What is ADA 508 compliance?
ADA 508 compliance website refers to conformity with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act. Organizations and businesses with 25 or more employees are subject to the ADA, and those with 15 or more employees must comply with Section 508.
The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, and telecommunications. It also requires that any newly constructed buildings that are leased by public entities be accessible, as well as any alternations to an existing building leased by a public entity.
On the other hand, Section 508 is a law requiring federal organizations and some federal contractors and suppliers to make their websites accessible. That includes making public documents available on the Internet, providing electronic and information technology, and providing web-based training and learning.
To comply with Section 508, you need to meet the Section 508 guidelines, which incorporate, by reference, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA Success Criteria, and apply the WCAG 2.0 Level AA success criteria and conformance requirements to both web and non-web electronic content.
Section 508 ADA compliance in finance
Any financial institution that serves the public should make learning about the obligations under the ADA a priority. Under the ADA’s Title III, banks and other financial institutions are mandated to give equal treatment to all their customers, regardless of whether they have disabilities or not. Section 508 extends this requirement into the digital space, which means that entities providing financial services through the digital space are required to not only pass the Section 508 compliance test but the ADA Title III requirements for financial institutions as well.
Section 508 ADA compliance in finance is critical. Being 508 ADA compliant means making your financial websites, apps, PDF documents, and other technologies used to deliver your financial services accessible to people with disabilities.
Some 508 ADA accessibility features include text captioning for videos, extending time limits for filling out information for all people so they have enough time to complete a given task before a time-out, removing effects that cause the screen to flicker at a high rate from all pages, support for assistive technologies like screen readers for people who have visual impairments, and the ability to fill out online forms using just a keyboard.
As a critical guide to ADA 508 compliance in finance, it is important to keep in mind that the number of interactive websites and mobile apps for customers is on the increase. Similarly, the number of branches of financial institutions is decreasing. This means that the vast majority of people, including those with disabilities, are relying on the Internet to make financial transactions. Performing an ADA 508 compliance test for every financial product or service you’re offering to the public helps to deliver inclusivity in your financial products and services.
Facts to keep in mind when designing for ADA 508 compliance in finance
Besides conforming to the established ADA Section 508 guidelines through the use of a credible ADA Section 508 checklist, when designing plans for ADA Section 508 compliance in finance, know that people with disabilities are in urgent need of accessible online financial services. You should also keep in mind that so many financial sector players have already been called out for having financial products or services that do not conform to ADA 508 compliance requirements.
Need help making your finance product or service ADA 508 compliant?
Promoting your financial products or services as inclusive offerings is a remarkable marketing move for your business. When you consider ADA 508 compliance in your financial offerings, do not view it as a hardship in making your financial digital properties accessible. That is because there are many benefits you’ll accrue from making the properties accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
For more insights and assistance with ADA 508 compliance in finance, reach out to ADACP at (626) 486-2201.
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