Section 508
Compliance Services
We make digital content accessible to everyone. From full-scale website audits to PDF remediation and VPAT documentation, BlackThorn delivers end-to-end accessibility solutions that meet and exceed federal standards.
What Is Section 508 Compliance?
Section 508 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (amended in 1998 and 2017). It requires all federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding to make their electronic and information technology - including websites, documents, and software - accessible to people with disabilities.
The law was the first U.S. federal accessibility standard for the Internet, establishing binding, enforceable standards. Today, the technical reference standard is WCAG 2.0 Level AA, with the 2024 DOJ Title II Rule now requiring WCAG 2.1 Level AA for state and local government websites.
Non-compliance carries real consequences. The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division actively enforces Section 508, and individuals may file administrative complaints, private lawsuits, or formal complaints through the DOJ Office of Civil Rights. Web and digital accessibility litigation continues to grow year over year.
The POUR Principles
All WCAG guidelines are built on four foundational principles. Every accessibility requirement maps back to one of these pillars.
Perceivable
Content must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive, regardless of sensory abilities.
- Text alternatives for images
- Captions for multimedia
- Sufficient color contrast
- Content readable at 200%+ zoom
Operable
All interface components and navigation must be operable by all users, including keyboard-only.
- Full keyboard accessibility
- No keyboard traps
- Sufficient time to interact
- No seizure-inducing content
Understandable
Information and interface operation must be clear, predictable, and help users avoid mistakes.
- Clear, simple language
- Predictable navigation
- Descriptive form labels
- Helpful error messages
Robust
Content must be robust enough to work reliably across diverse user agents and assistive technologies.
- Valid, semantic HTML
- Correct ARIA usage
- Assistive tech compatibility
- Dynamic content announcements
Our Accessibility Services
Comprehensive solutions covering every aspect of digital accessibility - from documents to web applications.
PDF Remediation
We transform inaccessible PDFs into fully tagged, structured documents that screen readers can interpret correctly.
- Tag structure creation and repair (headings, lists, tables)
- Alternative text for all images and graphics
- Reading order correction and optimization
- Table header associations (row/column scope)
- Form field labeling and structure
- Document language and metadata setup
Web Accessibility
Full-stack accessibility auditing and remediation for websites and web applications, ensuring WCAG 2.1 AA conformance.
- Semantic HTML and ARIA implementation
- Keyboard navigation and focus management
- Color contrast and visual accessibility
- Responsive design and zoom support (up to 400%)
- Form validation and error handling
- Screen reader testing (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver)
Accessibility Audits
Comprehensive evaluations combining automated scanning with expert manual testing to identify every barrier to access.
- Automated + manual testing methodology
- Keyboard-only navigation testing
- Assistive technology compatibility testing
- Detailed findings report with remediation guidance
- Priority-ranked issues by severity and impact
- Conformance level documentation (A, AA, AAA)
VPAT & ADA Compliance
Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates and ADA compliance documentation demonstrating your product's conformance level.
- VPAT 2.4 (WCAG 2.1) documentation
- Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACR)
- ADA Title II & III compliance assessment
- Remediation roadmap and priority planning
- Ongoing monitoring and re-evaluation
- Staff training and awareness programs
How We Fix It
Whether it's a legacy PDF library or a complex web application, our proven methodology delivers measurable results.
PDF & Document Remediation
Source Analysis
We evaluate the source document (Word, InDesign, etc.) and existing PDF structure to determine the optimal remediation approach.
Tag Structure Creation
Using Adobe Acrobat Pro, we build a complete tag tree - headings, paragraphs, lists, tables, and figures - reflecting the document's logical structure.
Content Remediation
We add alternative text to images, set table headers with proper scope, label form fields, and correct reading order for screen reader navigation.
Validation & Delivery
Every document passes Adobe's Accessibility Checker and manual screen reader verification before delivery with a compliance certificate.
Website & Application Remediation
Comprehensive Audit
We combine automated tools (WAVE, axe) with manual keyboard and screen reader testing to identify all accessibility barriers.
Remediation Plan
Issues are prioritized by severity and user impact. We create a detailed roadmap with specific code-level fixes for each violation.
Code-Level Fixes
Our engineers implement semantic HTML, ARIA attributes, keyboard handlers, focus management, color contrast adjustments, and responsive design fixes.
Testing & Certification
Final testing with JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and keyboard-only navigation. We deliver a conformance report and VPAT documentation.
Tools & Technologies We Use
No automated tool can fully determine accessibility. We combine the best tools with expert human judgment.
WAVE
Browser-based evaluation tool for identifying errors, alerts, structural elements, and contrast issues.
Adobe Acrobat Pro
Industry-standard for PDF tag editing, reading order repair, and accessibility checking.
JAWS & NVDA
Leading screen readers for Windows used to verify real-world assistive technology compatibility.
axe DevTools
Automated accessibility testing engine integrated into our development workflow for continuous checking.
Color Contrast Analyzer
Precise contrast ratio measurement ensuring all text meets 4.5:1 (normal) and 3:1 (large) requirements.
VoiceOver
Apple's built-in screen reader for macOS/iOS testing, ensuring cross-platform accessibility.
The Legal Landscape Is Changing
Digital accessibility litigation is rising rapidly and regulations are tightening. The DOJ's 2024 Title II Rule makes WCAG 2.1 AA mandatory for all state and local government websites by 2026–2027. The HHS 2024 Section 504 Rule requires the same standard for all HHS funding recipients.
Landmark cases like NFB v. Target (2008) and Robles v. Domino's Pizza (2019) have established that the ADA extends to websites and mobile applications. Proactive compliance is no longer optional - it's a business imperative.
Ready to Become Compliant?
Let our team assess your digital properties and deliver a clear roadmap to full Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 AA conformance.
Start Your AssessmentFree initial consultation · Response within 24 hours