As a federal contractor with over 5 years’ experience creating software for the federal government, Cognitell has created web applications, documents, and reports that are Section 508 compliant. For example, Cognitell has developed features for public and internal web applications for the National Park Service (NPS) as well as for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
In January of 2017 the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board established a new “Final Rule” for electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by Federal agencies covered by section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as the guidelines for telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment covered by Section 255 of the Communications Act of 1934. This change generated a renewed focus on Section 508 compliance which includes the formal adoption of the WCAG 2.0 industry standard set of accessibility guidelines. Cognitell has used the WCAG 2.0 industry guidelines for all web applications, documents, and reports since the beginning of our first federal contract.
The Cognitell development teams use several tools to test for Section 508 compatibility including the Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool, the Web AIM Color Contrast Checker, and Color Oracle (a color-blindness simulator) as well as the Accessible Name & Description Inspector (ANDI) Tool developed by the Department of Homeland Security. These tools are augmented where needed by automated or COTS tools depending on the needs of the customer.
The links below are references used by our developers when developing projects in compliance with the Section 508 requirements.
Code of Federal Regulations: 36 CFR 1194 https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/36/part-1194
US Access Board Standards and Guidelines: https://www.access-board.gov/ict/
US Access Board Rule Chapter 5: Software https://www.access-board.gov/ict/#501-general
WCAG 2.x Reference Guide: https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/glance/
US Access Board mapping from WCAG onto Section 508: https://www.access-board.gov/ict/wcagtofpc.html
Text of the law 29 U.S. Code § 794d: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/29/794d