No matter if you are creating a new website, or updating an existing one, there will be many acronyms.

WCAG, 508, and ADA are the most popular.

Every standard is intended to be accessible to all information, both digital and printed. Each standard is unique.

Want to know more about website compliance standards? Continue reading for more information about ADA vs. WCAG conformance vs. HTML508 conformance. Learn how to determine if these regulations apply to you.

If you need immediate assistance to create a compliant website, please contact us online

ADA vs. 508 vs. WCAG

This table gives you a quick overview of ADA vs. WCAG vs. 508

What are ADA, 508, WCAG and? 

Understanding the basics is key.

ADA

In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed. The Americans with Disabilities Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. It is designed to ensure people with disabilities have equal rights and opportunities around the world.

The law applies to all aspects of life.

• Employment
• Education
• Transport
• More

ADA also includes electronic and information technology including websites.

508

Section 508, also known as Section 508, refers to a section in the Rehabilitation Act. It requires federal agencies to acquire, maintain, and use information and communications technology (ICT) so that people with disabilities have access. 

These are some examples of ICT technologies:

• Telephones
• Websites
• Software
• Call centers
• More

Please note that 508 compliance doesn’t apply only to federal employees with disabilities. Anyone with a disability can use federal agency resources, such as the website for a U.S. National Park.

Federal funding can be exempted for organizations that have received it from 508 compliance.

WCAG

In 2008, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines were launched. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines were launched in 2008.

WCAG offers three compliance tiers.

• Level A: Website that is restricted to a small number of users.
• Level AAA: Website that almost all users can access.
• Access to level AAA: All users have full access to this website.

WCAG is an ISO standard that ensures accessibility for websites.

To learn more about WCAG, watch our accessible video.

Who are ADA, 508, and WCAG affecting?

Does Section 508, WCAG, or the ADA affect your organization? Read on to find out more!

ADA

The following parties should comply with the ADA guidelines

• Nonprofits
• Businesses
• Local governments
• Governments in the States

ADA Compliance does not only apply to your website. You also need to make sure that other areas of your business, like hiring and entry, are not discriminatory.

508

Section 508 covers two organizations: 

• Federal agencies
• Federal departments

Federal agencies and departments must ensure other areas of the operation comply with 508 compliance standards. This involves purchasing accessible telephones for staff members and creating call center procedures that make them available to everyone.

WCAG

WCAG does not have the authority to make laws or regulate. Businesses don’t have to develop a compliance plan. Instead, they can use WCAG as a guide and checklist to ensure compliance with the ADA or 508 regulations.

What is the difference between ADA & 508?

There is a fundamental difference between ADA compliance and compliance with 508 vs. WCAG.

• Audience. Although Section 508 focuses on federal agencies and departments, the ADA applies to all who create accessible websites that comply with the ADA. 

• Use: Section 508 gives anyone with a disability the right to work for or interact with the federal government. WCAG, an industry-recognized resource, is a reliable source for compliance.

Although their goals are different, WCAG & ADA share a common goal. 508 have been working towards that goal.

What happens to my site if it isn’t compliant?

Websites that aren’t in compliance can result in severe penalties for your business.

ADA

For violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, you can face the following penalties:

• $55,000 to $75,000 for the first offense
• $150,000 per repeat violation

Federal funding can be withheld from organizations that have received it.

Even though you weren’t intending to make your website inaccessible for people with disabilities (), the federal government can still find your company.

ADA compliance for small businesses is critical.

508

If you ignore Section 508, the following could happen:

• Formal complaints
• Civil lawsuits

The federal government will pay any legal fees of the winning party and provide injunctive Relief if there is a lawsuit or complaint. 

Federal Acquisition Regulation is the federal government’s mechanism to ensure compliance with Section 508. Section 5008 only applies to federal agencies. FAR permits the federal government to purchase accessible tech.

WCAG

Penalties are not applicable for violations of WCAG.

Website owners who wish to comply with Section 508/ADA must refer to and use WCAG. This will allow them to avoid the repercussions that can result from non-compliance with Section 508/ADA.

How do I make ADA, 508, and WCAG compliant 

Two options exist if you want to comply with ADA or 508:

• In-house web design: Organizations that have an in-house design and development team can create a 508 and ADA-compliant site But your team must have experience with accessible web design

• Hiring a web design agency: Companies without the necessary resources and expertise to build and maintain accessible websites on their own should hire a professional web developer. 

WCAG is a comprehensive resource that meets industry standards in web design. WCAG is not required for web design.

Building an accessible website can take many months, depending on its size.

Discuss your expectations with your design and development team. They can help you create a budget using their estimates.

A web design agency might be a better choice based on cost and launch dates. Your development team can concentrate on other projects.

They will also bring 508-, ADA-compliance expertise to the project.

It doesn’t matter if you choose to partner with an agency. This will save time, and hassle, as well as avoid any lawsuits.

Do you feel overwhelmed by the task of creating a website that meets all standards? Kobe Digital is here to help.

It’s difficult to make a website that everyone can access. We’re a trusted choice among small and medium-sized companies. For more information about web design services, please visit us online