A recent report on digital accessibility within the US federal government reveals that only one-third of the most-viewed Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) across federal agencies meet Section 508 compliance standards.
Section 508, an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act, mandates federal agencies to ensure that electronic and information technologies are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This law applies to everything from government websites to internal communication tools.
The FY24 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment, which evaluates the state of accessibility in federal agencies, shows a decrease in government-wide digital accessibility in 2024, citing insufficient staffing and resources as key barriers to achieving compliance. These challenges, the report notes, limit agencies’ ability to effectively test, remediate and enforce accessibility standards.
Gaps in accessibility compliance
The report found significant gaps in accessibility across various types of ICT including in 23% of public internet pages, 20% of intranet pages, 25% of public documents and 34% of videos. Commonly used tools by federal employees and the public ─ surveys, learning management systems, performance portals, video players and chat or messaging systems ─ also showed low conformance.
The report noted that half of the reporting agencies lacked resources to test their most-viewed ICT content and that while 70% of respondents performed Section 508 testing on their public internet web pages, only 41% perform testing on internal intranet websites as part of their standard practice year-round.
On a positive note, the report showed the percentage of agencies with a full-time Section 508 program manager increased to 33%, up from 28% in 2023, and found that more agencies reported high “maturity” ratings, which measure the development of 508 programs following increased investments in digital accessibility.
Recommendations for improvement
The report recommends agencies place greater emphasis on improving conformance and prioritizing testing, validation and accountability at every stage of the ICT lifecycle. It also suggests that Congress consider updating Section 508 to more clearly define who should follow its standards, update its terminology, strengthen the language for applicability to the current and future digital landscape and explore options to strengthen enforcement across the federal government.
“Overall, Section 508 compliance is low,” the report reads. “Enforcement through internal audits and accountability mechanisms, among others, would lead to overall improved Section 508 compliance. By strengthening leadership engagement and enhancing procurement practices, agencies can make measurable progress in digital accessibility compliance.”
Accessibility features in practice
Accessibility features like captions and audio description are critical tools for ensuring accessibility in government communications. Captions provide a textual representation of spoken dialogue, benefiting individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Audio descriptions narrate visual elements, making videos accessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Many government agencies already leveraging these and other access tools in a variety of applications, including:
- Public information and education: Agencies like the Center for Disease Control use captions and descriptions in health education videos to reach diverse audiences.
- Emergency communications: The Federal Emergency Management Agency incorporates captions and descriptions in emergency alerts to ensure critical information is accessible during crises.
- Public meetings: The U.S. Department of Education uses captions for public meetings, enabling broader participation.
- Training: Accessible e-learning modules promote inclusivity for federal employees with disabilities.
Leveraging AI for enhanced accessibility
Emerging technologies like Verbit’s Captivate™ and Gen.V™ are revolutionizing accessibility. Verbit’s solutions provide highly accurate, personalized captions and transcripts tailored to specific needs. AI-driven innovations such as meeting summaries, chaptering, and keyword suggestions are helping agencies make content more actionable and accessible. By incorporating these advanced tools, agencies can better meet the diverse needs of constituents while adhering to accessibility standards.
More than a legal requirement
Accessibility is more than a legal requirement; it is a cornerstone of inclusivity and public trust. Government agencies that prioritize accessibility demonstrate a commitment to equal access for all citizens. Verbit continues to support federal, state and local governments by delivering accurate captions, transcripts and audio descriptions for a wide range of needs. Reach out today for more information on how Verbit can help enhance digital accessibility.