Section 508 and you: Using multiple senses to communicate

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that electronic and information technology that is used by the Federal government be accessible to people with disabilities. While it does not necessarily apply to all private sector websites, it points out legitimate concerns that everyone should consider when developing websites and mobile applications, as many of the 508 guidelines can make websites easier to use for not only the disabled but also the general audience.

But before discussing the broader implications of greater access, it is important to provide some background on Section 508. The essence of the Rehabilitation Act forbids discrimination within Federal agencies on the basis of a disability. Section 508 specifically deals with making technology systems accessible in a variety of ways in that the information can be accessed through activation of more than just one of the five senses. For example, video that is only visible may not be accessible to a person with visual impairments or an audio file is most likely not accessible for a person who is deaf or hard of hearing. In addition, individuals with disabilities may need certain types of software or other peripheral devices to access certain types of media (Justice, 2009).

Paragraph 1194.22 of Section 508 deals with “Web based intranet and Internet information and applications.” The paragraph includes 16 guidelines – subparagraphs “a” to “p” – that a webmaster or application designer will need to adhere to.

Subparagraph (a) states that a “text equivalent” must be available when “non-text elements” – that is an element that is not presented in text including images, audio clips, and graphics – are presented on the site or application. Subparagraph (b) states that “equivalent alternatives” must be presented along with multi-media presentations. Equivalent alternatives include; captioning or audio descriptions that accomplish the message purpose by communicating analogous information in sync with the multi-media presentation. Subparagraph (c) states that material that is presented in color must also be presented without color in such a manner that the communication remains the same. Subparagraph (d) requires that information be presented in such a manner as to not require a stylesheet. Subparagraph (e) necessitates the use of “redundant text links” when an active server image map is used. Subparagraph (f) requires the use of client-side image maps as opposed to server-side ones. Subparagraph (g) requires the use of row and column headers when using data tables. Subparagraph (h) extends the guidelines on data tables in that they are required to have two or more logical levels of row or column headers. Subparagraph (i) requires that frames be identified in such a manner as to foster clear identification of the frames. Subparagraph (j) states a flicker range frequency requirement for web pages between the range of 2 and 55 Hz. Subparagraph (k) requires that a “text-only page” be provided for a website and update in sync with the main page. Subparagraph (l) requires that “scripting language” be used so that the website complies with assistive technology. Subparagraph (m) mandates that a link be provided to a required applet or plug-in in a situation where such a program is needed to access the website content. Subparagraph (n) requires that when a form is offered on website, that that form can interface with assistive technology designed to help with filling out online forms. Subparagraph (o) states that a method must exists so that the website or application user will be able to skip repetitive navigation links. Subparagraph (p) requires that the user be alerted and given adequate time to respond within any time limitations (GSA, n.d.).

Similarly, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) were created to help those with disabilities better access websites. The WCAG has 12 guidelines that are similar to those of Section 508. A few key points add to the discussion of what web developers should considered when creating web pages. Figure 1 outlines the guidelines.

Figure 1. (Henry, 2017)

As one can see, the WCAG guidelines break up accessibility into the categories relating to perception, operation, understandability, and robustness. I like how the guidelines express concerns about how content should be “presented in different ways.” These guidelines also put accessibility into perspective when pointing out that functions should all be accessible from the keyboard and that content operate in “predictable ways” (Henry, 2017)

When one analyzes the WCAG guidelines, one can begin to see how they can benefit general audiences as well as the guidelines require that websites communicate using a variety of senses. Much work has been done in the education field that focus on better methods for teachers to communicate ideas to their students – appealing to a variety of senses to improved information processing. Studies have demonstrated that by appealing to a variety of senses, teachers can help students become better receivers of the information presented in class. Ways that multiple senses activation improves learning include increased concentration, better focus, heightened awareness, and increased brain function just to name a few (Hidden Angel Foundation, n.d). “Using multiple senses allows more cognitive connections and associations to be made with a concept,” states educator Anna Pitts in a HowToLearn blog (Pitts, 2012)

The Harvard Business Review recently published an article that concludes that multi-sensory communications can facilitate more effective marketing tactics (Harvard Business Review, 2015). “In business, we need to make sure that we are tapping into as many of these senses as possible so that we can really connect with our audience,” writes Britt Michaelian in Huffington Post business blog (Machaelian, 2013).

The major implications of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 508 are that material be accessible. Accessibility means communicating messages through activation of more than just one of the five senses. Academic and business research demonstrates that good communication appeals to more than just one of the five senses. For these reasons, the application of the Section 508 and the WCAG can be helpful for communication efforts with not only the disabled but general audiences seeking information on websites, and for these reasons such guidelines are important considerations for any web designer who wishes to communicate effectively.

References

GSA (n.d.) . Quick Reference Guide to Section 508 Requirements and Standards . retrieved July 24, 2017 from https://www.section508.gov/content/learn/standards/quick-reference-guide

Harvard Business Review (2015) . The Science of Sensory Marketing. March 2015 . retrieved from https://hbr.org/2015/03/the-science-of-sensory-marketing

Henry, S. (2017) . Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Overview . website . March 10, 2017 . retrieved from https://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/wcag

Hidden Angel Foundation (n.d) . Multi Sensory Environments: The Benefits . retrieved July 24, 2017 from http://www.cdhaf.org/multi-sensory-environments-the-benefits/

Justice, U.S. Department of (2009) . A Guide to Disability Rights Laws . July 2009 . retrieved from https://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm#anchor65610

Michaelian, B. (2013) . How to Engage the 5 Senses of Your Audience for Increased Sales . Huffington Post . April 27, 2013 . retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/britt-michaelian/how-to-engage-the-5-sense_b_2759495.html

Pitss, A. (2012) . Learning Is Multi-Sensory: How To Engage All The Senses So Children Really Benefit . HowToLearn . December 13, 2012 . retrieved from http://www.howtolearn.com/2012/12/learning-is-multi-sensory-how-to-engage-all-the-senses-so-children-really-benefit/

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