What is Section 508?
Section 508 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. This includes websites, software applications, and multimedia. In the context of
email marketing, it means that your marketing emails should be accessible to all recipients, including those who use assistive technologies like screen readers.
Why is Section 508 Important for Email Marketing?
Compliance with Section 508 is not just a legal requirement but also a way to ensure inclusivity. By making your
emails accessible, you are expanding your reach to a broader audience, including people with disabilities. This can improve your
brand reputation and customer loyalty, as it shows that you are committed to accessibility and inclusivity.
How to Ensure Your Emails are Section 508 Compliant?
Here are some key strategies to make your emails Section 508 compliant: Use Semantic HTML: Utilize proper HTML tags like <h1>, <p>, and <ul> to provide a clear structure.
Alt Text for Images: Include descriptive alt text for all images so that screen readers can convey the information to visually impaired users.
Keyboard Navigation: Ensure that all interactive elements like links and buttons are accessible via keyboard navigation.
Color Contrast: Use high-contrast color schemes to make text easily readable for people with visual impairments.
Text Resizing: Make sure that your email design allows for text resizing without breaking the layout.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While implementing Section 508 guidelines, avoid these common pitfalls: Relying solely on color to convey information, as this can be problematic for colorblind users.
Using images of text instead of actual text, which screen readers cannot interpret.
Neglecting to test your emails with assistive technologies to ensure they are truly accessible.
Tools and Resources
Several tools can help you ensure your emails are Section 508 compliant: WAVE: A web accessibility evaluation tool that can help identify accessibility issues.
Color Contrast Checker: Verify that your color schemes meet accessibility standards.
Screen Readers: Tools like NVDA and JAWS can help you test how well your email works with these devices.
Legal Implications
Non-compliance with Section 508 can lead to legal repercussions, especially if you are a federal agency or a contractor working with one. Lawsuits and fines can be costly, and the negative publicity can harm your brand. Therefore, it’s crucial to make accessibility a priority in your
email marketing strategy.