A recent assessment by the General Services Administration (GSA) unveiled an unfortunate reality – federal government websites are still failing to meet the requirements of well-established accessibility legislation. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which is now over two decades old, creates standards for digital accessibility in federal spaces. Yet, the GSA’s report exposed widespread non-compliance and persistent challenges in adhering to this essential accessibility law.
Today, digital platforms and content often provide the primary gateway for citizens to access critical information and services. When websites aren’t accessible, individuals with disabilities face barriers that hinder their ability to obtain essential services and engage with governmental processes. An accessible digital landscape not only aligns with legal obligations but also reflects the core values of a government that strives to serve all constituents equitably. As the results of the recent audit circulate, officials at every agency should be looking into ways to improve their online accessibility so that all citizens have access to the resources they need.
The Audit Results in Numbers
The GSA performs regular automated accessibility audits on government websites. The reports consistently show that government agencies’ websites aren’t meeting the required standards. Here are a few takeaways from this year’s report.
- Many sites have one or more issues
- Of the most commonly visited sites, fewer than three in ten meet legal standards
- 75% are either at or below minimum compliance levels
Frustratingly, many of the issues that impact the accessibility of government websites are simple to fix. Though quick remedies exist, these barriers persist and can make it difficult or even impossible for some to fully access services. For example, one of the issues identified in the audit is missing alt text — an oversight that’s an easy fix for any content creator.
What the GSA Advises
As a part of its report, the GSA offered insights into ways the government and agencies could improve digital accessibility, including:
Update Section 508
The report recommends updating the law to include a clear definition of the agencies and organizations that must adhere to Section 508. Additionally, it states that the law needs updated language and terminology that better addresses today’s digital landscape and future technological developments.
Proactive enforcement of Section 508
According to the report, more proactive enforcement would result in more accessible digital assets and content. Currently, agencies are reactionary, leading to lower compliance.
Prioritize high-use products
While government agencies should be improving accessibility across the board, prioritizing those assets that more people use will have the greatest impact. For instance, resources should first go toward improving assets that all agencies use, like survey tools.
Better self-enforcement
Agencies should have internal individuals or teams that oversee accessibility and Section 508 compliance. Improving self-enforcement would lead to more proactive remediation of accessibility barriers.
Increase the accountability of leaders
Including accessibility metrics and reporting standards in the evaluation of leaders would incentivize a greater focus on inclusive digital spaces. As a result, leaders in all agencies may boost overall accessibility performance.
Perform more testing of solutions and vendors
Better vendor screening through both automated and manual accessibility checks can improve the deliverables that agencies receive. Pre-checking these tools offers an opportunity to troubleshoot and fix issues before the barriers impact end-users.
Require training on Section 508
Section 508 training, especially for employees who often create content or work on digital projects, can improve their ability to create accessible assets. Additionally, training employees who procure services and products would allow them to make better decisions regarding accessibility.
Create clear procurement requirements
By using the Solicitation Review Tool or Acquisition Requirements Tool and others, agencies can review information and communications technology before signing contracts with vendors. Additionally, accessibility should be a part of contracts. For instance, agencies should include provisions for the remediation of any technology that doesn’t meet current accessibility requirements.
Budget for Section 508 programs
Including Section 508 programs and training in budget requests will help agencies support accessibility efforts and perform better in future audits.
Although the report suggests that accessibility standards are far below where they should be, especially given how long the laws have been in effect, evidence indicates that improvements are possible. Those agencies that have “mature Section 508 programs and more staff” are performing better. Such results show that given the right resources and incentives, other agencies can catch up. Taking even some of the above steps could make for far more positive audit results in 2024.
The Right Partners Make Accessibility Simple
Amid the concerning findings of the recent GSA assessment, it’s clear that agencies must do more to meet the accessibility standards of Section 508. With so many sites falling short, citizens with disabilities are likely facing barriers when trying to access many of the services the government offers them. The recommendations in the report offer some much-needed guidance for agencies that need to start prioritizing accessibility.
While the challenges are substantial, with concerted efforts and strategic investments, agencies can bridge the accessibility gap and better serve all citizens. One of the most important steps along the way will be finding partners and vendors that help agencies in this mission.
As a GSA-schedule vendor, Verbit works with many government agencies, from local to federal, and provides accessibility solutions that support individuals with disabilities. Reach out to learn more about how incorporating our captioning, transcription, translation and audio description tools can help your agency.