Section 508 compliance

[Sky Captain]

I have a client who is asking for proof of Section 508 compliance.

Any tips? Is there an online (automated) checker I can submit my site to, or does it have to be reviewed by a human?

[HTMLBasicTutor]

The HiSoftware Cynthia Says portal is a web content accessibility validation solution. It is designed to identify errors in your content related to Section 508 standards and/or the WCAG guidelines. This free tool meant for educational purposes, is an online test which only validates one page at a time.

HiSoftware® Cynthia Says™ Portal

Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) Complete List of Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools

Section 508 Reference Guide Tools to Evaluate Section 508 Compliance

First, let us distinguish AT from tools that are designed to evaluate products for compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards. AT products are specifically designed to provide accessibility, not to serve as evaluation tools.

For example, screen reader software is designed to speak the information that would normally appear on a computer screen. Some screen readers do an admirable job of testing for compliance as they read the screen, but they should not be considered the "gold standard" for determining compliance. If a screen reader can read a page of an application correctly, this does not imply that the page is compliant. (Case in point: most screen readers will not detect color or blinking user interface elements.) Similarly, if the screen reader cannot read the page, this does not necessarily imply that the page is noncompliant.

Second, let us discuss the technicians who are performing the tests. Since the outcome of an evaluation could have a profound impact on the agency, each tester must be highly proficient with the evaluation tools. However, some evaluation tools are difficult to master. (One company admitted that their product was not easy to master and called it "software with an attitude".) The difficulty is compounded when more than one technician or more than one tool is required to ensure compliance.

[weegillis]

Who is your client's primary audience? Is there any chance that a visitor will be using assistive technology such as a screen reader, LYNX or JAWS? This determination will help to zero in on the aspects that must needs comply with the dictates of 508.

Next I would ask, is the client receiving government funding? If not, again, the dictates of 508 may not apply, or apply less stringently.

Even an automated test will not be able to judge conclusively how compliant a site (or document) is. It will still take a human to go down the list and make 'human checks.' As it stands, if you are familiar with the AAA scheme (recommendations), you will be able to go down the page and spot the issues. Most of the recommendations are common sense and are easy to incorporate in our day-to-day work.