Play 7: Integrate Accessibility Needs into Requirements and Design Processes

<!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 7: Integrate Accessibility Needs into Requirements and Design Processes | Section508.gov</title> <meta property="og:title" content="Section508.gov"> <meta name="description" content="Information about the Section508.gov website, GSA’s 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’s 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’s 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/play07/" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.section508.gov/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play07/" />   <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’s 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’s 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’ve 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">˄ 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’s 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 7: Integrate Accessibility Needs into Requirements and Design Processes </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 "> <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 active usa-current "> <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>We must begin technology projects by identifying the needs of people with disabilities who use and support the technology, and account for the ways the technology will fit into their lives. We must understand their preferences and expectations for using our technology to ensure it works for all, not just some users. These factors should not only inform technical and design decisions, but also IT investment, acquisition, development, and deployment.</p> <h2 id="key-questions">Key Questions</h2> <ul> <li>At project inception, what steps do you take to determine whether a planned digital service or technology solution will support inclusive access?</li> <li>What steps do you take to validate the accessibility of design proposals with potential disabled users?</li> <li>How do you incorporate accessibility requirements into acquisition and development activities?</li> </ul> <h2 id="basic-checklist">Basic Checklist</h2> <p>Prior to beginning a technology project, work with usability professionals and requirements analysts to:</p> <ul> <li>Use a range of research methods to determine potential disabled users’ goals, needs, preferences, and expectations.</li> <li>Identify what types of interactions could be difficult for disabled users, including individuals who may have: <ul> <li>Vision difficulties or impairments,</li> <li>Hearing difficulties or impairments,</li> <li>Speech difficulties or impairments,</li> <li>Physical limitations or impairments, and</li> <li>Cognitive impairments such as reading difficulties, learning challenges, or simply difficulty processing complex information.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Identify approaches that could lower or remove user interaction barriers.</li> <li>Identify the applicable Section 508 standards for each component of a technology solution, including: <ul> <li>The device(s) used to access agency content,</li> <li>The software used to run the device,</li> <li>The electronic content provided through or produced by the solution,</li> <li>The software used to view, interact and navigate through the electronic content, and</li> <li>The training and documentation provided on how to configure and use the product.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Factor Section 508 requirements, and any additional requirements necessary to address disabled user needs, into decisions regarding what technology approach will best meet agency needs (note – this is before the acquisition or development phase).</li> <li>When possible, create a proof-of-concepts or prototypes to validate potential technology approaches with representative disabled users (in the field if possible). Utilize test findings to refine approaches and design alternatives. Refine and retest with disabled users to verify improvements in user access as needed.</li> <li>Finalize the accessibility requirements for the chosen solution approach, including all applicable Section 508 requirements and additional requirements necessary to address disabled user needs).</li> <li>Incorporate the accessibility requirements into acquisition efforts (see Play 8).</li> <li>Incorporate the accessibility requirements into development efforts (see Play 9).</li> </ul> <h2 id="resources">Resources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.usability.gov/what-and-why/accessibility.html">Accessibility Basics</a></li> <li><a href="http://marketingland.com/measuring-accessibility-user-experience-ux-searcher-experience-139546">Measuring Accessibility In The User Experience (UX) And The Searcher Experience</a></li> <li><a href="https://it.wisc.edu/">Introduction to Screen Readers</a></li> </ul> <p> </p> <div id="prev-next-section"> <a class="prev-page" title="Go to Play 6" href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play06"> < Play 6 </a> <a class="prev-page" title="Go to Play 8" href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play08"> Play 8 > </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 7: Integrate Accessibility Needs into Requirements and Design Processes | Section508.gov