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508 Accessibility Testing

Unlock Inclusivity and Compliance: Why 508 Accessibility is Good for Business and Everyone

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Ensure your digital content is accessible to everyone by prioritizing 508 accessibility testing. Compliance with Section 508, WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is not just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about creating inclusive experiences for all users, including those with disabilities. By conducting thorough 508 accessibility testing, you improve usability, enhance customer satisfaction, and reach a wider audience. Accessible websites and applications reduce barriers, increase engagement, and protect your business from costly legal issues. Don’t just comply—lead the way with a fully accessible and user-friendly digital presence.

There are several important legal reasons to conduct 508 accessibility testing for websites, applications, and digital content, particularly to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and avoid legal risks:

  1. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (Federal Requirement): Section 508 mandates that federal agencies must make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. If your business provides services to the federal government, non-compliance with Section 508 could lead to contract loss, penalties, or exclusion from government procurement.
  2. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA requires that businesses and organizations that serve the public ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities. Many courts have interpreted websites and digital services as “places of public accommodation,” meaning non-compliant websites could result in lawsuits, fines, and significant legal costs.
  3. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): WCAG forms the global standard for web accessibility. While not a law itself, many legal frameworks, including Section 508 and ADA, reference WCAG compliance as a guideline. Failure to meet WCAG standards may lead to lawsuits, especially for businesses with a large online presence.
  4. Risk of Legal Action: Many businesses have faced lawsuits for inaccessible digital content under ADA Title III, which applies to public-facing businesses. Plaintiffs can claim discrimination if they cannot access or use your website or digital service, leading to expensive litigation, settlements, and reputational damage.
  5. Preventing Costly Retrofitting: Failing to incorporate accessibility into your digital services from the outset can result in the need for costly redesigns later to address compliance issues. Conducting 508 testing proactively helps avoid legal complications and saves money in the long run.

By adhering to accessibility laws through 508 testing, your business minimizes legal risks, avoids potential lawsuits, and ensures that your digital offerings are inclusive to all users, including those with disabilities.

Our testing service includes the follow:

  • Automated Testing: Scans websites or apps using tools to detect accessibility issues like missing alt text, improper heading structures, and color contrast problems.
  • Manual Testing: Human evaluators assess usability by navigating content using keyboards, screen readers, and other assistive technologies.
  • Screen Reader Testing: Ensures content is fully navigable and understandable using screen reading software for visually impaired users.
  • Keyboard-Only Testing: Verifies that all interactive elements, forms, and navigation are accessible without the use of a mouse.
  • Color Contrast Testing: Checks if text and background colors meet minimum contrast ratios for readability by users with visual impairments.
  • Forms and Interactive Elements Testing: Ensures forms, buttons, and other interactive elements are labeled properly and function seamlessly with assistive technologies.
  • PDF Accessibility Testing: Confirms that PDFs are properly tagged, structured, and navigable by screen readers and other accessibility tools.
  • Mobile Accessibility Testing: Evaluates the accessibility of apps and mobile websites, ensuring usability for all on handheld devices.

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