Accessibility on Digital.gov

Reduce, remove, remediate: PDFs and government websites

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In a recent governmentwide community discussion, we shared tips to remediate the use of PDFs on government websites, focusing on balancing needs, choosing formats, starting fixes, and ensuring documents are accessible for everyone.

FY 24 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The FY 2024 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment highlights progress and ongoing challenges in federal digital accessibility efforts. This assessment provides key findings on governmentwide accessibility maturity and actionable recommendations. The recommendations include stronger enforcement of 508 standards, increased resourcing, and integrating accessibility into the technology lifecycle to enhance compliance and access for all.

Driving Digital Transformation Across Government for Lasting Impact

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Digital promotes effective, usable federal services that enhance public trust in government. Over the past four years, the Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer (OFCIO) has laid the groundwork for a modern, secure, and user-friendly federal government. From advancing cybersecurity to forging global partnerships and streamlining IT investments, these efforts have improved how millions interact with government services.

Ensuring Effective and Timely Usability Research

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Usability reflects how easily a user can accomplish their goals while using a product or service. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has issued new guidance to streamline usability testing for federal forms, websites, and services, helping agencies conduct usability tests in a more quick and efficient manner that is consistent with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). By enabling faster, more effective testing, OIRA aims to enhance public interactions with the government and ensure equitable access to federal resources.

TTS made a lasting impact with civic tech in FY24

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The Technology Transformation Services (TTS) made significant strides to prioritize and improve federal digital services in FY 2024. From expanding Login.gov to over 72 million users, launching tools like Notify.gov, or redesigning Vote.gov in 19 languages, explore how TTS continues to set the standard for impactful civic tech innovation.

Publishing federal sales data: how we used design studios and user testing to develop a user-centered dataset

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The Open Data, Design, and Development team at the Office of Natural Resource and Revenue (ONRR) successfully added federal sales data to the Natural Resources Revenue Data (NRRD) platform using design studios and user testing to create a user-centered dataset. By involving subject matter experts and refining prototypes through feedback, the team delivered the project ahead of schedule while meeting user needs. Future plans included additional usability testing and expanding stakeholder engagement.

You've launched, now what? Planning for the future of your content

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Creating quality digital content is not a one-time endeavor. Explore these approaches to managing and improving excellent digital content over time.

Broadening Public Participation and Community Engagement With the Federal Government

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Government works best when it incorporates transparent engagement and feedback from the public. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is enhancing public participation in federal decision-making through draft guidance and a proposed toolkit. These resources aim to standardize best practices, improve accessibility, and ensure underserved communities have meaningful opportunities to contribute. By prioritizing transparency and collaboration, OMB seeks to create politics that reflect the voices and needs of the public.

Building a tool to make mail in voter registration more accessible

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Vote.gov partnered with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to create an accessible tool for filling out the National Mail Voter Registration Form. It simplifies the process with features like screen reader compatibility, mobile-friendly design, and state-specific instructions. Available in English and Spanish, the tool reduces errors and helps state election offices process forms more efficiently, making voter registration easier for everyone.

Simplifying manual accessibility testing: How plain language instructions drive compliance

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Testing for accessibility ensures that digital services are usable for everyone. Explore how the Office of Natural Resources and Revenue (ONRR) streamlined their manual testing process with plain language instructions to create a more uniform testing methodology across their agency. By balancing detail with usability and continually updating resources, ONRR empowers both their small team and subject matter experts to meet Section 508 compliance.

Uncovering impactful solutions through user research

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:30:00 -0500

Get an overview of what user research and user testing are in a federal context. Learn what policies apply and what resources are available.

Delivering a digital-first public experience: One agency's plan

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Learn how the U.S. General Services Administration is tackling the 100+ requirements of OMB memo M-23-22, Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience.

How multicultural research guides the USA.gov benefit finder

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Discover how USA.gov tailors its benefit finder experience for both English and Spanish-speaking users through culturally nuanced content. Through dual-track language research, a bilingual support team, and A/B testing, USA.gov ensures that more users receive relevant, empathetic, and user-friendly content. The USA.gov team also identified and addressed recruitment challenges to interatively improve its ongoing research processes.

A journey of improvement: Creating a self-assessment for digital experience

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Memo M-23-22 from the Office of Management and Budget provides guidance to federal agencies on delivering a digital-first public experience. To quantify its compliance with the memo, the Open Data, Design, and Development team at the Department of the Interior created and conducted a self-assessment of its digital products. The team used a scoring spreadsheet to measure compliance across categories like accessibility, design consistency, and mobile responsiveness. The results helped the team develop a plan to prioritize improvements and engage with leadership for support on other initiatives.

