Play 2: Assess Your Section 508 Program Maturity

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head>  <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="robots" content="index, follow">  <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="True"> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="320"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">  <title>Play 2: Assess Your Section 508 Program Maturity | Section508.gov</title> <meta property="og:title" content="Section508.gov"> <meta name="description" content="Information about the Section508.gov website, GSA鈥檚 Government-wide IT Accessibility Team, and guidance to Federal agencies on accessible information and communication technology (ICT)."> <meta property="og:description" content="Information about the Section508.gov website, GSA鈥檚 Government-wide IT Accessibility Team, and guidance to Federal agencies on accessible information and communication technology (ICT)."> <meta property="og:image" content="https://assets.section508.gov/files/images/social-media-og-image.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://assets.section508.gov/files/images/social-media-og-image.jpg" />  <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary" /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Section508.gov" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Information about the Section508.gov website, GSA鈥檚 Government-wide IT Accessibility Team, and guidance to Federal agencies on accessible information and communication technology (ICT)." /> <meta property="og:type" content="article"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.section508.gov/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play02/" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.section508.gov/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play02/" />   <link rel="shortcut icon" type="image/ico" href="/assets/images/favicon.ico" /> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="/assets/images/favicon.ico" /> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="192x192" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-192x192.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon.png" /> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/assets/images/favicon-32x32.png" /> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="/assets/images/favicon-16x16.png" /> <link rel="manifest" href="/assets/images/site.webmanifest" />  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/assets/css/index.css?1732224641581990839"> <script src="https://code.jquery.com/jquery-3.6.0.js" integrity="sha256-H+K7U5CnXl1h5ywQfKtSj8PCmoN9aaq30gDh27Xc0jk=" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <script src="/assets/js/uswds-init.min.js?1732224641581990839"></script>  <meta name="topic" content="Manage (program)"> <meta name="sub-topic" content="Manage a 508 Program"> <meta name="audience" content="Chief Information Officer (cio), 508 Program Manager (508pm), Information Technology Program and Project Managers (itpm), Federal employee (fedemp), Developers and Testers (dev-test)"> <meta name="resource-type" content="Playbook"> <meta name="format" content="HTML (html)"> </head> <body> <section aria-label="Official Government Site Banner" class="page-landing-page layout-demo "> <a class="usa-skipnav" href="#main-content">Skip to secondary navigation</a> <a class="usa-skipnav" href="#content-section">Skip to main content</a> <div class="usa-banner" aria-label="Official website of the United States government" > <div class="usa-accordion"> <header class="usa-banner__header"> <div class="usa-banner__inner"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <img aria-hidden="true" class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="/assets/img/us_flag_small.png" alt="U.S. flag" /> </div> <div class="grid-col-fill tablet:grid-col-auto" aria-hidden="true"> <p class="usa-banner__header-text"> An official website of the United States government </p> <p class="usa-banner__header-action">Here鈥檚 how you know</p> </div> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner-default" > <span class="usa-banner__button-text">Here鈥檚 how you know</span> </button> </div> </header> <div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner-default" hidden="" > <div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg"> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/assets/img/icon-dot-gov.svg" role="img" alt="Dot gov" aria-hidden="true" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong>Official websites use .gov</strong><br />A <strong>.gov</strong> website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. </p> </div> </div> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/assets/img/icon-https.svg" role="img" alt="Https" aria-hidden="true" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong>Secure .gov websites use HTTPS</strong><br />A <strong>lock</strong> ( <span class="icon-lock" ><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="52" height="64" viewBox="0 0 52 64" class="usa-banner__lock-image" role="img" aria-labelledby="banner-lock-description-default" focusable="false" > <title id="banner-lock-title-default">Lock</title> <desc id="banner-lock-description-default">Locked padlock icon</desc> <path fill="#000000" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M26 0c10.493 0 19 8.507 19 19v9h3a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v28a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H4a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V32a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h3v-9C7 8.507 15.507 0 26 0zm0 8c-5.979 0-10.843 4.77-10.996 10.712L15 19v9h22v-9c0-6.075-4.925-11-11-11z" /> </svg> </span >) or <strong>https://</strong> means you鈥檝e safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <button id="backtotop" title="Go to top" style="display: none">藙 Top</button> <div class="usa-overlay"></div> </section> <header class="usa-header usa-header--extended" role="banner"> <div class="usa-navbar"> <div class="usa-logo" id="extended-logo"> <span><a href="/" onclick="return navigate(this)"> <img