Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI)

Section 508 Web Standards

CSU web sites need to conform to Section 508 Standards for Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications. This set of standards contains 16 specific points (a) through (p). Each point is grouped with information describing the item, tips for evaluating, and design tutorials and resources.

(a) A text equivalent for every non-text element shall be provided.

(b) Equivalent alternatives for any multimedia presentation shall be synchronized with the presentation.

(c) Web pages shall be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup.

(d) Documents shall be organized so they are readable without requiring an associated style sheet.

(e) Redundant text links shall be provided for each active region of a server-side image map.

(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.

(g) Row and column headers shall be identified for data tables.

(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.

(i) Frames shall be titled with text that facilitates frame identification and navigation.

(j) Pages shall be designed to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2 Hertz (cycles per second) and lower than 55 Hertz.

(k) A text-only page, with equivalent information or functionality, shall be provided to make a web site comply with the provisions of these standards, when compliance cannot be accomplished in any other way. The content of the text-only page shall be updated whenever the primary page changes.

(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.

(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).

(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.

(o) A method shall be provided that permits users to skip repetitive navigation links or very long lists of links.

(p) When a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to indicate more time is required.

Description of Web Design Tutorials and Resources

  • Jim Thatcher's Web Accessibility Tutorial
    Jim Thatcher is considered one of the leading experts in accessible web design. He has received numerous awards, including one for technical work on the screen reader for the Graphical User Interface. He also took part in the development of Software Accessibility Standards in 1999.

  • California Polytechnic State University, Web Accessibility
    508 in Depth: Web Authoring Resource Center (WARC) provides developers of Cal Poly Official Web sites with the information and tools necessary to plan and build a site that meets basic requirements for University Identity, Web Accessibility, Usability, and Aesthetics. Note: Many CSU campuses have done a good job with the guidelines. Cal Poly was picked as a major resource because of embedded Dreamweaver tutorials.

  • WebAIM, Section 508 Checklist
    WebAIM has provided comprehensive Web accessibility solutions since 1999. These years of experience have made WebAIM one of the leading providers of Web accessibility expertise internationally. WebAIM is a non-profit organization within the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University.

Other design resources