Developing an easier way to recruit user research participants

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

USA.gov and 10x recently partnered to develop a new user research recruitment page. The page launched in February 2024 and has attracted hundreds of sign-ups. It allows participants to assist in testing government websites for compensation, and helps teams find participants that match needed demographics. By simplifying the process and expanding recruitment of diverse populations, the initiative aims to support and streamline user research. It plans to add recruitment opportunities in additional languages and recruit more specific audiences for future studies.

Designing for people with disabilities

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The User Experience (UX) team at USA.gov’s Public Experience Portfolio recently conducted a study to analyze the experiences of individuals who access USA.gov through assistive technology. The team partnered with a local organization to gather insights from a diverse group of participants, many of whom are blind or deaf. The study revealed various habits and challenges faced by these users, such as a preference for mobile sites, difficulty with website carousels, and a reliance on clear headings and action-oriented descriptions. These findings can guide improvements in accessibility, such as clever link labeling and better navigation aids for assistive technology users.

Requirements for strengthening the federal government's commitment to digital accessibility

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Learn how to implement Section 508, and strengthen and maintain your agency’s commitment to digital accessibility.

Evaluating your agency's accessibility just got a whole lot easier with GSA's OpenACR Editor

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 12:55:00 -0500

To help agencies evaluate the accessibility of their digital products, GSA is making it easier to create Accessibility Conformance Reports through its new OpenACR Editor.

Bridge the gap between policy and implementation: Impactful solutions and strategies for success from Digital.gov's spring 2024 summit

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:55:00 -0500

The summit highlighted digital transformation, emphasizing the significance of recent OMB memos for improving accessibility and customer experience.

Digital front door: Expanding access to VA

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

More Veterans are turning to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for healthcare and benefits, accessing these services online through tools like the VA Health and Benefits mobile app and VA.gov. With over 2.28 million app downloads and 17.8 million monthly visitors on VA.gov, these digital tools provide faster, easier, and more inclusive access to VA services. Learn more about how these technologies are often Veterans’ first interaction with VA by watching their latest video, Digital Front Door: Expanding Access to VA.

Back to basics in the age of AI

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The federal government is actively discussing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). It has the potential to transform our digital service delivery, automate tasks, and enhance data analysis. However, AI also presents challenges and risks such as bias and ethical concerns. The team at 18F provides a quick overview of AI, its place in government today, and the techniques and frameworks they are currently using to navigate this complex new landscape.

Case study: Increasing access to required bankruptcy meetings

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) oversees the administration of bankruptcy cases and private trustees. During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual Section 341 bankruptcy meetings lead to more participation from both consumers and creditors, minimized delays, and saved time and money for all. Learn about USTP’s human-centered design process for a pilot program in three states to increase public access to these virtual meetings.

Case study: Removing barriers to applying for a presidential pardon

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

At the Department of Justice, Access DOJ and the Office of the Pardon Attorney (PARDON) partnered to simplify and streamline the presidential pardon application process. By conducting usability testing and gathering feedback, they identified key issues with the existing application, such as its complexity and length. See how redesigning the forms to be more accessible and understandable led to a more efficient process for both applicants and staff.

Federal customer experience: OMB has taken actions to implement cross-agency priority goals

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In 2021, the President’s Management Agenda identified federal customer experience as a priority area for improvement. To implement this priority area, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) set two long-term, cross-agency priority (CAP) goals. In this study, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviews OMB and selected federal agencies’ efforts towards these CAP goals. Learn about actions taken by OMB and selected High Impact Service Providers (HISPs), how OMB has facilitated interagency collaboration, and the extent to which OMB has overseen and assessed progress on these CAP goals.

FEMA National Summit on Risk Communications, Crisis Communications, and Community Engagement

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Office of External Affairs is convening risk and crisis communicators and community leaders who are on the front-line of the climate and emerging hazard crises. Attend the free, June 10, 2024, summit virtually, or in Washington, DC. The agenda includes: the sharing invaluable tools and insights, how to implement culturally competent and accessible communications, how to integrate behavior change strategies, and more. An ASL interpreter will be provided.

Progress towards delivering a digital-first public experience

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Each year, more than 400 million individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and local governments get information and services from about 430 federal agencies and sub-agencies. The Biden-Harris administration is driving a bold vision for how government agencies serve their customers digitally with OMB’s ten-year roadmap for a modern digital experience. Agencies have already made significant strides. Learn about recent successes by the IRS, CDC, NASA, and FEMA, and how OMB will continue to collaborate with agencies to ensure ongoing improvement in digital government services.

