What are 508 compliant documents?
The accessibility standards set forth by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act require electronic document accessibility for everyone, including individuals with disabilities. The most commonly used electronic document format is Adobe PDFs but Section 508 Compliance includes Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, too.
What is VPAT Gpat?
While a VPAT reflects the accessibility features of a vendor’s product, the Government Product Accessibility Template (GPAT) reflects the government accessibility requirements for the type of electronic resource an agency intends to buy.
How do I know if my PDF is 508 compliance?
To run the Adobe Acrobat Pro Accessibility Check on a PDF, select the Accessibility Tool in the Tools panel. Select Accessibility Check in the Accessibility Tool panel on the right. The Accessibility Checker panel on the left lists the 508 compliance issues.
How do I make a Word document 508 compliant?
In this topic
- Best practices for making Word documents accessible.
- Check accessibility while you work in Word.
- Avoid using tables.
- Use built-in headings and styles.
- Create paragraph banners.
- Add alt text to visuals.
- Add accessible hyperlink text and ScreenTips.
- Use accessible font format and color.
Is VPAT mandatory?
US Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires government agencies to make ICT accessible to people with disabilities. When you are a ICT company dealing with federal agencies it is mandatory to provide a VPAT. Even though it is a vendor’s own free will to provide a VPAT, the simple and wise answer would be, Yes!
Who needs a VPAT?
The VPAT is required for any business or service which fall under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, primarily those that do business with the federal government or receive government funds.
Why do documents need to be 508 compliant?
That’s why Section 508 is so important. It holds all federal agencies and those receiving federal funding accountable while also offering guidance on how to provide digital accessibility properly. That way, all Americans are included in important communications.
Why do we need 508 compliance?
The basic function of these, as well as Section 508, is simply to protect any citizen of the US with disabilities from discrimination against their person on basis of those disabilities alone. This includes anything from job discrimination to transportation, etc.