5 Signs Your Organization Needs a 508 Specialist
Encompassing accessibility principles isn't solely about fulfilling legalities—it's fundamentally a commitment to inclusivity. Establishing full compliance with Section 508— the governmental standard for digital accessibility— can be a daunting task for many groups. Accessibility spans across various digital domains, including websites, applications, documents, and workflows, and necessitates specialized knowledge, skills, and resources that often aren’t available in-house. Fortunately, a 508 Specialist provides a viable solution.
But how do you determine if your organization needs one? In this article, we delve into five distinct signals that suggest it may be time to reach out to a Section 508 compliance expert. These signs will guide you, whether you're a federal contractor, a government body, or an accessibility coordinator, in discerning when expert assistance is essential to maintain compliance and foster an inclusive digital environment.
What is a 508 Specialist?
A 508 specialist is an accessibility savant entrusted with the task of aligning digital content with the guidelines laid down under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. They undertake technical evaluations, conduct accessibility audits, oversee policies, and educate team members on compliance best practices.
Rather than merely satisfying compliance requirements, 508 specialists focus on curating content and establishing platforms that provide a smooth experience for individuals with disabilities. They efficiently cooperate with assistive technologies like screen readers, confirm the proper formatting of documents, and carry out stringent testing to expose any shortcomings in accessibility.
Now, let's delve into the indicators that suggest a specialist may be needed.
Signal #1: Rising Accessibility Complaints
A spike in complaints regarding inaccessible content is a significant red flag. For instance, users may be having difficulty reading your website's PDFs due to a lack of proper tagging. Reviews might also pinpoint issues like videos without captions, color contrasts that render the text unreadable, or navigation systems incompatible with screen readers.
A 508 specialist can swiftly address these concerns, prioritizing remedies and devising strategies to eliminate such complaints in the future.
Signal #2: Legal or Contractual Compliance Obligations
Federal agencies and contractors must comply with Section 508. Failure to do so could result in hefty fines, contract terminations, or damage to the organization's reputation.
A 508 specialist ensures that compliance is integrated into your workflow right from the inception stage, minimizing risks and ensuring your organization is always prepared to meet contractual obligations.
Signal #3: Non-Compliant Documents and Websites
Non-compliance may not always be visible immediately. A 508 specialist conducts thorough audits to efficiently identify and rectify such loopholes, thereby saving you the hassle and cost of retroactively addressing compliance issues.
Signal #4: Lack of In-House Expertise
Nailing digital accessibility requires in-depth understanding and up-to-date knowledge. A 508 specialist stays abreast of legal standards, emerging technologies, and best practices, ensuring your organization is always one step ahead.
Signal #5: Expanding Digital Presence
If your organization is launching new ventures or expanding its digital services, a 508 specialist ensures that accessibility principles grow in tandem.
Conclusion
Accessibility and compliance embody more than just legal obligations. It's about pledging inclusion. A 508 specialist provides the expertise, tools, and strategies to navigate these challenges efficiently.
Is your organization prepared to prioritize accessibility and compliance? Connect with a 508 specialist today to assess your readiness and help create a roadmap to success. We're here to make your content accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Make the call now and step up to accessibility excellence!