508 accessibility refers to federal regulations for accessibility for people with disabilities. Specifically, 508 accessibility relates to accessibility online for individuals with disabilities.
What is 508 Accessibility?
508 accessibility refers to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This section of a federal law has been amended to apply to information technology, such as an organization's website.
Specifically, 508 accessibility regulations apply to federal agencies. 508 accessibility regulations state that a federal agency's website must be structured in a way that makes the website's information and features equally accessible for individuals with disabilities as it is for people without disabilities.
There are specific guidelines that must be met in order for a website to be compliant with 508 accessibility standards.
Do Businesses Have to Comply With 508 Accessibility Regulations?
All businesses with over 15 employees must comply with federal regulations regarding website accessibility for individuals with disabilities. While 508 accessibility regulations specifically apply to federal agencies, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been modified to set website accessibility requirements for businesses.
Businesses must make their websites equally accessible for people with disabilities as their website is for people without disabilities. Similar to how businesses must have accessibility features for customers with disabilities to enter their store or office, such as wheelchair ramps or elevators, a business website must also be accessible for people with disabilities.
ADA Compliant Website Requirements
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Business news publications have described website accessibility lawsuits as "arguably the fastest growing type of litigation in New York state." While this may be the case, website accessibility lawsuits relate to federal regulations. This means that a business can be sued for their website failing to meet ADA website accessibility standards no matter where they do business in the United States.
There is legal precedent for lawsuits related to ADA website accessibility. For example, a court ruled that burger chain Five Guys must make their website compliant with accessibility features. This legal decision was made after an individual with a disability sued the restaurant for their online ordering system not being equally accessible for individuals with disabilities compared to individuals without disabilities.
These website accessibility lawsuits can be costly, especially for small or medium sized businesses.
In addition to being vulnerable to costly litigation, businesses that fail to meet ADA website accessibility standards could be vulnerable to non-compliance fees.
Comply with 508 Accessibility or ADA Website Accessibility Requirements. Contact Us Today.
For as long as website accessibility regulations have been enforced, ACS Web Design and SEO has been the trusted partner when organizations need to update their website for compliance.
ACS Web Design and SEO has helped businesses from a wide variety of industries upgrade their website in a way that meets applicable website accessibility regulations. We have a comprehensive understanding of website accessibility guidelines, using this knowledge to help our clients get on the right side of the law.
Take the first step toward website accessibility compliance.
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