src="/assets/images/508-logo-cropped-web-altgreen.png" alt="Section508.gov Home; GSA logo with text: Section508.gov Buy. Build. Be Accessible." class="logo" /> </a></span> </div> <button class="usa-menu-btn">Menu</button> </div> <nav id="site-nav" role="navigation" class="usa-nav" aria-label="Primary Site Navigation"> <div class="usa-nav__inner"> <button class="usa-nav__close"><img alt="close" src="/assets/img/close.svg"></button> <ul class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion"> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <a aria-label="Policy & Management primary navigation" class="usa-nav__link usa-current" onclick="return navigate(this)" href="/manage/"><span>Policy & Management</span></a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <a aria-label="Acquisition primary navigation" class="usa-nav__link" onclick="return navigate(this)" href="/buy-sell/"><span>Acquisition</span></a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <a aria-label="Content Creation primary navigation" class="usa-nav__link" onclick="return navigate(this)" href="/create/"><span>Content Creation</span></a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <a aria-label="Design & Develop primary navigation" class="usa-nav__link" onclick="return navigate(this)" href="/develop/"><span>Design & Develop</span></a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <a aria-label="Testing primary navigation" class="usa-nav__link" onclick="return navigate(this)" href="/test/"><span>Testing</span></a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <a aria-label="Training, Tools & Events primary navigation" class="usa-nav__link" onclick="return navigate(this)" href="/training/"><span>Training, Tools & Events</span></a> </li> </ul> <div class="usa-nav__secondary"> <ul class="usa-nav__secondary-links"> <li class="usa-nav__secondary-item"> <a href="/blog/" class="external-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Blogs & Updates</a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__secondary-item"> <a href="/tools/program-manager-listing/" class="external-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">My Agency鈥檚 508 PM</a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__secondary-item"> <a href="/content/about-us/" class="external-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">About Us</a> </li> </ul> <form id="search_form" class="usa-search usa-search--small" action="https://search.usa.gov/search" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="get"> <input name="utf8" type="hidden" value="✓" /> <input name="affiliate" type="hidden" value="gsa-section508-accessibility" /> <div role="search"> <label class="usa-sr-only" for="extended-search-field-small">Search</label> <input class="usa-input usagov-search-autocomplete" id="extended-search-field-small" type="search" name="query" autocomplete="off"> <button class="usa-button primary-background-color" type="submit"><img src="/assets/img/usa-icons-bg/search--white.svg" class="usa-search__submit-icon" alt="Search" /></button> </div> </form> </div> </div> </nav> </header> <section aria-label="Page Banner" class="usa-graphic-list usa-section sml-margin bg-gradient landing-page-banner"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="tablet: grid-col"> <span class="banner-title-color font-sans-lg margin-bottom-0"> Policy & Management </span> <br /> <h1 class="text-white font-sans-xl margin-top-0 margin-bottom-0"> Play 2: Assess Your Section 508 Program Maturity </h1> </div> </div> </div> </section> <div id="main-content" class="usa-layout-docs usa-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <aside class="usa-layout-docs__sidenav desktop:grid-col-3 padding-bottom-4"> <nav id="sec-nav" aria-label="Secondary Navigation"> <ul class="usa-sidenav menu"><li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/manage/" >Policy and Management</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="header-menu-text" aria-label="Management - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Management</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Manage a 508 Program - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Manage a 508 Program</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/roles/">Accessibility Roles</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/improve-digital-dashboard-scores/">Improve Digital Dashboard Accessibility Scores</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/publish-accessible-content/">Publish Accessible Content</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/teach-staff-about-accessibility/">Teach Staff about Accessibility</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/track-report-conformance/">Track and Report Conformance</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/program-manager-responsibilities/">IT Accessibility/508 Program Manager Responsibilities</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/program-roadmap/">Revised 508 Standards Roadmap</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/deia-guidance/">DEIA Accessibility Guidance</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/benefits-of-accessibility/">Practical Reasons for Digital Accessibility</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/how-508-standards-benefit-pwd/">How 508 Standards Benefit Persons With Disabilities</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Accessibility for IT Program & Project Manager - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Accessibility for IT Program & Project Manager</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/program-management/">IT Accessibility Program Management</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/identify-user-needs/">Identify User Needs</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/support-accessible-content/">Support Development of Accessible Content</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/understand-scope-technical-requirements/">Understand Content Scope and Technical Requirements</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/join-the-508-community/">Join the 508 