Color Contrast
Why contrast is a problem for 508 web compliance: Low-contrast text is one of the top WCAG failures worldwide. Users with low vision or color blindness can’t read light gray text on a white background or pastel text on pastel backgrounds.
Case Study: Spotify’s Green on White
Spotify’s signature green (#1DB954) is highly recognizable, but when placed on a white background in buttons or links, it often fails WCAG AA contrast requirements. While the logo itself is exempt, using that shade for navigation links or call-to-action buttons created accessibility issues for users with low vision.
To address this, Spotify gradually introduced darker greens and alternative colors for web elements, showing how even global brands must adapt their palette for accessibility.
Source: https://spotify.design/article/better-in-black-rethinking-our-most-important-buttons?
Q: What is the minimum contrast ratio for WCAG AA Standards?
The minimum color contrast ratio required for Section 508 compliance referenced with the WCAG 2.1 AA standards is 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This ratio ensures that users with low vision or color blindness can clearly read text against its background. Meeting these ratios is one of the most common accessibility checks during Section 508 compliance testing, because poor contrast directly affects readability.
Mistake 3: Missing Alt Text on Images
Alt text is what screen readers use to describe images. Users who are blind miss key information without alt text.
For example, a “Submit” button as an image with no alt text means the user won’t even know it is clickable. If you add poor alt text (like alt="image123"), that is just as bad as no alt text.
Should every image have alt text?
Every meaningful image needs either alt text or an accessible equivalent. Decorative images should have an empty alt attribute (alt=“”). while functional and informative images must have useful, concise alt text or a longer description.
If you don’t have the alt text expertise or are unsure which Section 508 testing tools to use for image accessibility, let us help. Book your Free Consultation with ADACP and our experts will guide you toward full 508 remediation.
Mistake 4: Inaccessible Forms
Forms are used for job applications, donations, purchases and more. But often they are not labeled properly, which is a challenge for assistive tech users. The example below (image 2) shows the difference between a non-compliant form with missing labels and a compliant form with proper labels and ARIA descriptions. Clear labeling ensures screen reader users know exactly what each field requires. This way forms are usable for everyone.
How do you test form accessibility?
Use only your keyboard and a screen reader. If you cannot tab through fields or hear clear instructions, the form is not compliant. Here is a pro tip for improving accessibility of forms: always connect labels to inputs (<label for="email">Email</label>).
If you want to learn how to train your team on making forms accessible, check out our full guide: [Digital Accessibility & Section 508 Training].
Mistake 5: Videos Without Captions or Transcripts
Users who are deaf or hard of hearing cannot access audio content without captions.
Q: Are YouTube auto-captions enough?
YouTube captions often misinterpret words. Make sure you manually review each video or get professional captions.
Mistake 6: PDF and Document Accessibility
A PDF without tagging is basically invisible to screen readers. Federal agencies regularly get sued for posting inaccessible forms.
If you want to make a PDF compliant, then don’t just rely on a Section 508 checker.
Experts at ADACP suggest manual review of tagged headings and alt text for images. Also, ensure there is a logical reading order and text that you can select.
Mistake 7: Forgetting Keyboard Navigation
Many users rely only on a keyboard. They cannot access dropdown menus, modals, or sliders if they do not use a mouse. It makes the site inaccessible for users.
Q: How do I test keyboard accessibility for Section 508?
Unplug your mouse and access a webpage. If you get stuck in a menu or can’t activate buttons, it fails compliance.
Mistake 8: Not Embedding Accessibility in Brand Guidelines
Teams often design around pretty colors, fonts and layouts that are inaccessible. Fixing it later is expensive.
Best Practice: Build accessibility into brand style guides so future projects don’t repeat mistakes. To learn more about the specific compliance requirements your team should follow, check out our full blog [Comprehensive Analysis of Section 508 Compliance Requirements].
Mistake 9: Treating Compliance as a Short-Term Assignment
Website accessibility challenges evolve with new content and new media. Without ongoing checks, you fall back into non-compliance.
You might want to know how often I should audit my site for Section 508 compliance.
You should opt for 508 compliance testing at least once a year or after any major redesign.
Mistake 10: Skipping Professional Help
DIY fixes done with 508 compliance testing tools often miss hidden issues. The complex accessibility guidelines may leave you exposed.
Therefore, you will need a 508 accessibility expert even if your team has developers. These experts bring training, tools, and user-testing insights that dev teams usually lack.
