Accessibility

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

The primary regulation for use by all executive agencies in their acquisition of supplies and services with appropriated funds. The FAR also contains standard solicitation provisions and contract clauses and the various agency FAR supplements.
Find Your Section 508 Program Manager

Agency Section 508 Program Managers (PMs) are your first point of contact for questions about IT accessibility.
Tabular Comparison of the Previous FAR Text Against the 2021 Update

These FAR Council updates are effective as of September 10, 2021.
Integrating Accessibility into Agency Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Implementation Plans

Guidance on implementing Executive Order (14035) on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce; specifically, elements of the Accessibility Roadmap outlined in the Government-wide DEIA Strategic Plan.
Accessibility Requirements Tool (ART)

ART is a multifaceted tool that offers interactive, step-by-step guidance on how to determine applicable accessibility requirements.
Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 39.2 - Information and Communication Technology

This subpart implements section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794 d), and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board’s (U.S. Access Board) information and communication technology (ICT) accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1194.1.
Lessons from the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card

This event recap highlights best practices, a short case study video, and examples of federal web content that received both high and low scores in the 2021 Plain Language Report Card.
How to Test Websites for Accessibility

Use both manual and automated testing methods to create accessible websites.
Guidelines for Digital.gov event presenters

A checklist of requirements for people who are presenting at a Digital.gov event.
An introduction to accessibility

An introduction to accessibility, and why it matters.

PlainLanguage.gov

Guidance on the use of plain language for government communications and training for federal employees.
Section508.gov

Guidance for Federal agencies on IT accessibility compliance.
The Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act

Get help with the PRA, planning and submitting an information request, and finding your agencies agency’s PRA contact.
Open Opportunities

Discover opportunities across government that will help you build and make connections.
U.S. Web Design System

A toolkit of principles, guidance, and code that helps agency digital teams build accessible, mobile-friendly government websites for the American public.

U.S. Web Design System

A community for anyone building federal websites with the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) or considering it for a future project.
Section 508 IT Accessibility

To support people working to enhance access to federal information technology (IT), we identify and promote best practices for compliance with Section 508 law, and conformance to the Revised 508 Standards.
Plain Language

Brings together government plain language practitioners to promote use of plain language, saving agencies time and money and providing better service to the public.

News and Events on Accessibility

113 posts

Why the American People Deserve a Digital Government

OMB released new policy guidance for government that includes a variety of actions and standards to help federal agencies design, develop, and deliver modern websites and digital services. Memo M-23-22, Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience, will make it seamless for the public to obtain government information and services online, and help agencies fully implement the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (21st Century IDEA). — via The White House

Sep 22, 2023

A conversation about content audits

Content audits can be tedious. Two content designers discuss why we do them anyway, and how to get started.

Michelle Rago

Ryan Johnson

Sep 12, 2023

First, do no harm: mistakes to avoid in creating accessible user experiences

Accessible design and development practices help us build inclusive experiences. But we can lose sight of the people we serve if we don’t steadily work to better understand our users. To create accessible experiences, avoid these mistakes. — via 18F

Sep 05, 2023

VA now offers accessibility to blind Veterans so they can independently read decision letters online. — via U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Aug 24, 2023

Fact Sheet: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities

The Department of Justice published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) explaining how they propose updating the regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to add more specific requirements about web and mobile application (app) accessibility. — via Department of Justice

Aug 03, 2023

How a Small Team Modernized a Federal Website to Improve CX

The recent redesign of the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) website stands as an example for agencies seeking to enhance their online platforms. ONRR’s Open Data, Design, and Development (ODDD) team played a pivotal role in this website transformation by embracing open data, user-centered design, accessibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. — via Performance.gov

Jul 11, 2023

3 ways to improve communication between contact center agents and customers

The USAGov Contact Center is committed to meeting customers’ needs empathetically, efficiently, and accurately. Here are three tips recommended to USAGov agents for interacting with customers. — via USA.gov

Jun 27, 2023

FCC requires video conferencing platforms to be accessible and proposes platform integration with sign-language services

The Federal Communications Commission voted to require video conferencing platforms, like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex, to comply with the accessibility requirements under the Communications Act and agency rules that govern interoperable video conferencing services. — via Federal Communications Commission

Jun 08, 2023

A digital accessibility catalyst for your next policy refresh

Use GSA’s IT Accessibility Policy Framework to update digital accessibility language in your agency’s policies.

Andrew Nielson

May 15, 2023

Judiciary Launches New Federal Ticket Processing Website

Individuals can now pay tickets for minor federal violations more easily, using a redesigned website for the Judiciary’s Central Violations Bureau. The website, officially launched in early May, leverages new technologies and best design practices to improve usability and accessibility across devices, including smart phones. — via Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts

May 02, 2023

The art of storytelling in a hybrid world

Combined with technology and audience awareness, our increasingly digital, hybrid world can still leverage that in-person charm through the art of storytelling.

Frances Carden

Apr 20, 2023

Introducing the new USA.gov

We’re excited to share that the new USA.gov and USAGov en Español are live. However, we’re not finished. See what we’ll be working on in the future. — via USA.gov

Apr 18, 2023

Modernizing a federal government website with user-centered design

In this blog post, we break down our process for redesigning a federal government website (onrr.gov) into six detailed sections. This blog serves as a helpful guide for other agencies looking to do a major website redesign. — via Office of Natural Resources Revenue

Mar 30, 2023

Plain language on onrr.gov: coordination and implementation with web content owners

Strategies, examples, and lessons learned from coordinating with content owners to enhance plain language on onrr.gov. — via Office of Natural Resources Revenue

Mar 16, 2023

Testing Beta for Accessibility

The USAGov team strives to ensure all our websites are accessible to as many people as possible. This includes those who need the use of specialized assistive technologies when browsing the internet. In building beta.USA.gov we deliberately validated that it met Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 compliance requirements. Our testing approach includes a three step hybrid method that may be suitable for other agency use. — via USA.gov

Mar 16, 2023

A happy compromise between people-first and plain language

Find out how the National Institute of Corrections is using people-first plain language in its communications. See what words and phrases they’re changing.

Celia A. Terrazas

Mar 07, 2023

How to manage a federal website

Managing government websites is a targeted exercise. Here are 5 steps to help you build and maintain a successful one.

Frances Carden

Feb 02, 2023

9 web resolutions to jump-start 2023

Nine areas to focus on in the coming year to take your digital sites and services to the next level.

Tori Garten

Jan 31, 2023

To Build Trust, Aim for Easy

Trust is earned through consistency and commitment. Build sites that build trust by considering user needs, respecting people’s time, and avoiding customer experience pitfalls.

Amanda Dean

Dec 13, 2022

Accessibility Testing for onrr.gov

How do you make sure a website is accessible? This blog post outlines the four steps the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR - pronounced like "honor") at the U.S. Department of the Interior took to verify accessibility. — via Office of Natural Resources Revenue

Nov 21, 2022

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