Simple ways to achieve Section 508 Compliance

Explain Non-Text Elements

• Make sure that every non-text element on your page, including all images, Flash, video and audio files, has a text equivalent in the form of an alt description (for short text) or a longdesc attribute (for long text).

• Text equivalents can even be a written description positioned near the non-text element.

• Make sure your descriptions aren't too complex for simple elements but descriptive enough for complex elements.

• Purely aesthetic elements such as background images should include alt tag descriptions as well; you can leave them empty (alt= "") to signify that the image has no real purpose other than for visual affect but the tag should be there nonetheless.

Supplement Video and Audio Files

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  Every video you have on your website should be accompanied by "synchronized captions," which are essentially the same as subtitles you would see in a film or television program.

• They are referred to as "synchronized" because the words appear on the screen at the same time they would be heard.

• Every audio file you have on your website should also be accompanied by captions or if you prefer, transcripts.
  

• Captions and transcripts do not have to be accurate word-for-word, but they are expected to convey the same gist of the audio content; additionally, they can include "descriptions, explanations, or comments that may be beneficial."

Choose Your Colors Wisely

• Not everyone is capable of perceiving color in the same way! Be sure that if all of the color was removed from your website, its content would remain legible and equally significant. 

• Avoid highlighting certain parts of your page in one color to show emphasis (either positive or negative).

• Also, be sure to incorporate significant color contrast in your web design so different areas of your website are easily identified.

Create a Text-Only Version

• A text-only version of your website should be made accessible to everyone, and should contain the same information on your regular website. 

• Be sure to update your text-only version whenever you make changes to the content on your regular website, too.

Link-up your Plug-Ins

• Your website might offer certain content that requires an additional applet, plug-in or other supplementary program in order to run properly.

• Always include a link to where that plug-in or applet can be located and downloaded.

Make your Forms Functional

• If your website includes forms for registration, ordering, or anything of the sort, be sure that each field can be navigated by ways other than clicking with a mouse.
  

• Craft your forms so that all controls have text labels so a user can access all areas, including drop-down menus, using a keyboard and nothing else.

Cut to the Chase

• Not everyone can scroll through the boring stuff, so as a matter of convenience, make sure your website includes a link near the top of each page that will allow a user to skip "repetitive navigation links" and "lengthy lists of links" and get to the real meat of your page.

Give a Clear Head's Up

Odds and Ends

• Some other simple steps you can do to enhance the online experience of a person with disabilities is to opt for standalone media players rather than embedded ones - they tend to be more accessible in the long run.

• Make sure to provide an HTML text version of any PDF file you may offer on your website-readability is essential, and is often more accessible in an HTML version.

• Similarly, PowerPoint slide shows can be very informative, but not if users don't have access to the program on their computer. 

• Provide an HTML version of your PowerPoint files so they can be explored by all of your site visitors.

Now that you know some simple ways to spruce up your website for Section 508 compliance, check out more in-depth Section 508 resources you can use to increase knowledge.