EPA Section 508 Policies and Procedures
The EPA procedures align with the Revised Section 508 Standards issued by the U.S. Access Board. These procedures integrate Section 508 technical requirements into the agency's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) lifecycle.
On this page:
- EPA Section 508 Policy
- EPA Section 508 Procedures
- EPA Data Visualization/GIS Accessibility Procedure
- External Resources
EPA Section 508 Policy
The EPA has created an agency-wide Section 508 Policy (pdf) (559.29 KB) to ensure that all ICT complies with the Revised Section 508 Standards.
EPA Section 508 Procedures
- The Section 508 Acquisition Procedure (pdf) (551.66 KB) describes the steps EPA offices take to ensure acquired ICT is accessible.
- The Section 508 Testing Procedure (pdf) (325.96 KB) describes the steps that EPA offices must perform to test their ICT and verify compliance and interoperability claims.
- The Section 508 Exceptions Procedure (pdf) (227.28 KB) describes the steps EPA offices take when seeking an exception to the Section 508 Revised Standards. The Exceptions procedures follow the Federal Acquisition Regulation guidance for exceptions and exemptions.
Working with Maps, Apps, and Dashboards
- Analysts at the EPA apply their expertise in data science and data visualization to protect human health and the environment. Maps, apps, and dashboards provide mission-critical insights into EPA programs and support Agency operations nationwide. To maximize the digital accessibility of these products, the Agency provides guidance and procedures.
- The Data Visualization/GIS Accessibility Procedure (pdf) establishes accessibility requirements, recommendations, and exceptions for data visualization content developed by EPA.
- This mapping design guidance was created to provide a unified, recognizable, and professional visual identity to EPA's maps. This guidance is agnostic of the software or service used to maximize accessibility best practices. The agency strives to ensure that all maps, and data displayed, can be accessed interpreted, understood, and used by everyone.
- Learn more about how to apply the procedure by working through this StoryMap - Design for Everyone. Contact us to learn more about how EPA is striving to maximize digital accessibility.
External Resources
- GSA's Section 508.gov
- United States Access Board Provides standards and guidelines issued under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Communications Act.
- Federal Acquisition Regulations: Chapter 39.2 is all about Information and Communications Technology in federal acquisitions.
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): Providing the technical standards for website and mobile application development.