Conclusion
Avoid the common 508 website compliance mistakes and show that your organization values inclusivity. Invest in professional audits that save money, reduce legal risk and make your digital presence inclusive.
Do you want to risk non-compliance or start building trust today?
Secure your digital accessibility today. Book your free consultation with ADACP now and get fast, effective remediation for full Section 508 compliance.
FAQs
Q1: What is Section 508 compliance?
Section 508 is a federal law requiring government-related digital content to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Q2: How long does Section 508 remediation usually take?
The timeline depends on your website or document size. Small sites may take a few days, while larger platforms or PDF libraries need more time. At ADACP, we focus on fast, effective remediation so you can achieve compliance without long delays.
Q3: Who needs to comply with Section 508?
Any organization working with U.S. federal agencies, plus contractors, vendors, and educational institutions.
Q4: How do I test and fix Section 508 issues?
Testing starts with automated scans but should always include manual checks for accuracy. Once issues are found, remediation means correcting code, documents, and forms to meet standards. ADACP offers both testing and remediation services, through which you get compliance and usability in one process.
Q5: How much does 508 compliance cost?
Making smaller websites fully accessible can take a few weeks while larger platforms often need regular audits. If you don’t know where to start, book a free consultation with ADACP for a feasible and cost-effective 508 remediation plan.
Section 508 website mistakes can cost you more than you think.
Your team spends months redesigning a sleek new website. The visuals are bold, the navigation is smooth, and everyone is excited to go live. But within weeks, feedback about failed 508 web compliance starts coming in. Someone was unable to use the site with a screen reader and another user struggled to read text due to poor contrast. Suddenly, your “perfect” site is a liability.
This happens all the time, even to big brands. For organizations that fall under Section 508 compliance, mistakes can be both embarrassing and costly.
You should know what are the most common Section 508 compliance mistakes. Keep reading to find out what they are, why they matter, and how to prevent them. If you are seriously considering accessibility solutions, this blog is the detailed roadmap you need.
TL;DR: The biggest mistakes in Section 508 compliance are doing only automated testing, ignoring color contrast, missing alt text, inaccessible forms, videos without captions, untagged PDFs, ignoring keyboard navigation, overlooking brand guidelines, treating compliance as a one-time project, and skipping professional audits.
Fix all these mistakes by combining manual + automated testing. ADACP experts know how to use WCAG ratios and tag documents. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we perform Section 508 compliance testing and how we embed accessibility into your design process.
Mistake 1: Relying Only on Automated Testing
Why 508 compliance checkers are a problem: Automated tools are great for catching code-level issues like missing alt attributes but they miss contextual issues. A tool won’t know if your alt text says “image123” instead of describing the photo.
Example: A large university site passed automated scans but failed manual testing because links were labeled “click here” with no context.
Can I achieve 508 compliance with just automated tools?
No, because automated tools cover about 30–40% of issues. Real compliance requires manual audits by accessibility experts and user testing with assistive technologies.
But this often raises another question-
What is 508 compliance testing and how is it different from automated scanning? In simple terms, compliance testing means a full check of your website against Section 508 standards. It should include both manual and automated methods.
If you would like a step-by-step guide, you can read our detailed blog on Section 508 compliance testing.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Color Contrast
Why contrast is a problem for 508 web compliance: Low-contrast text is one of the top WCAG failures worldwide. Users with low vision or color blindness can’t read light gray text on a white background or pastel text on pastel backgrounds.
Case Study: Spotify’s Green on White
Spotify’s signature green (#1DB954) is highly recognizable, but when placed on a white background in buttons or links, it often fails WCAG AA contrast requirements. While the logo itself is exempt, using that shade for navigation links or call-to-action buttons created accessibility issues for users with low vision.
To address this, Spotify gradually introduced darker greens and alternative colors for web elements, showing how even global brands must adapt their palette for accessibility.
Source: https://spotify.design/article/better-in-black-rethinking-our-most-important-buttons?
Q: What is the minimum contrast ratio for WCAG AA Standards?
The minimum color contrast ratio required for Section 508 compliance referenced with the WCAG 2.1 AA standards is 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This ratio ensures that users with low vision or color blindness can clearly read text against its background. Meeting these ratios is one of the most common accessibility checks during Section 508 compliance testing, because poor contrast directly affects readability.
Mistake 3: Missing Alt Text on Images
Alt text is what screen readers use to describe images. Users who are blind miss key information without alt text.
For example, a “Submit” button as an image with no alt text means the user won’t even know it is clickable. If you add poor alt text (like alt="image123"), that is just as bad as no alt text.
