How to Evaluate Your Website for 508 Compliance

1. How to Evaluate Your Website for 508 Compliance Ensuring that digital content is accessible to everyone isn’t just a best practice—it’s a legal obligation for many U.S. organizations. Section 508 compliance refers to federal requirements that ensure websites, apps, and digital documents are usable by individuals with disabilities. If you are a government agency, contractor, educational institution, or company that receives federal funding, understanding what 508 compliance is and how to evaluate your website against its requirements is critical. Not only does it protect your organization from legal risks, but it also creates inclusive digital experiences for all users.

2. In this article, we’ll walk you through what Section 508 compliance means, why it matters, and the practical steps you can take to evaluate your website through effective testing. What Is Section 508 Compliance? Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies and any organizations doing business with them to ensure that their electronic and information technology (EIT) is accessible to people with disabilities. These requirements are closely aligned with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA, which provide standards for: ● Text alternatives for images and non-text elements ● Keyboard navigation without relying on a mouse ● Compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers ● Clear structure and logical reading order ● Sufficient color contrast for readability By aligning with WCAG, Section 508 ensures that digital products are usable not only for individuals with disabilities but also for people in various contexts, such as older adults or users in challenging environments. Who Needs to Comply with Section 508? Not every business in the U.S. is legally required to comply with Section 508, but many are. Organizations that must meet these standards include: ● Federal government departments and agencies ● Contractors working with the federal government ● Educational institutions receiving federal funding ● Software and technology vendors providing products or services to the government Even if your organization isn’t legally required to comply, aligning your website with 508 standards demonstrates your commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Why 508 Compliance Matters

3. Legal Consequences Failure to comply with Section 508 can result in serious consequences, including lawsuits, financial penalties, loss of federal contracts, and damage to your organization’s public image. Ethical Responsibility Accessibility is not simply a legal checkbox. It’s about providing equal access to information and services for people with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. By creating accessible digital experiences, organizations promote fairness, inclusion, and social responsibility. Broader Benefits Accessible websites also benefit: ● Older adults who may face age-related challenges such as reduced vision ● People with temporary injuries who may struggle with mobility or device use ● Users in difficult environments, such as poor lighting or noisy spaces, where accessibility features improve usability In short, accessibility isn’t just for individuals with permanent disabilities—it enhances the digital experience for everyone. Steps to Evaluate Your Website for 508 Compliance Achieving 508 compliance requires a structured evaluation process. Here’s how to approach it step by step: 1. Conduct an Initial Accessibility Audit Begin with a high-level review of your website against WCAG 2.0 AA standards. This helps identify obvious issues such as missing alternative text, poor heading structures, or inaccessible forms. Many organizations hire professional accessibility consultants at this stage to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased audit. 2. Use Automated Testing Tools Automated tools can quickly flag common accessibility problems. Popular options include: ● WAVE by WebAIM – Provides a visual overlay of accessibility issues on your site ● Axe DevTools – A browser extension that integrates into developer workflows

4. ● Google Lighthouse – Built into Chrome DevTools for quick accessibility scoring While these tools are efficient, it’s important to note they only detect around 30–40% of accessibility issues. 3. Perform Manual Testing Manual testing fills in the gaps that automated scans miss. Key manual testing practices include: ● Navigating your site entirely with a keyboard (using Tab, Enter, and arrow keys) ● Ensuring a logical reading order for screen reader users ● Checking that ARIA attributes and form labels are properly applied ● Testing color contrast manually against WCAG standards 4. Involve Users with Disabilities The most valuable feedback comes directly from users who rely on assistive technologies such as JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver. Conduct usability testing sessions with individuals who have diverse disabilities to ensure your website works in real-world conditions. 5. Document and Remediate Issues Once issues are identified, document them in a prioritized list and create a remediation plan. Work with developers and designers to fix the problems, then retest to confirm compliance. Keeping a clear record of this process also demonstrates due diligence if compliance is ever questioned. Testing Methods for Section 508 Compliance There are two main testing approaches—manual and automated. Ideally, both should be combined for thorough results. Manual Testing This involves human testers reviewing your site based on WCAG criteria and user experience. ● Benefits: Identifies real-world usability problems that automated tools miss ● Limitations: More time-intensive and requires accessibility expertise

5. Automated Testing This uses software tools to scan websites for detectable compliance issues such as missing alt text, poor contrast, or unlabeled buttons. ● Benefits: Fast and scalable across large websites ● Limitations: Cannot catch deeper usability or structural issues A balanced approach—leveraging automation for efficiency and manual testing for accuracy—is the best way to achieve reliable 508 compliance. Consequences of Non-Compliance Failing to comply with Section 508 can have significant consequences, including: ● Legal actions and complaints under the Rehabilitation Act ● Loss of federal contracts or funding, limiting future opportunities ● Public criticism and loss of trust among customers and stakeholders ● Increased remediation costs, since retrofitting accessibility after development is often far more expensive Compliance is not just about avoiding penalties—it’s about proving that your organization values equity, inclusivity, and digital responsibility. Helpful Resources for 508 Testing ● Section508.gov – Official government guidance ● W3C WCAG Guidelines – Global accessibility standards ● Accessibility Innovations – Professional accessibility audits and consulting services Conclusion Section 508 compliance is a critical part of building accessible digital products. While it’s a legal requirement for federal agencies and their partners, it also reflects a deeper commitment to inclusion and usability.

6. By combining automated scans, manual testing, and user feedback, you can evaluate your website effectively, fix accessibility barriers, and ensure compliance. Accessibility is not just a compliance issue—it’s an opportunity to make your digital content usable and welcoming to everyone. Ready to evaluate your website or documents? Schedule a 508 Compliance Audit with Accessibility Innovations today and take the first step toward a more inclusive digital future.