Now available: Trusted Tester for Web Certification courses, version 5.1.3

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has updated its Trusted Tester program courses. It features six improvements, including accessible plain language, adjusted exam requirements, and enhanced course design. The updated curriculum aligns with the latest Trusted Tester Conformance Test Process for Web, offering a more efficient learning experience. Enrollment is open via the Training Portal, and inquires can be directed to the DHS Accessibility Helpdesk for assistance.

Justice department to publish final rule to strengthen web and mobile app access for people with disabilities

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

On April 8, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland signed a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the accessibility of web content and mobile applications for people with disabilities. This final rule clarifies the obligations of state and local governments to make their websites and mobile applications accessible. Learn more about this rule and why the Attorney General believes it will “break down barriers that have kept people with disabilities from fully participating in American Life.”

Calling All Americans! The federal government is seeking your input

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) wants your thoughts on how federal agencies can more broadly and meaningfully engage with you and your communities. Share your ideas by May 17, 2024 to help build a more inclusive, responsive, transparent, and accountable government.

How USAGov uses data to improve content

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Each month, USAGov’s content designers spend many hours ensuring that the content on USA.gov and USAGov en Español is up-to-date, accurate, and meets user needs. Learn how their team does holistic reviews of each topic section based on a rolling calendar with the goal of updating all content at least every 6 months.

18F at ten

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:02:00 -0500

We’re celebrating all the ways we continue to realize our founding vision: bringing technologists into government, launching shared digital services, and helping partner agencies build user-centered technology.

Optimizing the federal digital experience: aligning content governance, coordination, and database development

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

This blog post dives into the details of building a dynamic content database and audit for onrr.gov. Learn how effective subject matter expert (SME) coordination, strategic content planning, and application of visualization tools contribute to enhancing content governance and user experience on a federal website.

Balancing priorities and values

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 19:07:00 -0500

This article summarizes four priorities and values that simply take time: consideration of the public’s time, privacy, accessibility and equity, and scope.

Getting the word out about voter registration: Vote.gov's first social media takeover with USAGov

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Last fall, vote.gov and the USAGov program partnered for their first-ever social media takeover on National Voter Registration Day. The campaign, which encouraged the public to register to vote, reached 36,000 people across USAGov’s platforms and generated over 2,000 engagements. The partnership raised awareness for vote.gov, boosted vote.gov’s website traffic, and laid the groundwork for the future collaborations and resource-sharing between the two entities. This collaboration between vote.gov and USAGov offers a model for social media takeovers and partnerships between federal agencies and teams.

Designing with empathy

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 11:53:00 -0500

Discover the transformative power of empathy in design with USAGov’s benefit finder. From simplifying applications to a mobile-first approach, the revamped tool not only functions efficiently in two different languages and cultural contexts, but demonstrates the consideration for users in challenging situations. Explore how empathy turned a government service into a compassionate lifeline, creating a product that genuinely understands and meets people where they are.

In 2023, TTS stepped up to meet growing technology demands for government

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:21:00 -0500

GSA’s Technology Transformation Services (TTS) celebrated major milestones and met growing demand for its services in 2023. This wrap-up summaries key successes in five areas: improving customer experience, modernizing federal technology, innovating for the future, focus on equity and accessibility, and building the technology workforce of tomorrow.

Accessibility testing: Creating digital services everyone can use

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 14:33:00 -0500

Making sure that USA.gov and USAGov en Español remain accessible to people with disabilities is essential. The product team shares four testing tips they’ve learned to help ensure that everyone has equal access to digital products and services.

FY 23 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 14:56:00 -0500

Report: Assessment of compliance with Section 508 requirements.

GSA Issues Report to Congress Highlighting Need for Improvement in Federal Government Section 508 Compliance

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 14:33:00 -0500

The report, the FY23 Governmentwide Section 508 Assessment, evaluates reporting entities’ adherence to the criteria established by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in coordination with GSA, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and the U.S. Access Board (USAB). It provides a baseline and recommendations for strengthening compliance initiatives and enhancing Section 508 activities across the federal government.

