Federal agencies face challenges in meeting Section 508 digital accessibility standards
Despite longstanding mandates, federal agencies continue to struggle with ensuring their digital platforms meet accessibility standards set forth in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The General Services Administration’s (GSA) Fiscal Year 2024 Government-wide Section 508 Assessment found persistent gaps in compliance, drawing upon the need for enhanced efforts to achieve digital inclusivity.
What is Section 508?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. This includes software applications, web content, telecommunications products, multimedia, and self-contained products like kiosks. The law mandates that EIT be accessible to both federal employees and members of the public, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to information comparable to that available to others.
Key findings from the assessment
- Stagnant Conformance Rates: The assessment reveals minimal progress in accessibility conformance, with only 23% of top-visited public websites and 20% of intranet pages fully meeting Section 508 standards.
- Resource Constraints: Limited staffing and resources are identified as significant barriers, with 37.3% of agencies reporting less than one full-time employee dedicated to Section 508 compliance.
- Inconsistent Procurement Practices: Nearly half of the agencies do not consistently verify the accessibility of procured products and services, even when accessibility requirements are included in procurement solicitations.
Recommendations
The GSA recommends that agencies:
- Integrate accessibility into ICT lifecycle: Embed accessibility considerations throughout the technology lifecycle, from planning and procurement to development and testing.
- Enhance training and resource allocation: Invest in comprehensive training programs and allocate sufficient resources to support accessibility initiatives.
- Strengthen procurement processes: Ensure procurement practices include rigorous verification of accessibility compliance to meet contractual requirements.
By implementing these strategies, federal agencies can move towards ensuring that their digital platforms are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, fulfilling the intent of Section 508 and promoting digital equity.
