Checklist IT/Security ADA/Section 508

Section 508 Web Accessibility Audit Checklist

Section 508 Web Accessibility Audit Checklist – This checklist enables IT and Security teams to systematically verify compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Each item maps to specific regulatory requirements and includes concrete verification steps. Use this checklist during regular audits, after content updates, and before deploying new web applications to ensure digital accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities.

  • Perceivable Images (WCAG 2.1 1.1.1, 36 CFR 1194.22(a)): Verify all non-decorative images have descriptive alt text. Use screen readers to confirm alt text accurately describes purpose and content. Decorative images must have empty alt attributes (alt="").
  • Color Contrast Ratios (WCAG 2.1 1.4.3, 36 CFR 1194.22(c)(2)): Test all text against background colors using contrast checking tools. Confirm minimum 4.5:1 ratio for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18pt+ or 14pt+ bold).
  • Keyboard Navigation (WCAG 2.1 2.1.1, 36 CFR 1194.22(k)(1)): Audit entire website using only keyboard (Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, Esc). Verify no functionality is keyboard-inaccessible and focus order is logical.
  • Focus Indicators (WCAG 2.1 2.4.7, 36 CFR 1194.22(c)(1)): Confirm visible focus indicators appear on all interactive elements when navigating via keyboard. Verify focus indicators are not removed or hidden via CSS.
  • Form Labels and Instructions (WCAG 2.1 3.3.2, 36 CFR 1194.22(n)): Verify all form inputs have associated
  • Error Identification and Correction (WCAG 2.1 3.3.1 & 3.3.4, 36 CFR 1194.22(n)): Submit forms with invalid data. Verify error messages clearly identify which fields failed and provide specific correction suggestions.
  • Page Titles and Headings (WCAG 2.1 2.4.2 & 2.4.6, 36 CFR 1194.22(d)): Audit all pages for unique, descriptive titles and proper heading hierarchy (H1→H2→H3). Use screen readers to confirm proper structure.
  • Language Declaration (WCAG 2.1 3.1.1, 36 CFR 1194.22(j)(1)): Verify HTML
  • Link Text Clarity (WCAG 2.1 2.4.4, 36 CFR 1194.22(g)(2)): Review all links; confirm descriptive text like "Click here" and "Read more" are replaced with meaningful context. Test with screen readers.
  • Data Table Markup (WCAG 2.1 1.3.1, 36 CFR 1194.22(h)): Verify all data tables include proper , , headers, and scope attributes. Test with screen readers to confirm headers are properly associated with cells.
  • Video and Audio Captions (WCAG 2.1 1.2.1 & 1.2.2, 36 CFR 1194.22(b)): Audit all multimedia content for synchronized captions (video) and transcripts (audio). Verify captions include dialogue and relevant sound effects.
  • ARIA Implementation (WCAG 2.1 4.1.2, 36 CFR 1194.22(l)): Audit use of ARIA attributes for accuracy and necessity. Confirm ARIA roles, states, and properties do not conflict with native HTML semantics and are announced correctly by screen readers.
  • Resizable Text and Zoom (WCAG 2.1 1.4.4, 36 CFR 1194.22(c)(3)): Test browser zoom up to 200% without horizontal scrolling. Verify user-defined font size preferences are respected and no text is cut off.
  • PDF and Document Accessibility (36 CFR 1194.22(a), PDF/UA): Audit all downloadable PDFs using accessibility checkers. Verify tagged structure, alt text for images, proper heading hierarchy, and accessible forms.
  • Skip Navigation Links (WCAG 2.1 2.4.1, 36 CFR 1194.22(o)(2)): Confirm skip links or proper landmark navigation exist. Verify users can bypass repetitive navigation to reach main content.
  • Temporal Content and Flashing (WCAG 2.1 2.3.1 & 2.2.2, 36 CFR 1194.22(j)(2)): Audit for content that flashes more than 3 times per second. Verify auto-playing audio/video can be paused or controlled.
  • Mobile and Responsive Design (WCAG 2.1 1.4.10, 36 CFR 1194.22): Test all pages on mobile devices at various zoom levels. Confirm no horizontal scrolling required at 320px width and touch targets are at least 44x44 pixels.
  • Third-Party Content and Plugins (36 CFR 1194.22): Audit embedded content (maps, widgets, social media plugins) for accessibility. Verify plugins support keyboard navigation and are announced to screen readers.