Implementing 508 Compliance Strategies Into Your Daily Operations

Across the federal government, and many other sectors, digital communication disseminated via the Web has become a key business process, one that in many instances has replaced printed material. Digital communication promotes cost savings and resource sustainability and, most importantly, provides information quickly to a wide audience.  Given that the Web audience is inherently diverse, it is critical that Web content created by the government be equally accessible to all citizens. This federal requirement is referred to as Section 508, part of the Rehabilitation Act.

Section 508 requires that all documents can be easily read by a Web reader, which means that graphics, tables, and forms must have appropriate alternative tags and the documents must be organized in a way that the Web reader can translate it for people with disabilities.  Organizations, especially those with limited time and resources, may at first be overwhelmed by this requirement and may struggle to identify the most time-efficient and effective manner in which to comply with Section 508.

This presentation will outline the most effective steps to create a 508 compliant Web site, will provide suggestions on how to integrate 508 standards into your business practices, and will provide useful, low-cost resources to support this initiative.

The PHIN audience will benefit from this session by obtaining a working knowledge of Section 508 compliance.  This increased awareness will translate into practice by empowering participants to create compliant web sites and associated content.