Section 508

Section 508 is a ruling from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that defines the minimum guidelines for web standards that are based on the standards developed by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The purpose of the ruling is to ensure access to Americans with disabilities.

Types of Technology Covered

Section 508 covers software applications and operating systems, web-based information or applications, telecommunication products, video and multimedia products, self contained or closed products (e.g. ATM machines and other kiosks, copy machines, etc.), and desktop and portable computers. Many, if not all of these things are applicable to us as an organization, however, in course design, we only need to be concerned with the web-based information or applications (our course pages and the LMS), and the means of which we engage the students in the learning experiences. This would include the course readings, the LMS, communication tools such as Eliminate Live!, any technologies we use in a course such as a calculator or the Wacom Pen Tablet which we use in some math courses, and any multimedia elements that we include in the course.

Web Based Information and Applications

The web-based section ensures that web information and applications are accessible by assistive technologies such as reader devices such as screen or braille readers which output visual information by way of audio and refreshable braille respectively. A core focus is the ability to navigate web-based information using only the keyboard. The minimum requirements generally mean labels for all items such as links, form fields, and other elements. Descriptions are also necessary for items such as images (in the form of "Alt Text") and tables.

Scope and Coverage

The current coverage covers Federal web sites, including educational institutions who are government funded. Private sector web sites are not currently covered unless it is under contract or in relation to a Federal agency, in which case it must comply. We should, however, treat the private sector pages as though it is covered, as the Department of Justice (DOJ) is working on an amendment to include the private sector as accountable to the same minimum standards. There are definitions describing what websites in the private sector are accountable and which are not, however, it is safe to say that all educational institutions and all business web pages will be included as accountable.