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Ensuring Section 508 Compliance of Deliverables


Abt Associates understands the importance of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998); we are sensitive to the need for the federal government to make its information accessible to all, including those with disabilities. Our trained and knowledgeable staff ensure that product deliverables meet Section 508 specifications to be accessible to people with disabilities, while maintaining the highest quality design standards. Abt Associates will provide comprehensive support to help clients fully comply with Section 508. Our staff provides expertise in Section 508 compliance, as well as compliance with the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. In addition, they are experienced with the various types of commercial software and web-based accessibility compliance tools and validators.

Staff Roles & Responsibilities
 
Information Technology Staff
 
Ensure staff have the tools and training to create compliant materials and test accessibility, receive regular updates and training on new software, stay abreast of requirements and methods for website and software accessibility
 		  
  Project Staff
 		 Identify client needs for Section 508-compliant materials, communicate with production staff, assist in tagging and providing alternative text as necessary, quality control review Section 508-compliant materials
 		  
  Production Staff
 		 Communicate with project staff specific needs such as tagging and alternative text, create Section 508-compliant materials, test accessibility, participate in training on software and tools
 		  
  Contract Staff
 		 Regularly review to ensure compliance with all contract requirements, including Section 508
 		  
  Management
 		 Provide corporate oversight, review, and assessment to ensure compliance with contract requirements, including Section 508
 		  

Abt typically produces several categories of electronic and information technology (EIT) deliverables that are required to meet Section 508 compliance guidelines:

  • Websites developed and maintained for federal clients
  • Software applications
  • Project deliverables such as reports other publications
  • Multimedia presentations (captioning)
 
Our commitment to complying with contract requirements pertaining to Section 508 is evidenced at every level of the Abt organization. Abt has designed and implemented guidelines and processes to make our EIT deliverables compliant with Section 508 requirements. Our computer programmers are knowledgeable with regard to the requirements and methods to make websites and software applications accessible. Our production staff, who are trained in formatting documents so that they are accessible to screen readers, regularly receive Section 508 compliance training. They have also been trained in testing for compliance using popular software products such as Freedom Scientific’s JAWS screen reader and Adobe Acrobat’s Accessibility Checker. Project staff are familiar with Section 508 compliance requirements and consult with Section 508 specialists as necessary.