Crunch Time: How to Meet the Section 508 Accessibility Reporting Deadline for US Government Websites by August 11, 2023

If you own or operate a website used by the US federal government, you need to ensure it’s accessible to people with disabilities. This legal requirement is mandated by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The law requires that all electronic and information technology (ICT) used by federal agencies be accessible to people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, or physical disabilities.

What is Section 508?

Section 508 is a federal law that requires that electronic and information technology used by federal agencies be accessible to people with disabilities. It was enacted in 1998 and applies to all federal agencies, including those contracting with the government. The law mandates that federal agencies provide people with disabilities access to information comparable to those available to people without disabilities.

What is the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023?

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (HR 2617) is a recent law aimed at driving increased accountability for and transparency around compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To accomplish this, Section 752 of the act establishes a timeline for agencies to begin reporting on the accessibility of their information and communications technology (ICT) for people of all abilities.

What is the Reporting Deadline?

All federal agencies must submit their responses to a 105-item questionnaire focused on the accessibility of their ICT by August 11, 2023. The questionnaire was released on April 7, 2023, by the General Services Administration (GSA). Federal agencies that fail to complete the assessment by the deadline will be listed as non-responsive.

Who is Required to Report Under Section 508?

All federal agencies are required to report under Section 508. This includes agencies that contract with the government. It’s important to note that the reporting requirement applies to all electronic and information technology (ICT) used by federal agencies, including websites, software, and other digital tools.

How to Know if Your Website Falls Under Section 508?

If you operate a website that’s used by the federal government, then it falls under Section 508. This includes websites used by federal agencies, as well as websites used by contractors and other entities that do business with the government. If you’re unsure whether your website falls under Section 508, consult an accessibility expert. Accessiblu.com can assist you in understanding Section 508 compliance requirements.

What are the Section 508 Compliance Requirements?

Under Section 508, federal agencies must ensure that their electronic and information technology (ICT) is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes ensuring that websites are compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies and that videos and other multimedia content are captioned and described for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

How to Meet the Section 508 Reporting Requirements?

Meeting the Section 508 reporting requirements can be a daunting task. However, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you meet the reporting requirements and avoid penalties for non-compliance.

Step 1: Understand the Reporting Requirements

The first step in meeting the Section 508 reporting requirements is understanding what’s required. The 105-item questionnaire released by the GSA provides a detailed list of questions that federal agencies must answer. The questions cover a wide range of topics, including website accessibility, video accessibility, and procurement practices.

Step 2: Assess Your ICT

The next step in meeting the Section 508 reporting requirements is to assess your electronic and information technology (ICT). This includes reviewing your websites, software, and other digital tools to ensure they’re accessible to people with disabilities. You may need to change your ICT to ensure compliance with Section 508.

Step 3: Complete the Questionnaire

Once you’ve assessed your ICT, you can begin completing the 105-item questionnaire. The questionnaire is designed to provide federal agencies with a way to report on their compliance with Section 508. It’s important to answer each question accurately and thoroughly to avoid penalties for non-compliance. The questionnaire is in the form of an Excel spreadsheet and can be downloaded from the GSA Section 508 FAQ page.

Step 4: Submit Your Responses

After completing the questionnaire, you must submit your responses using the online portal by the August 11, 2023 deadline. The GSA will review and use your responses to evaluate your agency’s compliance with Section 508. You may be penalized for non-compliance if your answers are incomplete or inaccurate.

If you don’t have a link, reach out to the point of contact for your government agency, or email the GSA Government-wide IT Accessibility team at Section.508@gsa.gov

Why is Section 508 Compliance Important?

Section 508 compliance is important for several reasons. First, it’s a legal requirement for all federal agencies, including those contracting with the government. Failure to comply with Section 508 can result in penalties, including fines and legal action.

Second, Section 508 compliance is important because it ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to information and services provided by the federal government. This is an important goal that promotes fairness and equality for all Americans.

Conclusion

Meeting the Section 508 reporting requirements can be a complex and challenging task. However, it’s an important task that’s required by law. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your agency complies with Section 508 and avoid penalties for non-compliance. If you have any questions or need assistance with Section 508 compliance, contact Accessiblu.com for help.