Web accessibility is a civil rights imperative and not just a technical requirement now. Thereby every organization needs to make appropriate strategies for web accessibility. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 compels that individuals with disabilities should not be excluded from, denied benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial aids. This also includes digital services like websites and mobile applications.

As industries shift their products and services to online platforms, ensuring the website complies with Section 504 is the right thing to do. This article will explore Section 504 website accessibility compliance and best practices to help an organization serve all users equitably.

Section 504 – A quick overview!

Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and was the first civil rights law protecting individuals with disabilities in the United States. It includes:

• Public educational institutions like schools and universities.
• Healthcare providers receiving federal funding (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid).
• Nonprofits and private organizations with federal grants or contracts.

With the rise of digital services, the interpretation of Section 504 has expanded to include web accessibility, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access and interact with their desired online content and services.

Reason why website accessibility matters under section 504!

• Legal risk elimination: Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits, penalties, and eventually brand damage.
• Inclusion and Equity: Accessible websites empower individuals with visual, auditory, cognitive, or mobility disabilities to partake in education, work, and other facets.
• Broader reach: An accessible website aids a diverse user base, including older adults and people using assistive technologies.

Section 504 compliance requirements for websites

Please note that Section 504 doesn’t outline specific technical standards, but federal agencies often refer to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and Section 508 (a related law) as benchmarks for web compliance.

Let’s see how these standards map into actionable requirements:

Perceivable information

• Provide text alternatives (alt text) for non-text content.
• Use captions for videos and transcripts for audio.
• Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background.

Operable interface

• Make sure entire content is navigable via keyboard alone.
• Avoid components that require complex gestures or mouse usage.
• Use clear, consistent navigation and headers.

Understandable content

• Write in plain, simple language.
• Use appropriate heading hierarchy and descriptive labels.
• Provide error suggestions and prevent input mistakes on forms.

Robust compatibility

• Ensure website compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers.
• Use valid, semantic HTML and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles.

Best practices to achieve and maintain Section 504 compliance!

• Adopt WCAG 2.1 AA standards

  To comply with Section 504, a website ought to adhere to WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines that ensure the site meets modern accessibility expectations. Organizations need to design content for various assistive technologies. Also, ensuring adaptability across screen sizes, devices, and user requirements is crucial.

• Conduct regular hybrid accessibility audits

  Perform manual and automated audits using tools like Free Accessibility Checker, WAVE, or Lighthouse and pair this with screen reader testing to identify real barriers that cause inaccessibility. A combination of automated tools and manual testing helps get accurate results. And schedule audits quarterly or after major website updates to maintain ongoing compliance.

• Include people with disabilities in testing

  Try to involve users with different disabilities during user testing to gain genuine feedback and uncover issues developers may miss. Their lived experiences provide valuable insights into various facets that help uplift website accessibility level.

• Provide an Accessibility Statement

  A clear, visible accessibility statement shows commitment and offers users a way to report barriers or request accommodations. Thus, provide correct contact information and keep the statement easy to find; generally, in the website footer or help section. Accessibility Statement should also contain all accessibility features and known limitations. Try out free website accessibility statement generator.

  Also read: What is VPAT Report & ACR? Impact on Accessibility Compliance Certification

• Train content creators and developers

  Ongoing accessibility training ensures that the team knows the process of creating inclusive content. For instance, writing content keeping accessibility in mind, using accessible design patterns, and avoiding introducing new accessibility barriers. Also, trainings help developers learn semantic HTML, ARIA roles, and other accessibility criteria. Designers stay updated about new WCAG standards to follow color, typography, and multimedia guidelines. And content creators know how to use the right content structure with simple language and links' text.

• Maintain accessible PDFs and documents

  Often overlooked, downloadable files are not compliant.

  Use PDF/UA (ISO 14289) document accessibility standards and ensure all documents are tagged properly for screen readers. Make sure forms are keyboard-navigable and screen reader-friendly. Also, provide alternatives for infographics, charts, and videos (for example, transcripts and audio descriptions). Don’t forget to ensure that third-party tools or plugins embedded on the website are compliant.

• Develop an accessibility roadmap

  Create a plan with:

  • Prioritized remediation actions
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Timelines for fixes and improvements

  This roadmap keeps the accessibility journey structured and transparent.

• Monitor accessibility status continuously

  Test new content and updates before publishing, monitor user feedback and respond promptly. Moreover, fix issues as part of the regular development cycle.

A digital doorway to inclusion!

Section 504 website accessibility compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about digital equality. Ensuring a website is accessible reflects the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, legal responsibility, and social progress.

By aligning with WCAG standards, investing in accessibility training, and conducting regular audits, an organization can create a digital environment that welcomes everyone – irrespective of their abilities. Accessible design requires continuous commitment. A commitment that pays off – in trust, reach, and impact.

Ready to make your website Section 504 compliant and accessible to all? With All in One Accessibility, you can instantly enhance your site’s accessibility features without complicated coding. And if you're looking for a custom, ADA and Section 504 compliant web solution, we provide comprehensive website accessibility solution as well. Don’t wait for legal issues to knock on your door — take action today and create a truly inclusive digital space! Request a quote or reach out [email protected].