Our 508 Trusted Tester team is comprised of seasoned software application developers who specialize in 508 Compliance and are DHS 508 Trusted Tester Certified. We use DHS-approved tools such as the Color Contrast Analyzer (CCA), Accessible Name & Description Inspector (ANDI), and other manual inspection techniques to perform in-depth evaluations of websites, web applications, and digital content. Our goal is not just to help you pass an audit, we aim to enhance usability for all users while ensuring long-term accessibility compliance.
Not only do we have the expertise to identify compliance issues across your Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) websites and web applications, but we also provide clear recommendations and guidance to resolve them quickly. Backed by decades of application development experience, a deep understanding of Section 508 accessibility standards, and UX-focused human-centered design, our certified testers deliver practical, working solutions that help your business or organization achieve, and maintain, 508 compliance efficiently and effectively.
508 Compliance refers to the adherence to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which mandates that all electronic and information technology (EIT) developed, procured, maintained, or used by Federal government agencies must be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes individuals with visual, hearing, cognitive, or mobility impairments.
The goal of 508 Compliance is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to information and data that is comparable to the access available to those without disabilities. This typically involves making websites, software applications, documents, multimedia, and other digital content accessible through the use of assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, and captioning.
While Section 508 primarily applies to Federal agencies and contractors, many organizations outside the government also adopt these standards to improve accessibility and avoid legal risks, ensuring their digital content is usable by all individuals, regardless of ability.
A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is a document used to evaluate how accessible a product, such as software, hardware, or a web application, is according to accessibility standards, particularly the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the European Union’s EN 301 549 standard.
The VPAT helps organizations understand how well a product meets accessibility criteria, allowing them to determine whether it is compliant with legal accessibility requirements. Vendors or developers complete the VPAT to provide buyers or government agencies with transparency about the accessibility features and any potential barriers in their product.
A completed VPAT results in an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR), which summarizes how the product complies with the applicable standards and provides details on any areas that might need improvement. In addition, VPAT documentation is often required when responding to Government Requests for Proposals (RFP). While this task is usually a requirement for the incumbent often times new contractors must provide documentation as well.
Section 1: Conforming Alternate Version and Non-Interference
Section 2: Auto-Playing and Auto-Updating Content
Section 3: Flashing
Section 4: Keyboard Access and Focus
Section 5: Forms
Section 6: Links
Section 7: Images
Section 8: Adjustable Time Limits
Section 9: Repetitive Content
Section 10: Content Structure
Section 11: Language
Section 12: Page Titles, Frames, and iFrames
Section 13: Sensory Characteristics and Contrast
Section 14: Tables
Section 15: CSS Positioning
Section 16: Pre-Recorded Audio-Only, Video-Only, and Animations
Section 17: Synchronized Media
Section 18: Resize Text
Section 19: Multiple Ways
Section 20: Parsing
The DHS Trusted Tester exam is challenging and typically takes around four hours to complete. To help you prepare, we've created a series of over 60 training tutorial videos designed to guide you through the material and increase your chances of passing on the first try. Visit 508Tutorials.com to learn more.