Top Accessibility Issues Found During Section 508 Compliance Testing

For organizations that develop digital products for federal agencies, public institutions, or regulated industries, accessibility is more than a best practice; it's a compliance requirement. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to ensure that their information and communication technology (ICT) is accessible to people with disabilities. Many organizations that do business with the federal government also align with these standards to meet procurement requirements.

However, passing accessibility checks isn't as simple as running an automated scan. Effective Section 508 compliance testing evaluates whether websites, applications, digital documents, and software are truly usable by people who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, and voice recognition software.

Despite advances in accessibility technology, organizations continue to encounter many of the same accessibility barriers during audits. Understanding these issues is the first step toward reducing compliance risks and creating inclusive digital experiences.

What Is Section 508 Compliance Testing?

Section 508 compliance testing is the process of assessing digital assets to determine whether they meet the accessibility requirements outlined in Section 508. Since the Section 508 Refresh, these requirements are closely aligned with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, making WCAG the primary technical benchmark during accessibility evaluations.

A comprehensive accessibility assessment typically includes:

• Website accessibility testing

• Mobile application testing

• PDF and document accessibility reviews

• Keyboard navigation testing

• Screen reader compatibility testing

• Manual accessibility evaluations

• Automated accessibility scans

• Accessibility verification after remediation

The goal is not just to identify technical errors but to ensure that users with disabilities can complete tasks independently and successfully.

Why Section 508 Compliance Testing Is Important

Regular accessibility testing helps organizations:

• Reduce compliance and legal risks

• Meet government procurement requirements

• Improve user experience for all users

• Strengthen digital inclusion initiatives

• Identify accessibility issues before they become costly to fix

• Support accurate VPAT and Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) documentation

Accessibility should be treated as an ongoing quality assurance process rather than a one-time project.

Top Accessibility Issues Found During Section 508 Compliance Testing

1. Missing or Poor Alternative Text

Alternative text (alt text) helps screen reader users understand images that convey information.

Common issues include:

• Images with no alt text

• Generic descriptions such as "image"

• File names used as descriptions

• Decorative images with unnecessary alt text

• Descriptions that fail to explain the image's purpose

Meaningful alternative text allows users to understand visual content without seeing it.

2. Keyboard Navigation Barriers

Many users cannot operate a mouse and rely entirely on a keyboard.

During accessibility testing, common issues include:

• Menus that cannot be accessed using the keyboard

• Buttons that cannot receive keyboard focus

• Pop-up windows that trap keyboard users

• Missing focus indicators

• Illogical tab order

If users cannot navigate critical workflows with a keyboard alone, the website fails an important accessibility requirement.

3. Low Color Contrast

Insufficient contrast between text and background remains one of the most common accessibility failures.

Low contrast makes content difficult to read for users with:

• Low vision

• Color blindness

• Age-related vision changes

• Mobile device glare

Improving color contrast enhances readability for everyone, not just users with disabilities.

4. Improper Heading Structure

Headings create a logical structure that helps users navigate webpages efficiently.

Common problems include:

• Skipping heading levels

• Multiple H1 headings without hierarchy

• Headings used only for styling

• Missing section headings

A well-organized heading structure benefits both accessibility and search engine optimization.

5. Inaccessible Online Forms

Forms are essential for many digital interactions, including:

• Contact requests

• Account registration

• Service applications

• Payments

• Appointment scheduling

Accessibility issues often include:

• Missing labels

• Placeholder text replacing labels

• Error messages that are not announced by screen readers

• Unclear validation instructions

• Inaccessible CAPTCHA implementations

Accessible forms ensure that all users can complete important tasks independently.

6. Unclear Links and Buttons

Links and buttons should clearly communicate their destination or purpose.

Common issues include:

• "Click here" links without context

• Empty links

• Buttons identified only by icons

• Duplicate link text leading to different pages

Clear labels improve navigation for both assistive technology users and sighted visitors.

7. Screen Reader Compatibility Problems

Even websites that appear visually accessible may present significant barriers for screen reader users.

Testing often uncovers:

• Incorrect reading order

• Missing landmarks

• Dynamic content that isn't announced

• Improper ARIA implementation

• Hidden content being read unexpectedly

Manual testing with assistive technologies is necessary to identify these issues.

8. Inaccessible PDF Documents

Many organizations publish important information in PDF format.

