Section 508 Compliance And E-Learning

Accessibility  Accessible website and course design benefits a wide range of audiences. First and foremost, web accessibility provides individuals with disabilities equally effective access to electronic and information technology. It has been proven that accessible website and course design also benefits other audiences as well.

1998, Rehabilitation Act Amendment  In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and strengthened provisions covering access to information in the Federal sector.  Revisions included ensuring access to information by Federal employees and the public

The amended section 508 requires:  covered entities to provide effective (accessible) communication through print, audio, and computerized media  coverage to include all types of electronic and information technology, including telecommunications, software applications, operating systems, video, computers, web-based intranet and internet information  that access not be limited to assistive technologies used by people with disabilities  all Federal agencies to comply when they develop, procure, maintain or communicate when using technology

Section 508  Provides specific instructions that must be followed when creating web-based content.  For example, Section 508 requires that every non-text element (image, chart, graph, audio, video, animation, etc.) must be accompanied by a text or audio equivalent for those who are not able to see, hear or otherwise access the non-text element.

Does Section 508 Apply to Academic Institutions As Well?  It does not automatically apply to state institutions of higher education, even if they receive federal funding  It does apply when states receive funding through Federal Assistive Technology Grants For instance………  Georgia Board of Regents (BOR) receives Federal Assistive Technology funds  Therefore, GA BOR institutions are required to ensure that electronic and information technology is accessible to individuals with disabilities to comply with section 508

Who Must Comply?  Anyone within the university system who is involved in the development, maintenance, procurement or utilization of electronic and information technology, including but not limited to:  Academic Community  Procurement Personnel  Website and Application Developers  Digital Media Designers  Instructional Technologists  IT Professionals…….and more  Essentially, Section 508 is everyone’s responsibility.

 Georgia’s Assistive Technology Program is operated by Georgia Institute of Technology  It is dedicated to increasing access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) devices and services for Georgians of all ages and disabilities so they can live, learn, work and play independently and with greater freedom in communities of their choice. 

Test Your Own Accessibility  Document testing  Website testing -  

References  Higher Education, The Americans with Disabilities Act and Section ans_with_disabilities_act_and_section_508 ans_with_disabilities_act_and_section_508  Section 508 opening door to It: Resources for understanding and implementing Section 508. Retrieved March 11, 2015, from  Tools for Life. Retrieved March 11, 2015, from