Implementing Section 508
The Section 508 Standards for Web-based intranet and internet information and applications are reprinted below. A link to a discussion page with further information on implementing that particular Rule follows the text of the standard.
Disclaimer: The information in these pages reflect the opinions of their authors, and are not to be considered authoritative legal opinions on how to implement Section 508.
§ 1194.22 Web-based intranet and internet information and applications.
(a) A text equivalent for every non-text element shall be provided (e.g., via "alt", "longdesc", or in element content). Implementing Rule A.
(b) Equivalent alternatives for any multimedia presentation shall be synchronized with the presentation. Implementing Rule B.
(c) Web pages shall be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup. Implementing Rule C.
(d) Documents shall be organized so they are readable without requiring an associated style sheet. Implementing Rule D.
(e) Redundant text links shall be provided for each active region of a server-side image map. Implementing Rule E.
(f) Client-side image maps shall be provided instead of server-side image maps except where the regions cannot be defined with an available geometric shape. Implementing Rule F.
(g) Row and column headers shall be identified for data tables. Implementing Rule G.
(h) Markup shall be used to associate data cells and header cells for data tables that have two or more logical levels of row or column headers. Implementing Rule H.
(i) Frames shall be titled with text that facilitates frame identification and navigation. Implementing Rule I.
(j) Pages shall be designed to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz. Implementing Rule J.
(k) A text-only page, with equivalent information or functionality, shall be provided to make a web site comply with the provisions of this part, when compliance cannot be accomplished in any other way. The content of the text-only page shall be updated whenever the primary page changes. Implementing Rule K.
(l) When pages utilize scripting languages to display content, or to create interface elements, the information provided by the script shall be identified with functional text that can be read by assistive technology. Implementing Rule L.
(m) When a web page requires that an applet, plug-in or other application be present on the client system to interpret page content, the page must provide a link to a plug-in or applet that complies with §1194.21(a) through (l). Implementing Rule M.
(n) When electronic forms are designed to be completed on-line, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues. Implementing Rule N.
(o) A method shall be provided that permits users to skip repetitive navigation links. Implementing Rule O.
(p) When a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to indicate more time is required. Implementing Rule P.