Everyone deserves the chance to demonstrate their skills, abilities, and talents. However, people with disabilities are often prevented from applying for jobs or having the same opportunities at work because of inaccessible technology and digital content. Imagine, for example, trying to fill out an online job application, but the text is too small for you to read it or not being able to participate in a virtual training because you cannot hear the audio. This is too often a reality for people with disabilities because of a lack of digital accessibility.
Why Digital Accessibility Matters for Federal Agencies
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires federal agencies to ensure information and communication technology (ICT), such as websites and applications, and digital content, including electronic documents and videos, are accessible and useable for people with disabilities. This is also known as digital accessibility, which means that anyone can use the technology or access the information, regardless of how much vision they have, how much they can hear, whether or not they can use their hands, or how they process information.
Compliance is not the only reason federal agencies should prioritize accessibility of ICT and digital content. An agency-wide commitment to digital accessibility must be part of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts if they are truly going to be meaningful and impactful. Agencies also risk missing out on top talent with disabilities if ICT and digital content are not accessible.
Four Ways Federal Agencies Can Champion Digital Accessibility
Agency-wide digital accessibility does not just happen. It takes commitment from employees at all levels, including leadership. Having at least one accessibility champion at the leadership level is vital for ensuring digital accessibility is an agency priority from the top down. It is also important to note that accessibility should not just be a priority for leadership – everyone must do their part to support it. Below are four ways federal agencies can demonstrate their commitment to Section 508 compliance and digital accessibility.
1. Make Digital Accessibility Everyone’s Responsibility
Agency-wide digital accessibility requires all employees to understand their role in supporting it and have the resources and training to do so. While some agencies have a dedicated Section 508 program manager, research indicates that many federal agencies lack the staff resources and expertise to effectively and efficiently support Section 508 compliance. Findings from the General Services Administration (GSA) FY 23 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment indicate that the Federal Government as a whole is not meeting the minimum standard or legal obligation to provide equal access to all members of the public and federal employees with disabilities. One reason for this lack of compliance is that resources for Section 508 programs are low across the Federal Government. More than a third (37.3%) of reporting entities indicated that they have less than one full-time employee (FTE) devoted to Section 508 compliance.
Even if an agency has a dedicated Section 508 program manager, it is still important that all employees take responsibility for making sure the content and documents they are creating, including emails and presentations, are accessible for everyone. Leadership should communicate the agency’s commitment to accessibility whenever possible and model the behavior they want staff to emulate by ensuring all of their communication is accessible. Agency leaders can support this commitment by sharing information about why accessibility is important, including by using storytelling techniques to drive home the message, such as highlighting the personal experiences of employees with disabilities.
Creating a culture of accessibility also requires developing and maintaining an agency-wide accessibility plan and regularly sharing resources that support accessibility, such as the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) guidance on strengthening digital accessibility and GSA’s resources on supporting Section 508 compliance. Finally, tying accessibility goals to performance measures for managers and supervisors will help ensure accountability.
2. Teach the Basics to Build in Digital Accessibility from the Start
Everyone in your agency should have at least a basic understanding of digital accessibility, for example, how to write an email or create a PowerPoint presentation that is accessible. Staff members with certain roles, such as web content development or procurement, may need more in-depth training. Training for document originators (meaning anyone who creates documents such as fact sheets or reports) can also be beneficial. Providing digital accessibility training on an ongoing basis is an important component of agency workforce development; it helps ensure everyone understands accessibility basics and knows what role they play in supporting Section 508 compliance and digital accessibility.
Resources that Support Staff Training on Digital Accessibility
- The Partnership on Employment and Accessible Technology (PEAT) offers a number of helpful staff training resources to ensure your staff understands accessibility basics, including to ensure accessibility of social media, videos, emails, documents, virtual presentations, and web content.
- Disability:IN also offers informative resources on digital accessibility.
- GSA’s Section 508.gov has a list of available online training on Section 508 compliance and digital accessibility
3. Celebrate Accessibility
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is annual event held on the third Thursday in May to encourage individuals and organizations to talk, think, and learn about digital access and inclusion. What started as an idea shared in a blog post written by a web developer is now a global celebration of accessibility. This year, GAAD takes place on May 16. Celebrate by hosting an agency-wide celebration, conducting accessibility training, or bringing in digital accessibility experts as guest speakers for a Brown Bag session or Lunch and Learn. Check out the GAAD website for more ideas about how to participate and spread awareness about the importance of digital accessibility.
4. Get Outside Help
There is no reason to have to go it alone when it comes to digital accessibility and Section 508 compliance. Of course, every employee has a role to play, but bringing in outside experts for training, consulting, and support is an important option to consider.
Applied Development’s Section 508 Compliance Services can help your agency ensure accessibility of everything from online documents to entire websites. Our digital accessibility services include:
Ready to learn more about how Applied Development’s Section 508 compliance services can support your agency’s digital accessibility efforts? Contact us for a free comprehensive consultation.