Section 508 Assurance Service
NIB launched a new service to address software, systems and website accessibility and usability conformance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 508 Assurance Service provides conformance and usability testing, validation, and remediation services for websites, portals and applications; electronic documents; and legacy applications.
Section 508, an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, mandates that all electronic and information technology (IT) systems, including websites, which are developed, procured, maintained or used by the federal government, must be accessible to people with disabilities.
The NIB 508 team not only checks for conformance with the law, but evaluates for usability. First, the team uses automated testing tools, then manual testing is conducted by a team of blind and sighted IT accessibility specialists using assistive technology.
NIB offers three levels of support, applicable not only to the federal government, but also to state and local governments, academic institutions and commercial companies:
Level 1: 508 Conformance and Usability Assessment
This basic level of service assesses an organization’s existing client and web-based applications, websites (Internet and extranet), and electronic documents to determine 508 conformance and usability by individuals with disabilities. A report details how the application meets Section 508 guidelines and includes a structured evaluation of the usability of the site, system or document by individuals with disabilities. The report identifies deficiencies and provides recommendations for remediation that may include process changes, use of alternative tools, or systemic application modifications.
Level 2: 508 Conformance and Usability Assessment and Remediation Project Management
In addition to the basic usability assessment, this service level includes assistance with implementing the recommended remediation activities.
Level 3: 508 Conformance and Usability System Development
Through this most comprehensive solution set, the NIB 508 team is engaged throughout the application development life cycle to ensure the integration of 508 conformance and usability standards at each step of the development process to complete the final application.
Section 508 compliance supports NIB’s mission of enhancing the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. Accessibility to systems, websites and technology levels the playing field for people who are blind, creating greater opportunities for career growth.
Click here to view the overview flyer (PDF format) with more details about NIB Section 508 Assurance Service.
Click here to view the flyer in MS Word format.
To learn more about NIB Section 508 Assurance Service, call 1-866-573-3748 or email services@nib.org.
