508 Web Requirements
The following 15 Steps to Website Accessibility provide
a framework to use when checking a website for Section 508
compliance. This is simply a more common language form of
the standard 508 requirements. For a complete list of the
508 Standards, including the official text of the Web Requirements,
please visit http://www.section508.gov.
15 Steps to Website Accessibility
- Make sure all images, graphs, and other non-text items
have a text equivalent.
- Provide synchronized captions for all video, as well
as captions or a transcript of audio content.
- Do not use color as the only way to convey information.
- You can use style sheets for layout, but the page must
still make sense without them.
- When using images as links, for example a drop down menu,
make sure each link (as well as the overall image) has
alt text describing the destination. Avoid using
server-side image maps. If you do use server-side
image maps, be sure to provide separate identical text
links to access the same content.
- Label column and row headers in a data table. Try
to avoid using tables for layout purposes, but if you do
then do not label headers.
- Make sure all cells in the table are associated with
the appropriate headers. When the table is set-up correctly,
screen readers can navigate through data tables one cell
at a time, and they will hear the column and row headers
spoken to them.
- Be sure to give each frame a title that identifies its
purpose.
- Avoid any graphics, animations, movies, or other objects
which have strobing, flickering, or flashing effects.
- Use a text-only alternative only as a last resort,
and be sure to keep it up to date with other content.
- When using scripts, make sure all text within the script
is provided as text or alt text and that any interaction
can be achieved with a keyboard.
- Be sure to include a link to any applet or plug-in required
to access content on the same page as the content. For
example: Adobe Reader. The plug-in itself must meet
more specific requirements, which can be found in the official
requirement.
- If a form can be filled out online by a user, all aspects
of the form must be made accessible. This includes
labels for each field, as well as ensuring the form can
be filled out using a keyboard.
- Include a way for the user to immediately skip to the
main content of the page.
- When a timed response is required, alert the user and
give sufficient time for them to indicate that more time
is needed.
Last Modified: 09/05/2008
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