community</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/tools/program-manager-listing/">Find your Program Manager</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/pmr/">Semi-Annual Program Maturity Report (PMR)</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="header-menu-text" aria-label="Playbooks - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Playbooks</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/">Overview</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/accessibility-playbook-quick-guide/">Quick Guide to IT Accessibility for Program Managers</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Technology Accessibility Playbook - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Technology Accessibility Playbook</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/">Introduction</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play01/">Play 1: Establish a Section 508 Program Manager</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item active usa-current "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play02/">Play 2: Assess your Section 508 Program Maturity</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play03/">Play 3: Develop a Section 508 Accessibility Roadmap</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play04/">Play 4: Establish a Section 508 Policy</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play05/">Play 5: Develop a Section 508 Program Team</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play06/">Play 6: Collaborate with the Federal Accessibility Community</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play07/">Play 7: Integrate Accessibility Needs into Requirements and Design Processes</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play08/">Play 8: Integrate Accessibility Needs into Market Research and Acquisition Processes</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play09/">Play 9: Integrate Accessibility Needs into Development Processes</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play10/">Play 10: Conduct Section 508 Testing</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play11/">Play 11: Track and Resolve Accessibility Issues</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play12/">Play 12: Educate the Workforce</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/exec-guide-accessibility/">Executive Guide to Federal IT Accessibility</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="header-menu-text" aria-label="Law and Policy - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Law and Policy</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/">IT Accessibility Laws and Policies Overview</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/section-508-law/">Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/quick-reference-guide/">Laws and Policy Quick Reference Guide</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Website Accessibility Statements - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Website Accessibility Statements</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/website-accessibility-statement/">Developing a Website Accessibility Statement</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/implementing-public-feedback-mechanism/">Implementing a Public Feedback Mechanism</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/Section-508-complaints-best-practices/">Best Practices For Establishing And Maintaining a Formal Section 508 Complaint Process</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/update-agency-policies/">Updating Agency Policy</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/state/">State-level Accessibility Law and Policy</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/international/">International IT Accessibility Laws and Policies</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="header-menu-text" aria-label="IT Accessibility Policy Framework - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">IT Accessibility Policy Framework</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/introduction/">Introduction</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="How to Use the Framework - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">How to Use the Framework</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/how-to-use-the-framework/how-to-identify-policies/">How to Identify Policies</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/how-to-use-the-framework/evaluation-criteria/">Evaluation Criteria</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/how-to-use-the-framework/guiding-question/">Guiding Questions</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/how-to-use-the-framework/ict-accessibility-policy-matrix/">ICT Accessibility Policy Matrix</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Guidance by Policy Type - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Guidance by Policy Type</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/approach/">Approach</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/acquisition-and-procurement/">Acquisition and Procurement</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/administrative-services/">Administrative Services</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/budget-and-finance/">Budget and Finance</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/communications/">Communications</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/emergency-response/">Emergency Response</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/human-resources-management/">Human Resources Management</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/information-technology-services/">Information Technology Services</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/legal/">Legal</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/real-property-management/">Real Property Management</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Resources and References - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Resources and References</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/resources-and-references/policy-review-template/">Policy