In today’s digital age, access to information and online services is critical for everyone, especially people with disabilities. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is one of the necessary legislative frameworks guiding digital accessibility in the U.S. For institutions like Johnson County Community College (JCCC), Section 508 compliance fulfills a critical legal obligation that shows a commitment to inclusivity and equal access to education.

What is digital accessibility?

Digital accessibility refers to designing and developing digital content to be accessed and used by people with a wide range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities. Providing accessibility involves ensuring that websites, electronic documents, software, and multimedia are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users.

Critical aspects of digital accessibility include:

• Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presented in ways that users can perceive. This process can involve text alternatives for non-text content, captions for multimedia, and adaptable content for different devices.

• Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable so users can interact with digital content using various input methods, including keyboard navigation and voice commands.

• Understandable: Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable, including clear instructions, error prevention and correction mechanisms, and readable content.

• Robust: Content must be strong enough to be interpreted reliably by various user agents, including assistive technologies.

What does Section 508 compliance cover? 

Section 508 mandates that federally-funded agencies provide accessible electronic and information technology (EIT) to people with disabilities. Although this legislation explicitly targets federal agencies, educational institutions, including JCCC, widely adopt its principles and standards to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.

Section 508 was significantly refreshed in 2018 to align more closely with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, which are internationally recognized standards for web accessibility. The updated Section 508 standards emphasize the following:

• WCAG 2.0 Level AA Conformance: This includes criteria such as providing text alternatives for non-text content, ensuring content is adaptable and distinguishable, making all functionality available from a keyboard, and making it easier for users to see and hear content.

• Functional Performance Criteria: These criteria ensure that ICT is usable by individuals with disabilities, including those who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers, braille displays, and alternative input devices.

• Documentation and Support: This includes ensuring that help documentation and support services are accessible, providing staff training on accessibility issues, and maintaining an accessibility statement.

The importance of compliance for our university

For Johnson County Community College, adhering to Section 508 standards is crucial for several reasons:

• Legal Obligation: As a public institution, JCCC is required to comply with federal accessibility standards. Non-compliance can result in legal consequences and loss of federal funding.

• Inclusivity: Digital accessibility is fundamental to providing equal access to education. Ensuring all students, including those with disabilities, can access course materials, online resources, and administrative services is essential for fostering an inclusive learning environment.

• Educational Excellence: Accessible digital content supports diverse learning needs and styles. By incorporating accessibility principles, JCCC can enhance the educational experience for all students, including those who benefit from alternative formats and adaptive technologies.

• Institutional Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility can enhance the college’s reputation as a forward-thinking and inclusive institution, attracting a broader and more diverse student population and fostering a positive community image.

Implementing digital accessibility 

To effectively implement digital accessibility and ensure Section 508 compliance, JC can take several proactive steps:

• Conduct Accessibility Audits: Regularly review and assess the accessibility of the college’s digital content and infrastructure. Identify areas that need improvement and develop a plan to address them.
• Training and Awareness: Provide ongoing training for faculty, staff, and students on accessibility best practices and using accessible technologies. Promote awareness of accessibility issues and the importance of inclusive design.
• Leverage Accessible Technologies: Utilize accessible software and tools that comply with WCAG standards. Ensure that third-party vendors and service providers also meet accessibility requirements.
• Engage with the Community: Collaborate with students, faculty, and external experts to gather feedback and insights on accessibility challenges and solutions. Involve individuals with disabilities in testing and evaluating digital content.

By prioritizing digital accessibility and adhering to Section 508 standards, Johnson County Community College can help ensure all students have equal opportunities to succeed in education. This commitment to inclusivity meets legal requirements and reflects the college’s dedication to fostering a diverse and supportive learning environment for everyone.