Section 508 Standards Summary
General (Subpart A)
The standards define the types of
technology covered and set forth provisions that establish a minimum level of
accessibility. The application section (1194.2) outlines the scope and coverage
of the standards. The standards cover the full range of electronic and
information technologies in the Federal sector, including those used for
communication, duplication, computing, storage, presentation, control, transport
and production. This includes computers, software, networks, peripherals and
other types of electronic office equipment. The standards define
electronic
and information technology, in part, as "any equipment or
interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the creation,
conversion, or duplication of data or information."
Subpart A also explains what is exempt (1194.3),
defines terms (1194.4), and generally recognizes alternatives to what is
required that provide equal or greater access (1194.5). Consistent with the law,
the standards exempt systems used for military command, weaponry, intelligence,
and cryptologic activities (but not routine business and administrative systems
used for other defense-related purposes or by defense agencies or personnel).
The standards also exempt "back office" equipment used only by service
personnel for maintenance, repair, or similar purposes.
The standards cover technology procured by Federal
agencies under contract with a private entity, but apply only to those
products directly relevant to the contract and its deliverables. An exception
clarifies that the standards do not apply to technology that is incidental to a
Federal contract. Thus, those products that are not specified as part of a
contract with a Federal agency would not have to comply with the standards. For
example, a firm that produces a report for a Federal agency under a contract
would not have to procure accessible computers and word processing software even
if they were used exclusively for the contract; however, compliance would be
required if such products were to become the property of the Federal agency as
contract deliverables or if the Federal agency purchased the products to be used
by the contractor as part of the project. If a Federal agency contracts with a
firm to develop its web site, the standards would apply to the new web site for
the agency but not to the firm's own web site.
Technical Standards (Subpart B)
The standards provide criteria specific
to various types of technologies, including:
- software applications and operating systems
- web-based information or applications
- telecommunication products
- video and multimedia products
- self contained, closed products (e.g.,
information kiosks, calculators, and fax machines)
- desktop and portable computers
This section provides technical specifications
and performance-based requirements, which focus on the functional capabilities
of covered technologies. This dual approach recognizes the dynamic and
continually evolving nature of the technology involved as well as the need for
clear and specific standards to facilitate compliance. Certain provisions are
designed to ensure compatibility with adaptive equipment people with
disabilities commonly use for information and communication access, such as
screen readers, Braille displays, and TTYs.
Software Applications and Operating Systems (1194.21)
Most of the specifications for software
pertain to usability for people with vision impairments. For example, one
provision requires alternative keyboard navigation, which is essential for
people with vision impairments who cannot rely on pointing devices, such as a
mouse. Other provisions address animated displays, color and contrast
settings, flash rate, and electronic forms, among others.
Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and
Applications (1194.22)
The criteria for web-based technology and
information are based on access guidelines developed by the Web Accessibility
Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium. Many of these provisions ensure
access for people with vision impairments who rely on various assistive products
to access computer-based information, such as screen readers, which translate
what's on a computer screen into automated audible output, and refreshable
Braille displays. Certain conventions, such as verbal tags or identification of
graphics and format devices, like frames, are necessary so that these devices
can "read" them for the user in a sensible way. The standards do not
prohibit the use of web site graphics or animation. Instead, the standards aim
to ensure that such information is also available in an accessible format.
Generally, this means use of text labels or descriptors for graphics and certain
format elements. (HTML code already provides an "Alt Text" tag for
graphics which can serve as a verbal descriptor for graphics). This section also
addresses the usability of multimedia presentations, image maps, style sheets,
scripting languages, applets and plug-ins, and electronic forms.
The standards apply to Federal web sites but not
to private sector web sites (unless a site is provided under contract to a
Federal agency, in which case only that web site or portion covered by the
contract would have to comply). Accessible sites offer significant advantages
that go beyond access. For example, those with "text-only" options
provide a faster downloading alternative and can facilitate transmission of
web-based data to cell phones and personal digital assistants.
Telecommunications Products (1194.23)
The criteria of this section are designed
primarily to ensure access to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This
includes compatibility with hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening
devices, and TTYs. TTYs are devices that enable people with hearing or speech
impairments to communicate over the telephone; they typically include an
acoustic coupler for the telephone handset, a simplified keyboard, and a visible
message display. One requirement calls for a standard non-acoustic TTY
connection point for telecommunication products that allow voice communication
but that do provide TTY functionality. Other specifications address adjustable
volume controls for output, product interface with hearing technologies, and the
usability of keys and controls by people who may have impaired vision or limited
dexterity or motor control.
Video or Multimedia Products (1194.24)
Multimedia products involve more than one
media and include, but are not limited to, video programs, narrated slide
production, and computer generated presentations. Provisions address caption
decoder circuitry (for any system with a screen larger than 13 inches) and
secondary audio channels for television tuners, including tuner cards for use in
computers. The standards also require captioning and audio description for
certain training and informational multimedia productions developed or procured
by Federal agencies. The standards also provide that viewers be able to turn
captioning or video description features on or off.
Self Contained, Closed Products (1194.25)
This section covers products that
generally have imbedded software but are often designed in such a way that a
user cannot easily attach or install assistive technology. Examples include
information kiosks, information transaction machines, copiers, printers,
calculators, fax machines, and similar types of products. The standards require
that access features be built into the system so users do not have to attach an
assistive device to it. Other specifications address mechanisms for private
listening (handset or a standard headphone jack), touchscreens, auditory output
and adjustable volume controls, and location of controls in accessible reach
ranges.
Desktop and Portable Computers (1194.26)
This section focuses on keyboards and
other mechanically operated controls, touch screens, use of biometric form of
identification, and ports and connectors.
Functional Performance Criteria (Subpart C)
The performance requirements of this
section are intended for overall product evaluation and for technologies or
components for which there is no specific requirement under the technical
standards in Subpart B. These criteria are designed to ensure that the
individual accessible components work together to create an accessible product.
They cover operation, including input and control functions, operation of
mechanical mechanisms, and access to visual and audible information. These
provisions are structured to allow people with sensory or physical disabilities
to locate, identify, and operate input, control and mechanical functions and to
access the information provided, including text, static or dynamic images,
icons, labels, sounds or incidental operating cues. For example, one provision
requires that at least one mode allow operation by people with low vision
(visual acuity between 20/70 and 20/200) without relying on audio input since
many people with low vision may also have a hearing loss.
Information, Documentation, and Support (Subpart
D)
The standards also address access to all
information, documentation, and support provided to end users (e.g.,
Federal employees) of covered technologies. This includes user guides,
installation guides for end-user installable devices, and customer support and
technical support communications. Such information must be available in
alternate formats upon request at no additional charge. Alternate formats or
methods of communication, can include Braille, cassette recordings, large print,
electronic text, Internet postings, TTY access, and captioning and audio
description for video materials.