Review Template</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/resources-and-references/all-policy-types-and-subtypes/">All Policy Types and Subtypes</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/resources-and-references/summary-of-summary-criteria/">Summary of Evaluation Criteria</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/resources-and-references/useful-links/">Useful Links</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/resources-and-references/list-of-acronyms/">List of Acronyms</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/faq/">FAQ</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="header-menu-text" aria-label="Annual Section 508 Assessment - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Annual Section 508 Assessment</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/">Instructions</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Assessment Criteria - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Assessment Criteria</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-01/">General Information</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-02/">IT Accessibility Program Office</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-03/">Policies, Procedures, and Practices</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-04/">Communications</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-05/">Content Creation</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-06/">Human Capital, Culture, and Leadership</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-07/">Technology Lifecycle Activities</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-08/">Testing and Validation</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-09/">Acquisition and Procurement</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-10/">Training</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-11/">Conformance Metrics</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/faq/">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/support/">Support</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/definition-of-terms/">Definition of Terms</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/annual-reports/">Annual Reports</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/manage/agency-508-reporting-requirements/" >Agency Section 508 Reporting Requirements</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/manage/accessibility-faq/" >ICT Accessibility Frequently Asked Questions</a> </li></ul> </nav> </aside> <main class="usa-layout-docs__main desktop:grid-col-9" id="content-section"> <div class="usa-graphic-list"> <p>Some agencies have not established a formal Section 508 compliance program. Other agencies are just beginning to establish a Section 508 program, and they need to establish policies, procedures, training and communications to build awareness of what is required and who is responsible for addressing compliance needs. Agencies further along may have dedicated resources to perform testing to validate Section 508 conformance claims, but do not have a systematic approach to perform testing. Mature agencies demonstrate the ability to measure and monitor conformance to policies and actual compliance levels, and they use data to drive decision making to improve the effectiveness of their overall Section 508 program. Section 508 activities appropriate for mature organizations may not be appropriate for less mature organizations that do not have an adequate foundation to build upon. Therefore, an assessment of your agency鈥檚 Section 508 program maturity is essential to gauge where you are, and to determine what steps are necessary to improve your program.</p> <h2 id="key-questions">Key Questions</h2> <ul> <li>What is the current maturity of your agency鈥檚 Section 508 compliance program?</li> <li>How is your program鈥檚 maturity enabling or inhibiting your agency鈥檚 ability to provide accessible digital services and technology solutions?</li> </ul> <h2 id="section-508-program-maturity-levels">Section 508 Program Maturity Levels</h2> <p>In the Government-wide Section 508 Strategic Plan, OMB requires agencies to assess their Section 508 program maturity using the following criteria:</p> <ul> <li>Ad Hoc: No formal policies, processes, or procedures defined. <blockquote>Your agency has not established a framework for the consistent management of Section 508 compliance requirements for the technology it buys, builds maintains and uses.</blockquote> </li> <li>Planned: Policies, processes, and procedures defined and communicated. <blockquote>Your agency’s approach to ensuring technology is Section 508 compliant is defined and integrated into its policies and procedures. Section 508 policies and procedures sufficiently address all technology your agency buys, builds maintains and uses, as scoped by the Section 508 standards.</blockquote> </li> <li>Resourced: Resources committed and/or staff trained to implement policies, processes, and procedures. <blockquote>Your agency’s leadership and staff understand and support the Section 508 policies and procedures, and know how to implement them. Your agency has dedicated sufficient resources to implement your Section 508 policies and procedures.</blockquote> </li> <li>Measured: Validation is performed; results are measured and tracked. <blockquote>Your agency tests and validates agency digital services and technology solutions to ensure they conform to the Section 508 standards. You are able to determine whether your policies and procedures are actually being followed. You measure the effectiveness of your Section 508 policies and procedures, and are able to use your measures to manage risk and prioritize opportunities for improving your compliance program.</blockquote> </li> </ul> <h2 id="section-508-program-maturity-domains">Section 508 Program Maturity Domains</h2> <p>In the Government-wide Section 508 Strategic Plan, OMB requires agencies to assess their Section 508 program maturity in each of the following domains:</p> <ul> <li>Acquisition: Conduct validation of procurement solicitations to ensure incorporation of Section 508 contract language into Statements of Work and Performance Work Statements. <blockquote>When purchasing technology, you must ensure the acquisition process addresses section 508 requirements.  