When developing a new website, an important consideration should be the site’s overall accessibility. Your website and digital communications should be fully accessible to people with learning, physical, and cognitive disabilities to promote inclusivity. This accessibility measure follows the guidelines set by Section 508 and the current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.
Section 508 is an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The amendment requires all federal agencies and their affiliates to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. Section 508 extends to all federal agencies, organizations that conduct business with federal agencies, and organizations that derive funding from federal agencies.
The amendment ensures that all Americans, even those with disabilities, have access to critical and potentially lifesaving information, such as information from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA).
The WCAG 2.1, meanwhile, was issued by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and contains a set of recommendations for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities.
For existing websites, it’s vital to conduct compliance audits to ensure that they’re fully compliant with both WCAG 2.1 and Section 508. New websites, in contrast, should be designed and developed with web accessibility for all in mind.
Think Design Offers Section 508 Compliance Audits & Site Optimization
Think Design is a New York-based web design and SEO services company. We offer both businesses and nonprofits Section 508 compliance audits and site optimization. A Section 508 compliance audit is needed to help us identify the navigational, informational, and audiovisual issues that could make it hard for people with disabilities to utilize your website.
Inclusive customer experience design considers the needs and limitations of people with disabilities. Is your website outfitted with 508-compliant CAPTCHA so that users with disabilities can submit their responses with ease? Are the videos embedded on your website optimized with closed captions or sign language so that deaf and hard-of-hearing users can understand the videos? These are just some of the factors you’ll need to consider when developing and designing a Section 508-compliant website.
If you’re building a new website from scratch, Think Design’s web optimization experts can provide you with a checklist to ensure your website’s adherence to the revised 508 standards, including specific content, design, and development considerations.
Optimize Your Website for Accessibility with Think Design
Think Design has the knowledge and expertise needed to keep your website compliant with Section 508 and related regulations. Our New York City-based digital strategy consulting company has over 20 years of experience building results-driven, customized web-based solutions for businesses and nonprofits.
If your business wants to create accessible digital products and services that cater to the needs of your target audience (including those who are differently-abled), then look no further than Think Design. Contact us today for a free consultation.