OMB Releases Digital Accessibility Guidance to Ensure All Americans Have Ability to Access Critical Government Resources

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:34:00 -0500

The Biden-Harris Administration is championing inclusivity by requiring federal agencies to prioritize accessibility in the digital space, recognizing the gap in access for the 61 million Americans with disabilities on nearly half of popular federal government websites. The new guidance mandates rigorous testing, inclusion of individuals with disabilities in design processes, and the incorporation of experts in procurement, emphasizing a commitment to universal access. Read more to discover how these measures aim to change the federal digital experience for all Americans.

M-24-08 Strengthening Digital Accessibility and the Management of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Provides requirements and recommendations to support agency integration of digital accessibility into their missions and operations, helping government technology and information resources better serve a diverse public and federal workforce.

Delivering on 21st Century IDEA: A case study from the GSA SmartPay team (Part 3)

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 08:04:00 -0500

A GSA SmartPay product owner shares her experience designing user-centered, accessible content for multiple audiences.

PlainLanguage.gov

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:14:00 -0500

A resource to help federal employees write in plain language and comply with the Plain Writing Act of 2010.

Celebrating 20 years of USAGov en Español

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 09:08:00 -0500

USAGov en Español is excited to celebrate their 20th anniversary this month! Since 2003, the website has been a trusted guide to government information and services for Spanish speakers. Explore this timeline of USAGov en Español’s milestones, name changes, and accomplishments as they’ve served Spanish speakers and federal partners over the past two decades.

Why the American People Deserve a Digital Government

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:26:00 -0500

OMB recently released new policy guidance for government that includes a variety of actions and standards to help federal agencies design, develop, and deliver modern websites and digital services. Memo M-23-22, Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience, will make it seamless for the public to obtain government information and services online, and help agencies fully implement the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (21st Century IDEA).

A conversation about content audits

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:12:00 -0500

Content audits can be tedious. Two content designers discuss why we do them anyway, and how to get started.

First, do no harm: mistakes to avoid in creating accessible user experiences

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:30:00 -0500

Accessible design and development practices help us build inclusive experiences. But we can lose sight of the people we serve if we don’t steadily work to better understand our users. To create accessible experiences, avoid these mistakes.

Blind Veterans can now read decision letters

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 13:08:00 -0500

VA now offers accessibility to blind Veterans so they can independently read decision letters online.

Advanced Section 508 compliance testing: moving beyond automated testing and screen readers

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 09:22:00 -0500

Members of the Office of Natural Resources Revenue team recently completed the free, six-course Trusted Tester accessibility compliance training and certification from the Department of Homeland Security. Here’s what they learned, and how they applied this new knowledge to the two websites they manage.

Fact Sheet: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 15:06:00 -0500

This NPRM proposes a specific technical standard that state and local governments would have to follow to meet their existing obligations under Title II of the ADA for web and mobile app accessibility. Purpose of this fact sheet: This fact sheet gives a plain language summary of the NPRM. The summary is designed to provide introductory information about this proposal for people who may not have a legal background.

How a Small Team Modernized a Federal Website to Improve CX

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 12:38:00 -0500

The recent redesign of the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) website stands as an example for agencies seeking to enhance their online platforms. ONRR’s Open Data, Design, and Development (ODDD) team played a pivotal role in this website transformation by embracing open data, user-centered design, accessibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

3 ways to improve communication between contact center agents and customers

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:41:00 -0500

The USAGov Contact Center is committed to meeting customers’ needs empathetically, efficiently, and accurately. Here are three tips recommended to USAGov agents for interacting with customers.

FCC requires video conferencing platforms to be accessible and proposes platform integration with sign-language services

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 10:57:00 -0500

The Federal Communications Commission voted to require video conferencing platforms, like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex, to comply with the accessibility requirements under the Communications Act and agency rules that govern interoperable video conferencing services.

A digital accessibility catalyst for your next policy refresh

Mon, 15 May 2023 14:51:00 -0500

Use GSA’s IT Accessibility Policy Framework to update digital accessibility language in your agency’s policies.

Judiciary Launches New Federal Ticket Processing Website

Tue, 02 May 2023 10:36:00 -0500

Individuals can now pay tickets for minor federal violations more easily, using a redesigned website for the Judiciary’s Central Violations Bureau. The website, officially launched in early May, leverages new technologies and best design practices to improve usability and accessibility across devices, including smart phones.

The art of storytelling in a hybrid world

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:52:00 -0500

Combined with technology and audience awareness, our increasingly digital, hybrid world can still leverage that in-person charm through the art of storytelling.

Introducing the new USA.gov

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 09:34:00 -0500

We’re excited to share that the new USA.gov and USAGov en Español are live. However, we’re not finished. See what we’ll be working on in the future.