Solicitation language must clearly state what standards apply to the digital service or technology solution, and require potential vendors to demonstrate they can meet the requirements.</blockquote> </li> <li>Agency technology life cycles: Conduct validation of Section 508 requirements to ensure incorporation into agency life cycle activities, including enterprise architecture, design, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance activities. <blockquote>Enterprise life cycles are used to define the end-to-end approach to approving, building, deploying, and supporting agency technology. The <u>least effective</u> and <u>most expensive</u> approach to supporting compliance is to treat Section 508 requirements as an afterthought in response to test results, or worse in response to complaints from people with disabilities. The <u>most effective</u> and <u>least expensive</u> approach is to consider Section 508 requirements at all stages of the enterprise life cycle. This is analogous to the saying “it’s cheaper and easier to use an eraser to modify an architectural drawing than a sledgehammer to tear down a wall.”</blockquote> </li> <li>Testing and Validation: Testing and validation of Section 508 conformance claims. <blockquote>While a review of Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPAT®) provided by a vendor or contractor is a starting point, sometimes testing may be required to validate assertions of Section 508 compliance, to inform remediation planning, and to monitor agency progress with achieving Section 508 compliance. In addition, testing may be required on an ongoing basis to validate the technology developed, maintained, and used by an agency is compliant with the applicable 508 standards as components are updated or replaced.</blockquote> </li> <li>Complaint Management: Track and resolve incoming Section 508 complaints. <blockquote>A clear process for addressing and tracking Section 508 complaints is necessary to provide for effective communication with complainants, to validate Section 508 non-compliance claims, to support an appropriate agency response aimed at minimizing legal exposure, costs, and loss of administrative time, and to serve as input into decisions related to resource and work planning.</blockquote> </li> <li>Training: Training for stakeholders on roles and responsibilities related to Section 508 compliance. <blockquote>Successful Section 508 programs rely on personnel with skills and expertise. Relevant resources need to be identified and trained. Mandatory training needs to be established and tracked. This includes, but is not limited to, training for web and software developers, acquisition professionals, human resource employees and communications specialists.</blockquote> </li> </ul> <h2 id="basic-checklist">Basic Checklist</h2> <ul> <li>Evaluate how existing agency policies, practices, and procedures support each maturity area. <ul> <li>Technology Processes: Technology Domains, Processes, Activities,</li> <li>Technology Resources: Applications, Information, Infrastructure, People, and</li> <li>Business Requirements: Effectiveness, Efficiency, Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, Compliance, Reliability.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Identify strengths and weaknesses of the organization鈥檚 current accessibility processes.</li> <li>Review Section 508 compliance challenges raised in previous complaints.</li> <li>Determine overall maturity level ratings using the OMB Agency Section 508 Reporting Template and instructions.</li> <li>Use data from maturity assessments to inform the agency鈥檚 response to the biennial Department of Justice Section 508 Survey.</li> </ul> <h2 id="advanced-checklist">Advanced Checklist</h2> <ul> <li>Identify how the maturity of the current Section 508 program prepares you to transition to the new 508 standards.</li> <li>Assess the maturity of the Section 508 Program Team鈥檚 collaboration with offices that support: <ul> <li>Internal technology design, development, configuration, deployment, and maintenance,</li> <li>Accommodations (Section 504 and 501),</li> <li>Equal Opportunity Office,</li> <li>Enterprise Architecture,</li> <li>Investment Management,</li> <li>Acquisition Management,</li> <li>Enterprise Life Cycle Governance,</li> <li>User Experience Design,</li> <li>Help Desk and Customer Support,</li> <li>Communications, Public Affairs, and Advocacy Group Outreach,</li> <li>Security & Privacy, and</li> <li>Legal.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2 id="resources">Resources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://assets.section508.gov/files/strategic-plan-508-compliance.pdf">Strategic Plan: Improving Management of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act</a></li> <li><a href="https://assets.section508.gov/files/FINAL_16to9_OMB_YOUR_PROGRAM_MEASURES.PPTX">Training - How to Measure Your Agency鈥檚 508 Program Training</a></li> <li><a href="https://assets.section508.gov/files/S508TEMPLATE120816EXT2_1.pdf">Section 508 OMB Dashboard/Reporting Template</a></li> <li><a href="/manage/reporting">Section 508 OMB Dashboard/Reporting Template Instructions</a></li> <li><a href="https://itdashboard.gov/">IT Dashboard.gov - For agency E-Gov Act accessibility related summaries</a></li> </ul> <p>聽</p> <div id="prev-next-section"> <a class="prev-page" title="Go to Play 1" href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play01"> < Play 1</a> <a class="prev-page" title="Go to Play 3" href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play03"> Play 3 > </a> </div> <p><strong>Reviewed/Updated:</strong> November 2024</p> </div> </main> </div> </div> </div> <footer class="usa-footer__primary-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap padding-bottom-4"> <div class="desktop:grid-col-4"> <p class="text-bold">Government-wide Initiatives</p> <ul class="add-list-reset