Many organizations regularly conduct 508 compliance testing. It is a process to evaluate your internet and communication technology products against established accessibility standards.
Section 508 is a US federal law that requires government agencies and contractors to make digital content accessible. Their public websites, digital services, or hardware should meet 508 compliance standards. Overlooking 508 compliance audits may result in legal issues and lost contracts.
TL;DR: Why 508 Compliance Testing Matters
- Verifies websites, software, and PDFs follow Section 508 accessibility standards.
- Uses both manual testing and automated tools.
- Mandatory for federal agencies; recommended for all organizations.
- Section 508 Compliance checkers and certifications help track and verify accessibility.
- Non-compliance risks lawsuits, lost contracts, and exclusion of millions of users.
What is 508 compliance testing?
508 Compliance Testing is the process of evaluating your websites, apps, PDFs, and software against accessibility standards. The disabled population using screen readers or keyboards should be able to access your digital products.
Testing ensures the product aligns with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. This act is harmonized with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2/2.1 at Level AA.
What gets tested for 508 remediation?
Testers review your digital content to ensure it is usable by people with various disabilities. This involves checking several critical elements that affect accessibility:
Alt text for images
Every meaningful image must include alternative text that describes its content. Screen readers utilize the alt text to convey the purpose of an image to low-vision users.
Keyboard navigation
Menus, buttons, and forms must be fully usable with a keyboard alone. This supports users who cannot use a mouse due to mobility issues or vision impairments.
Screen reader compatibility
Websites and applications should be coded so that screen readers can interpret content logically. There should be proper heading structure, focus order, and descriptive labels for links and buttons.
Colour contrast ratios
Text must have enough contrast against its background to remain readable to color-blind users. The standard WCAG text contrast ratio is 4.5:1. Refer to our detailed WCAG compliance blog to know more about the recent updates.
Form labels and instructions
Forms must have properly associated labels and accessible instructions so users can tell what information is required and how to provide it correctly.
Error handling
There should be descriptive error messages when users miss a required field. The message should be accessible via screen readers to facilitate quick resolution. Use our free Section 508 compliance checker to run a test on your forms and web content.
How do you test for 508 Website Compliance?
Organizations achieve 508 website compliance through a combination of automated and manual testing methods. These approaches identify and correct accessibility barriers, after which disabled users can access your website effectively.
Automated 508 compliance testing tools
A Section 508 compliance checker tool can scan web pages in no time. It can detect basic accessibility issues of color contrast, alt text, and heading structures. They provide instant results but may not spot everything.
Popular 508 Compliance Checkers:
Here is a list of tools that deliver fast scans for accessibility issues.
| Tool Name | Description |
|---|---|
| WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool | Offers visual feedback on accessibility issues directly on your web pages. |
| axe DevTools | A browser extension for automated WCAG & 508 testing in development workflows. |
| AChecker | A free tool for testing HTML content for WCAG and Section 508 compliance. |
| PDF Accessibility Checker (PAC) | Evaluates the accessibility of PDF documents based on PDF/UA and WCAG standards. |
| ANDI | A free accessibility testing tool by the SSA that inspects name/description info. |
Studies show that automated tools can only detect around 30% of accessibility issues; therefore, manual testing becomes essential for full 508 website compliance.
Manual testing
Human testers evaluate the user experience to ensure total compliance. They check keyboard navigation, focus order, screen reader behavior, and the logical flow of content. This hands-on approach helps uncover accessibility issues that automated tools often miss.
Schedule a free consultation on 508 compliance testing to get started with a manual audit tailored to your website.
Assistive technology testing
Assistive technology testing involves using tools like JAWS, NVDA, or Voice Over and keyboard-only navigation. Adaptive devices are tested to ensure your website is fully usable by individuals with visual, motor, or cognitive disabilities.
ADACP goes beyond surface-level scans. We offer thorough testing and remediation services, including assistive technology testing during 508 compliance audits. Our detailed approach ensures the best user experience for everyone and minimizes your risk of accessibility-related lawsuits or contract rejections.
What are the benefits of 508 web compliance?
Complying with Section 508 will offer your organization legal, ethical, and practical advantages.
1. Law for federal agencies and contractors
Section 508 compliance is mandatory if you are working with or for a US federal agency. Non-compliance can lead to contract issues, and certain agencies are facing legal complaints or funding delays.
2. Good accessibility and inclusion
Over 61 million adults in the US live with a disability. 508 compliance ensures equal access to information and services.
3. It lessens legal and reputational risk
Accessibility lawsuits are increasing. Staying compliant avoids legal action and protects your brand’s reputation.
4. Web becomes usable for everyone
Features like keyboard navigation, text clarity, and structured content improve the experience for everyone.
5. It improves SEO and audience reach
Search engines prioritize accessible websites. Clean structure, proper tagging, and alt text improve indexing. Your web content can reach a wider audience, including those using assistive technologies.
Who needs Section 508 compliance certification?
Any organization that creates digital content for or works with US federal agencies must comply with Section 508. Government contractors, software vendors, web developers, and document providers require 508 certification. However, even private companies benefit from following these guidelines.
What is Section 508 Compliance Certification?
There is no official government-issued "Section 508 certificate," but third-party auditors and accessibility consultants can perform formal audits and provide:
- Accessibility conformance reports (like VPATs)
- Detailed testing results
- A declaration of compliance (based on WCAG/508 standards)
Organizations may also self-certify after conducting thorough audits and remediating issues. However, you will need detailed compliance checklists aligned with WCAG 2.1 AA, and therefore keep in mind that self-certifying is prone to errors.
On the other hand, experts can demonstrate due diligence in accessibility, and their in-depth domain knowledge can strengthen RFPs and vendor credibility.
If you want to meet procurement requirements for government contracts, then explore the 508 compliance testing and remediation services by ADACP.
Closing thoughts
Make your digital content legally sound through 508 web compliance. Accessibility practices also support inclusive design that reaches a broader audience. Therefore, web developers, content creators, procurement officers, or IT directors should understand and implement 508 testing processes.
Test the accessibility of your website for free to see where your site stands. ADACP, proudly serving the industry for over 13 years, is committed to helping you achieve compliance with confidence. Book a free consultation with our accessibility experts today. We can provide a detailed evaluation of your website and assist you in building a digital experience through effective remediation.
Frequently Asked Questions About 508 Web Compliance
1. Is 508 compliance only for government procurement?
Complying with 508 standards is mandatory for US federal agencies and their contractors. However, private organizations should also follow these to improve accessibility.
2. What is the difference between 508 compliance and WCAG?
Section 508 references WCAG 2.1 or the latest 2.2 Level AA as the point of reference for digital accessibility. Section 508 also includes certain federal regulations.
3. How often should you conduct compliance testing?
Test during each development phase, after major updates, and periodically. Using a Section 508 checker or manual auditing quarterly should be part of your ongoing QA process.
4. What is the risk of not being 508 compliant?
Non-compliance invites the risk of lawsuits. You may lose government contracts and damage your reputation.
5. How can I check website 508 compliance?
Use Section 508 testing tools, or schedule a manual audit with our team for a detailed evaluation.
6. Do I need 508 compliance certification?
There is no official government-issued certificate. However, our offered audits and VPATs (Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates) can serve as proof of compliance.
7. Who is responsible for maintaining compliance?
Digital content creators such as developers, designers, content authors, and IT leaders are responsible for maintaining accessibility.