This theme is made as an Accessible-Ready base WordPress theme. This Accessible-Ready Theme allows you to have a starting point for a simple website that is accessible to all. This accessible theme is made with Government agencies in mind. It’s great for WordPress websites that display a lot of information while still being fully ADA Section 508 compliant.
Web Accessibility and Section 508 Compliance for WordPress Websites:
This Accessible-Ready theme is simple, clean, and ready for any website that has a lot of content and needs to be displayed in an easy to understand format. Although it is originally designed for Government agencies, it works very well for just about all other industries.
We are committed to creating a great user experience when it comes to all people but especially low vision individuals navigating your website. As part of that commitment, we have created this free Accessible-Ready WordPress theme. This Accessible-Ready theme does not guarantee your website will be fully ADA Section 508 or WCAG 2.1 compliant. You must be aware of the guidelines and recommendations while adding, structuring, and labeling your content. This Accessible-Ready theme is meant to be your foundation.
Who needs to be ADA section 508 compliant
All government institutions who have a website or any software must be ADA Section 508 compliant. All contractors who have or will have a contract with the federal government. Al non-profit organizations also need to be accessible. These are just some of the companies that are required to comply with ADA section 508 guidelines and website accessibility guidelines WCAG 2.1. Although not required by law currently, any company would significantly benefit from 508 compliant sites be proactive and meet the guidelines before they actually become law.
Some background on Section 508 Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards were published by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in September 2010. The Compliance Standards are stipulated in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These standards state that all electronic and information technology to be made accessible to people with disabilities.
508 compliance requires all entities with “places of public accommodation” to provide website and app accessibility to people with disabilities. When all the federal sites comply with these regulations, they become not only accessible to all users but also become compatible with assistive technology, such as screen readers.
You can find the actual Section 508 recommendations if you follow the link for the United States Access Board.
Only you can make sure that your website is fully accessible.