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- Accelerate the production of Section 508 courseware by 1000X.
- Make accessible courses without extra work.
- Eliminate the high cost of 508 remediation.
Give your e-learning team the power of efficiency. Drop us a line and discover how to author, manage, track, deliver, and maintain accessible eLearning at scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if "my course" fails a Section 508 review?
Short answer: CourseAvenue will be there with you. Our support includes defending our users in a discussion, review, or audit situation of their courses. Put another way, if you built a course using CourseAvenue and get “flagged” for Section 508 violations – we will work with you (and the reviewer) until the issues are resolved.
Longer answer: As noted elsewhere, the core eLearning features and functions have all been pre-validated as Section 508 compliant. As users add their content, they can access the integrated “Accessibility Analysis” tool to constantly access their course materials.
As a result, when combining the baseline CourseAvenue features with your specific content that has a “clean report” (e.g, all accessibility items errors are addressed, and warnings and informational items are addressed) – the likelihood of a material Section 508 compliance issue with your course(s) is absolutely minimal.
Of course, not all Section 508 reviewers are equal. Over the years, CourseAvenue has mitigated several Section 508 questions and concerns over what is or isn’t compliant. In the end, over 10 years, there has never been a material defect in any course produced by our users.
What is an example of a Section 508 “violation” that we have had to help one of our users navigate? Consider this example of a real interaction with a Section 508 Reviewer. The reviewer wrote this:
“The keyboard interaction in a CourseAvenue course is inconsistent. When on a CourseAvenue button, I can press either the space bar OR the Enter key to activate the button.
But when NOT on a button, pressing the spacebar will scroll the content on the page until it reaches the bottom of the page. This is inconsistent and a violation of Section 508 3.2.3 “Consistent Navigation” clause.
CourseAvenue’s Response:
“The above ‘inconsistency’ is not inconsistent at all. The keyboard described is exactly how every website functions. How a “button” works on a web page is defined by W3C and WAI which are the technical underpinning of both WCAG 2.x and Section 508 standards. The CourseAvenue “button” strictly follows the definition of a button from these standards and again is consistent with how any other button on any other website functions.
More broadly, the CourseAvenue functionality aligns with Section 508 2.1.1, which states “…do not remove standard keyboard accessibility behavior from native HTML interface elements (such as links, buttons, form elements).
Put another way, if the reviewer describes that the CourseAvenue page’s button did NOT support the keyboard as it does, that would violate Section 508 compliance.
Next Step:
CourseAvenue recommends that the reviewer perform the same “keyboard review” of sites such as Section508.gov and/or the Access Board. Doing so, one will experience that the keyboard interaction on buttons and scrolling on these sites are precisely consistent with all CourseAvenue-built courses.
Result:
The Reviewer agreed with CourseAvenue’s assessment, and the course in question went into production as being Section 508 compliant.
As mentioned above, CourseAvenue invested in becoming experts in Section 508 compliance so our users did not have to. We stand behind our work, and our confidence comes from 10+ years of Section 508 compliant eLearning success on a large scale.
What is Section 508?
In laymans terms, Section 508 is the area of federal law that governs electronic and information technology as it is procured by the federal government.
Just like in the physical world there needs to be accessible access to a building, there needs to be accessible access to “electronic” and IT-based items (e.g. web sites, documents, videos, and eLearning)
What Is 508 Compliance?
508 Compliance ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to information as those without disabilities. It is a set of standards established by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which mandates that federal agencies make their software and websites accessible to people with disabilities.
By making e-learning materials 508 compliant, organizations ensure disabled employees can access the same training materials as their peers. This has led to software development, such as CourseAvenue, designed to create elearning that meets 508 requirements.
What Is 508 Compliance for E-Learning and How Can You Achieve It?
508 Compliance for e-learning refers to the accessibility standards set forth by Section 508, which ensures that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in and benefit from online learning courses. It is crucial to make e-learning materials accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.
For instance, if someone with hearing loss needs to take an e-learning course, it is essential to provide alternative options, such as transcripts for audio clips. This allows them to complete the course successfully. Achieving 508 compliance involves adhering to accessibility guidelines and utilizing tools like CourseAvenue to ensure that e-learning courses are accessible to all individuals.