Common accessibility problems include:

• Missing document tags

• Incorrect reading order

• Untagged tables

• Images without alternative text

• Scanned PDFs that cannot be read by screen readers

Document accessibility is a critical part of Section 508 compliance and should not be overlooked.

9. Multimedia Without Accessibility Features

Videos and audio content should be accessible to users with hearing or visual impairments.

Common issues include:

• Missing captions

• Inaccurate auto-generated captions

• Missing transcripts

• Lack of audio descriptions where necessary

Providing accessible multimedia supports a wider audience and improves the overall user experience.

10. Incorrect Use of ARIA

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) helps improve accessibility for dynamic web content when implemented correctly.

However, improper use often creates additional accessibility barriers.

Common mistakes include:

• Incorrect ARIA roles

• Missing accessible names

• Duplicate attributes

• Conflicting semantic information

Whenever possible, developers should rely on semantic HTML before introducing ARIA.

11. Dynamic Content That Isn't Announced Properly

Modern websites frequently include:

• Pop-up dialogs

• Notifications

• Expandable menus

• Interactive dashboards

• Single-page applications

If updates are not communicated to assistive technologies, users may miss important information or become unable to complete tasks.

Testing dynamic content requires manual evaluation alongside technical validation.

12. Accessibility Regressions After Updates

Accessibility is not static.

Organizations regularly introduce new issues when they:

• Redesign websites

• Add new content

• Update applications

• Install third-party plugins

• Launch new features

Without ongoing testing, previously accessible websites can quickly fall out of compliance.

The Role of Section 508 Compliance Testing Tools

Many organizations use Section 508 compliance testing tools to identify accessibility issues quickly.

These tools are effective for detecting common problems such as:

• Missing alternative text

• Color contrast failures

• Missing form labels

• Empty links

• HTML coding errors

However, automated tools cannot determine whether a website is fully accessible. They are designed to identify technical issues, not evaluate the complete user experience.

Why Section 508 Compliance Testing Software Isn't Enough

Modern Section 508 compliance testing software can improve testing efficiency by scanning websites, applications, and documents at scale.

However, software cannot reliably assess:

• Keyboard usability

• Screen reader interaction

• Logical reading order

• Focus management

• Meaningful alternative text

• Complex interactive workflows

Because of these limitations, accessibility experts recommend combining automated testing with manual evaluations to achieve comprehensive results.

Best Practices for Effective Section 508 Compliance Testing

Organizations that successfully maintain accessibility often follow these best practices:

Conduct Regular Accessibility Audits

Test websites, applications, and documents whenever major updates are released.

Combine Automated and Manual Testing

Use automated tools to identify technical issues and manual testing to validate real-world accessibility.

Prioritize High-Impact Issues

Focus first on barriers that prevent users from completing essential tasks, such as logging in, filling out forms, or accessing critical information.

Integrate Accessibility Into Development

Build accessibility into design, development, testing, and content publishing rather than addressing it after launch.

Establish Accessibility Governance

Create accessibility policies, testing schedules, documentation standards, and accountability across teams to support long-term compliance.

Why Expert-Led Testing Delivers Better Results

Technology plays an important role in accessibility testing, but expert analysis remains essential.

Accessibility specialists provide:

• Manual WCAG evaluations

• Screen reader testing

• Keyboard accessibility validation

• Remediation guidance

• Accessibility verification

• VPAT and Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) support

• Accessibility governance consulting

This combination of technology and expertise helps organizations build sustainable accessibility programs rather than relying on one-time fixes.

Conclusion

Section 508 compliance testing is essential for identifying accessibility barriers that affect users and increase compliance risks. While Section 508 compliance testing tools and Section 508 compliance testing software help organizations detect common technical issues, they cannot replace expert manual evaluations or determine whether a digital experience is fully accessible.

Organizations that combine automated testing with accessibility expertise are better equipped to reduce legal and procurement risks, improve user experience, and maintain long-term compliance.

AccessifyLabs provides expert-led Section 508 compliance testing that combines manual accessibility audits, advanced testing technologies, remediation guidance, verification, and ongoing accessibility governance. By helping organizations identify and resolve accessibility issues proactively, AccessifyLabs supports sustainable compliance with Section 508, WCAG, and evolving accessibility requirements.