line-height-sans-6"> <li> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/technology/government-it-initiatives/digital-strategy" target="_blank" onclick="return navigate(this)">Digital Strategy</a></li> <li> <a href="https://www.plainlanguage.gov/" target="_blank" onclick="return navigate(this)">Plain Language </a></li> <li> <a href="https://designsystem.digital.gov/" target="_blank" onclick="return navigate(this)"> U.S. Web Design System </a></li> <li> <a href="https://www.cio.gov/about/members-and-leadership/accessibility-cop/" target="_blank" onclick="return navigate(this)"> CIO Council Accessibility Community of Practice (ACOP)</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="desktop:grid-col-2"> <p class="text-bold">Organization</p> <ul class="add-list-reset line-height-sans-6"> <li> <a href="/about-us/" aria-label="About Us in Organization" onclick="return navigate(this)"> About Us</a></li> <li> <a aria-label="Contact Us details" href="/contact-us/" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Contact Us</a></li> <li><a href="/contributors/" aria-label="Section508.gov site Contributors" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Contributors</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="desktop:grid-col-3"> <p class="text-bold">Tools</p> <ul class="add-list-reset line-height-sans-6"> <li> <a href="/art/" aria-label="Accessibility Requirements Tool" onclick="return navigate(this)"> ART</a></li> <li> <a href="/buy/solicitation-review-tool" aria-label="Solicitation Review Tool" onclick="return navigate(this)"> SRT</a></li> <li> <a href="/content/guide-accessible-web-design-development" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Developer Guide</a></li> <li> <a href="https://digitaldashboard.gov/" target="_blank" onclick="return navigate(this)"> DigitalDashboard.gov</a></li> <li> <a href="https://analytics.usa.gov/" target="_blank" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Analytics.usa.gov</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="desktop:grid-col-3"> <p class="text-bold">Resources</p> <ul class="add-list-reset line-height-sans-6"> <li> <a href="/content/glossary" aria-label="Glossary for Section508" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Glossary</a></li> <li> <a href="/website-policies" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Website Policies</a></li> <li> <a href="/tools/program-manager-listing/" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Find Your Section 508 Program Manager</a></li> <li><a href="/manage/join-the-508-community/" onclick="return navigate(this)">Join the Community(Listserv)</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </footer> <div class="usa-identifier"> <section class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--masthead" aria-label="Agency identifier," > <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <div class="usa-identifier__logos"> <a href="https://gsa.gov" class="usa-identifier__logo" onclick="return navigate(this)"> <img class="usa-identifier__logo-img" alt="General Services Administration Logo" src="/assets/images/logos/gsa-logo.png"> </a> </div> <div class="usa-identifier__identity"> <p class="usa-identifier__identity-domain">Section508.gov</p> <p class="usa-identifier__identity-disclaimer"> An official website of the <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/" onclick="return navigate(this)">General Services Administration</a> </p> </div> </div> </section> <nav class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--required-links" aria-label="Important links,," > <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <ul class="usa-identifier__required-links-list"> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/about-us" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">About GSA</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/website-information/accessibility-aids" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Accessibility statement</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/reference/freedom-of-information-act-foia" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">FOIA requests</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/reference/civil-rights-programs/notification-and-federal-employee-antidiscrimination-and-retaliation-act-of-2002" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">No FEAR Act data</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsaig.gov/" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Office of the Inspector General</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/reference/reports/budget-performance" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Performance reports</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/website-information/website-policies" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Privacy policy</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="/website-policies/#reuse-and-copyright" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Reuse and Copyright</a> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> <section class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--usagov" aria-label="U.S. government information and services,," > <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <div class="usa-identifier__usagov-description"> Looking for U.S. government information and services? </div> <a href="https://www.usa.gov/" class="usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Visit USA.gov</a> </div> </section> </div>  <script id="_fed_an_ua_tag" src="https://dap.digitalgov.gov/Universal-Federated-Analytics-Min.js?agency=GSA"></script> <script src="/assets/js/uswds.min.js?1732224641581990839"></script> <script src="/assets/js/app.js?1732224641581990839"></script> <script> $(document).ready(function(){ // Check if the user already dismissed alert banner if (window.localStorage.getItem('dismiss_alert')) { $('#alert_banner').hide(); } $("#dismiss_alert").click(function(){ // Save on LocalStorage window.localStorage.setItem('dismiss_alert', true); $('#alert_banner').hide(); }); }); </script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Play 2: Assess Your Section 508 Program Maturity | Section508.gov