Does Section 508 apply to the private sector?
Yes, the private sector must comply with Section 508 when contracting with federal agencies. This ensures that any information and communication technology (ICT) provided to federal agencies by private organizations is accessible, fostering inclusivity and meeting regulatory standards. CourseAvenue assists private sector entities in navigating and implementing Section 508 compliance seamlessly to meet federal requirements and promote accessibility in their offerings.
How Can You Make Your E-Learning 508 Compliant?
The checklist for 508 compliance is lengthy and complicated. But don’t worry, with CourseAvenue, every course you create is 508 compliant right out of the box.
Unlike other tools that require you to interpret requirements, CourseAvenue is designed to help you author conformant e-learning content quickly and efficiently. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Choose CourseAvenue for 508 compliant e-learning.
How does Section 508 compliance impact workforce productivity?
Non-compliance hampers efficiency. CourseAvenue ensures your technology is accessible, enhancing overall workforce productivity.
How often should organizations conduct Section 508 compliance assessments?
Regular assessments are crucial. Conduct them during the development phase, after updates, and periodically to ensure ongoing compliance and address emerging accessibility challenges.
What are common accessibility challenges faced by organizations in achieving Section 508 compliance?
Common challenges include retrofitting existing content, training staff on accessibility, and staying abreast of evolving standards. CourseAvenue addresses these challenges with tailored solutions.
Does the presence of a VPAT mean you can create Section 508-compliant eLearning?
No.
Many people believe that simply because a vendor has a “VPAT,” their product can/will produce Section 508-compliant output.
Unfortunately, simply having a VPAT is meaningless. What matters is what the company actually says in the VPAT about how its product meets the various accessibility standards.
What is the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)?
The ADA is a comprehensive anti-discrimination law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in physical spaces. While the ADA doesn’t explicitly address digital accessibility, recent U.S. court rulings confirm its applicability to the digital realm, making it essential for both physical and online spaces to be inclusive.
What is the difference between ADA and Section 508?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates accessible information and communication technology (ICT) for federal agencies. In contrast, the ADA focuses on anti-discrimination in physical spaces. Despite distinctions, recent legal precedents assert the ADA’s relevance to digital accessibility, highlighting the need for businesses and agencies to ensure both physical and digital spaces are inclusive.
While overlapping, ADA compliance and Section 508 standards work best together, guiding organizations in providing equitable access to online content. Learn more about the differences between the ADA and Section 508 to navigate compliance effectively.
Can CourseAvenue assist with updating existing e-learning content to meet accessibility standards?
Yes, our services include retrofitting existing e-learning content, ensuring it aligns with accessibility standards. Visit https://www.courseavenue.com/services-support for more information.
What makes CourseAvenue Studio different?
Many (all?) eLearning authoring tools make accessiblty “developer dependent” (check out their “VPAT”). This basically means if you are a developer, know all about WCAG 2.0 compliance and havre the time and expertise to hand code each and every element on every page – you theoretically could use the tool to create an accessible course.
In contrast, CourseAvenue builds accesslibty into the technology. You don’t have to be an expert in WCAG 2.0. We are. You focus on the course and leave the accessiblty to us!
What industries benefit the most from CourseAvenue's Section 508 compliance services?
CourseAvenue serves diverse industries, including government agencies, education, healthcare, and corporate sectors, ensuring comprehensive accessibility solutions for varied organizational needs.
What are the risks of non-compliance with Section 508?
Federal agencies can be sued for non-compliance with Section 508, and several have, including The Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Social Security Administration.
Ensuring Section 508 compliance is imperative, as noncompliance carries severe consequences—legal ramifications, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Organizations failing to make their electronic and information technology accessible risk lawsuits, fines, and missed business opportunities, including government contracts. Don’t leave your organization exposed to these risks. Choose CourseAvenue services to address Section 508 compliance proactively.
Why Is 508 Compliance Important?
Federal mandates demand that all entities receiving federal funding, including nonprofits, public education institutions, and agencies, ensure their software, web tools, and e-learning content are accessible. Compliance is not just a legal requirement—it fosters inclusivity and widens your audience. As an e-learning developer, understanding and implementing these standards is essential for meeting industry demands and contributing to accessible, high-quality education.
