The Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA]
What is ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] of 1990 gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications.
ADA Guidelines for the Web cover aspects of Web accessibility including the look and feel of your page, the alternate text of your images, and more. Usable Web sites are sites that work for your readers. Make sure that your pages are accessible and usable and meet ADA and other Guidelines and your site will only be improved.
What is Section 508?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, they shall ensure that this technology allows:
- Federal employees with disabilities to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency, and
- Individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal agency, to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to the public who are not individuals with disabilities.
Section 508 covers
- Software applications and operating systems
- Web-based information or applications
- Telecommunications products
- Video or multi-media products
- Self contained, closed products such as information kiosks and transaction machines
- Desktop and portable computers
For more information over Section 508 Standards, visit:
http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=12
http://www.access-board.gov/508.htm
http://webaim.org/standards/508/checklist