Should every image have alt text?
Every meaningful image needs either alt text or an accessible equivalent. Decorative images should have an empty alt attribute (alt=“”). while functional and informative images must have useful, concise alt text or a longer description.
If you don’t have the alt text expertise or are unsure which Section 508 testing tools to use for image accessibility, let us help. Book your Free Consultation with ADACP and our experts will guide you toward full 508 remediation.
Mistake 4: Inaccessible Forms
Forms are used for job applications, donations, purchases and more. But often they are not labeled properly, which is a challenge for assistive tech users. The example below (image 2) shows the difference between a non-compliant form with missing labels and a compliant form with proper labels and ARIA descriptions. Clear labeling ensures screen reader users know exactly what each field requires. This way forms are usable for everyone.
How do you test form accessibility?
Use only your keyboard and a screen reader. If you cannot tab through fields or hear clear instructions, the form is not compliant. Here is a pro tip for improving accessibility of forms: always connect labels to inputs (<label for="email">Email</label>).
If you want to learn how to train your team on making forms accessible, check out our full guide: [Digital Accessibility & Section 508 Training].
Mistake 5: Videos Without Captions or Transcripts
Users who are deaf or hard of hearing cannot access audio content without captions.
Q: Are YouTube auto-captions enough?
YouTube captions often misinterpret words. Make sure you manually review each video or get professional captions.
Mistake 6: PDF and Document Accessibility
A PDF without tagging is basically invisible to screen readers. Federal agencies regularly get sued for posting inaccessible forms.
If you want to make a PDF compliant, then don’t just rely on a Section 508 checker.
Experts at ADACP suggest manual review of tagged headings and alt text for images. Also, ensure there is a logical reading order and text that you can select.
Mistake 7: Forgetting Keyboard Navigation
Many users rely only on a keyboard. They cannot access dropdown menus, modals, or sliders if they do not use a mouse. It makes the site inaccessible for users.
Q: How do I test keyboard accessibility for Section 508?
Unplug your mouse and access a webpage. If you get stuck in a menu or can’t activate buttons, it fails compliance.
Mistake 8: Not Embedding Accessibility in Brand Guidelines
Teams often design around pretty colors, fonts and layouts that are inaccessible. Fixing it later is expensive.
Best Practice: Build accessibility into brand style guides so future projects don’t repeat mistakes. To learn more about the specific compliance requirements your team should follow, check out our full blog [Comprehensive Analysis of Section 508 Compliance Requirements].
Mistake 9: Treating Compliance as a Short-Term Assignment
Website accessibility challenges evolve with new content and new media. Without ongoing checks, you fall back into non-compliance.
You might want to know how often I should audit my site for Section 508 compliance.
You should opt for 508 compliance testing at least once a year or after any major redesign.
Mistake 10: Skipping Professional Help
DIY fixes done with 508 compliance testing tools often miss hidden issues. The complex accessibility guidelines may leave you exposed.
Therefore, you will need a 508 accessibility expert even if your team has developers. These experts bring training, tools, and user-testing insights that dev teams usually lack.
Conclusion
Avoid the common 508 website compliance mistakes and show that your organization values inclusivity. Invest in professional audits that save money, reduce legal risk and make your digital presence inclusive.
Do you want to risk non-compliance or start building trust today?
Secure your digital accessibility today. Book your free consultation with ADACP now and get fast, effective remediation for full Section 508 compliance.
FAQs
Q1: What is Section 508 compliance?
Section 508 is a federal law requiring government-related digital content to be accessible to people with disabilities.
Q2: How long does Section 508 remediation usually take?
The timeline depends on your website or document size. Small sites may take a few days, while larger platforms or PDF libraries need more time. At ADACP, we focus on fast, effective remediation so you can achieve compliance without long delays.
Q3: Who needs to comply with Section 508?
Any organization working with U.S. federal agencies, plus contractors, vendors, and educational institutions.
Q4: How do I test and fix Section 508 issues?
Testing starts with automated scans but should always include manual checks for accuracy. Once issues are found, remediation means correcting code, documents, and forms to meet standards. ADACP offers both testing and remediation services, through which you get compliance and usability in one process.
Q5: How much does 508 compliance cost?
Making smaller websites fully accessible can take a few weeks while larger platforms often need regular audits. If you don’t know where to start, book a free consultation with ADACP for a feasible and cost-effective 508 remediation plan.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
We will contact you shortly.
.webp)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)