CourseAvenue supports developers in navigating and implementing 508 compliance seamlessly, ensuring your e-learning content aligns with accessibility standards.
How does Section 508 impact state agencies?
Although Section 508 is a federal law, its implications are broad and extend across state lines. Explore the Section 508 website to understand how it affects state-level employees and agencies. Additionally, check if your state has enacted its own information and communication technology (ICT) accessibility laws for a comprehensive understanding of compliance requirements.
How broad are the repercussions of non-compliance with Section 508?
Aside from facing lawsuits, financial penalties, and reputational damage, jeopardizing government contracts and business opportunities, these are some other downsides you can encounter if you don’t comply with section 508:
- Impaired Workforce Productivity: Inaccessible technology hampers the efficiency and productivity of your workforce.
- Missed Market Opportunities: Excluding a substantial market segment limits your business potential.
- Increased Costs: Retroactively fixing accessibility issues is more expensive than proactive compliance.
- Communication Barriers: Noncompliance may lead to communication challenges within your organization.
- Loss of Workforce Diversity: Failure to comply may result in the loss of a diverse workforce, impacting long-term sustainability and growth.
Choose CourseAvenue to proactively address Section 508 compliance, mitigate risks, and foster inclusivity.
What is Section 508 compliance testing?
Section 508 compliance testing is the meticulous evaluation of ICT to guarantee adherence to accessibility standards. From websites, software, applications, intranet sites, and tools to electronic documents, the testing process ensures compliance with the success criteria of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA. As per Section 508, ICT must align with WCAG standards, ensuring a comprehensive approach to accessibility.
Does Section 508 compliance only pertain to websites?
No, Section 508 compliance extends beyond websites to cover software, applications, intranet sites, tools, electronic documents, and other forms of information and communication technology (ICT).
Why is Section 508 compliance crucial for my organization?
Ensure legal protection, avoid fines, and capture broader markets by making your digital content accessible to everyone.
Is Section 508 compliance only relevant to large organizations?
No, Section 508 compliance is relevant to organizations of all sizes, including small businesses and startups. Access is vital for legal compliance and fostering inclusivity, irrespective of an organization’s scale.
My current authoring tool has a "make accessible" button so I am o.k. - right?"
Ummm – not very likely. eLearning tool vendors started adding this little “make accessible” check box and very little was known as to what checking the box or un-checking it actually did.
So what happens if you have 8 things on the page (e.g. links, graphics, buttons, etc.) and you check the “make accessible” box on all of them? Who knows.
One thing we noticed was there was no “make compliant” button.
What are the four key reasons accessibility is crucial in e-learning?
Accessibility enhances inclusivity, legal compliance, market reach, and overall user experience in the dynamic e-learning landscape.
What is a VPAT?
VPAT stands for “Voluntary Product Accessibility Template.” Companies provide a document that describes how their product does (or does not) meet Section 508/WCAG accessibility standards.
People often incorrectly assume that the mere presence of a VPAT implies Section 508 Compliance is just a quick stroll down easy street.
Can you have Media in an Accessible eLearning course?
In courses built with CourseAvenue – Yes! We can’t vouch for other vendors ;).
“Media” can be a variety of different things. In CourseAvenue’s world this means you can add graphics, audio, video, assessment questions (e.g. fill-in the blank, ordered list, matching, multiple choice) and a varity of other interactions (e.g. choose ‘this’ see ‘that’, learner driven navigation, etc.). Even a crossword puzzle!
What is WCAG, and why does it matter for digital content?
WCAG, or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, sets standards to make online content accessible to all, ensuring inclusivity and compliance with accessibility requirements. Learn how WCAG matters for your digital presence.
What is accessible e-learning, and why does it matter?
Accessible e-learning ensures that all individuals, including those with disabilities, can seamlessly engage with digital educational content.
What is WCAG 2.0?
WCAG stands for “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines”. 2.0 refers to the specific version of these stanards.
WCAG has three levels of compliance – A, AA or AAA (AAA being the most accessible).
As noted, WCAG is a global standard. In 2017, the federal government updated Section 508 such that Section 508 compliance is for all practical purposes WCAG 2.0 AA compliance.
