Introduction
As 2024 draws to a close, we are taking a moment to reflect on a year of significant progress and challenges in the realm of digital accessibility and compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. This year has been marked by technological advancements, policy shifts, and a growing commitment from organizations to create an inclusive digital landscape for all users, including those with disabilities.
Advancements in Technology
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Accessibility Tools: AI continued to transform the accessibility landscape in 2024. From advanced screen readers powered by machine learning to real-time transcription services, AI-driven tools became more sophisticated, offering greater independence and functionality for users with disabilities. For instance, several tech companies introduced updates to their AI models to improve alt-text generation and ensure compatibility with assistive technologies. However, even though AI tools have improved greatly, the “human touch” is still essential to ensure full accessibility.
Accessible Design Innovations: An increased focus on utilizing universal design principles helped power a surge in creativity and collaboration between developers and accessibility advocates. New frameworks and design tools emphasized designing with accessibility in mind from the start, making it easier for organizations to comply with Section 508 standards and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Section 508 Policy and Regulation Updates
The Section 508 Refresh Act: In July, Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced a bill to revise the current Section 508 Standards. The Section 508 Refresh Act would require federal agencies to take several steps to ensure people with disabilities can use federal technology, including websites. Although the bill is in the early stages of the legislative process, revising current Section 508 standards could help strengthen and reinvigorate federal digital accessibility efforts.
Strengthened Enforcement of Section 508: This year saw a continued focus on enforcement of Section 508 standards across federal agencies as part of the Biden Administration’s Executive Order 14035: Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce. Regular audits and stricter reporting requirements encouraged agencies to prioritize accessibility in their digital services.
The General Services Administration’s (GSA) Revised 508 Standards Roadmap provided clear guidelines for improving web accessibility and fostering a culture of inclusion in the federal sector. Although a 2023 GSA assessment of Section 508 compliance across the Federal Government found there was still a lot of work to be done, GSA’s efforts to create and disseminate federal-wide resources and guidance have helped support understanding and enforcement of Section 508 standards in order to ensure federal resources are accessible for everyone.
International Collaboration: Global efforts to harmonize accessibility standards gained traction in 2024. The U.S. partnered with international organizations to align Section 508 with the European Union’s EN 301 549 standard, facilitating greater consistency in accessibility practices worldwide.
Growing Awareness and Advocacy
The voices of disability advocates continued to drive meaningful change. Grassroots campaigns and social media movements raised awareness about digital accessibility gaps, encouraging companies to invest in more inclusive digital experiences.
Challenges to Overcome
While progress has been significant, challenges remain, including:
- Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Many organizations still struggle with understanding and implementing accessibility standards. Training and education initiatives must continue to expand to ensure that accessibility is understood at all levels.
- Keeping Pace with Technology: As technology evolves, so do the complexities of ensuring accessibility. Emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) pose new challenges for accessibility compliance, requiring ongoing research and development.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we step into 2025, the momentum for digital accessibility and Section 508 compliance is stronger than ever. Organizations must continue to prioritize accessibility in their digital transformation strategies, fostering a culture that values inclusion and equity. By staying informed, leveraging new technologies, and listening to the insights of the disability community, we can create a more accessible world for everyone. At Applied Development, we remain committed to advancing digital accessibility and helping organizations meet and exceed Section 508 compliance standards. Let’s continue to work together to make 2025 a year of even greater inclusion and progress! If your agency needs support to understand and comply with Section 508 standards, contact us to learn more about our Section 508 compliance services.