Modernizing a federal government website with user-centered design

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:57:00 -0500

In this blog post, we break down our process for redesigning a federal government website (onrr.gov) into six detailed sections. This blog serves as a helpful guide for other agencies looking to do a major website redesign.

Plain language on onrr.gov: coordination and implementation with web content owners

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:28:00 -0500

Strategies, examples, and lessons learned from coordinating with content owners to enhance plain language on onrr.gov.

Testing Beta for Accessibility

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 10:23:00 -0500

The USAGov team strives to ensure all our websites are accessible to as many people as possible, including those who need the use of specialized assistive technologies when browsing the internet. In building beta.USA.gov, we deliberately validated that it met Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 compliance requirements. Our testing approach includes a three step hybrid method that may be suitable for other agency use.

A happy compromise between people-first and plain language

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:31:00 -0500

Find out how the National Institute of Corrections is using people-first plain language in its communications. See what words and phrases they’re changing.

How to manage a federal website

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 09:13:00 -0500

Managing government websites is a targeted exercise. Here are 5 steps to help you build and maintain a successful one.

To Build Trust, Aim for Easy

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 10:12:00 -0500

Trust is earned through consistency and commitment. Build sites that build trust by considering user needs, respecting people’s time, and avoiding customer experience pitfalls.

Accessibility Testing for onrr.gov

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:27:00 -0500

How do you make sure a website is accessible? This blog post outlines the four steps the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR - pronounced like "honor") at the U.S. Department of the Interior took to verify accessibility.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 17:00:00 -0500

The primary regulation for use by all executive agencies in their acquisition of supplies and services with appropriated funds. The FAR also contains standard solicitation provisions and contract clauses and the various agency FAR supplements.

Sunsetting Go.USA.gov: Final User Statistics

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:05:00 -0500

The digital landscape has changed significantly since we launched the Go.USA.gov service in 2009. Over the last two years the team looked carefully at the program holistically, taking into consideration the future of the program, the current landscape related to using shortened URLs and alignment with strategic business goals. In early 2022 we made the difficult decision to initiate steps to sunset the service.

Closing the Disability Divide

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 10:11:00 -0500

Over 67 million people in the United States have a disability, constituting the largest diversity group in the country. Despite decades of advocacy and struggle, people with disabilities continue to experience significant gaps in health and well-being, educational attainment, employment, and wealth compared to people without disabilities. These gaps have been termed the “disability divide.” The purpose of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness campaign at the National Institutes of Health is to educate staff regarding the divide and to celebrate those who help close the disability divide by advocating for people with disabilities.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 10:07:00 -0500

Observed annually in October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices. In recognition of the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce, the theme for NDEAM 2022, Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.

Measuring and Justifying the Government Experience

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 15:21:00 -0500

Private sector organizations use revenue as the primary measurement to justify improving experiences. Many government services don’t have revenue as a lever, so how can we justify work to improve experience? The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) leveraged a few metrics on their team that fall into three categories: laws and regulations, improving the experience for users, and saving time for employees.

Find Your Section 508 Program Manager

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 12:09:00 -0500

Agency Section 508 Program Managers (PMs) are your first point of contact for questions about IT accessibility.

Community Research Explores Ways To Improve Access To Multilingual Content

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 11:31:00 -0500

A group from the Multilingual Community noticed inconsistencies in access to languages other than English across government websites, and have started working on a solution.

Tabular Comparison of the Previous FAR Text Against the 2021 Update

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:20:00 -0500

These FAR Council updates are effective as of September 10, 2021.

Integrating Accessibility into Agency Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Implementation Plans

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:08:00 -0500

Guidance on implementing Executive Order (14035) on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce; specifically, elements of the Accessibility Roadmap outlined in the Government-wide DEIA Strategic Plan.

Accessibility Requirements Tool (ART)

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 11:57:00 -0500

ART is a multifaceted tool that offers interactive, step-by-step guidance on how to determine applicable accessibility requirements.

Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 39.2 - Information and Communication Technology

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 11:40:00 -0500

This subpart implements section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794 d), and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board’s (U.S. Access Board) information and communication technology (ICT) accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1194.1.

10 Tips to Create, Maintain, and Present Non-English Digital Content: A Q&A with Michael Mulé

Mon, 23 May 2022 08:30:00 -0500

This question and answer session for our webinar, Language Connections: Tips to Create, Maintain, and Present Non-English Digital Content, can help you improve access to your multilingual digital content.

Sunshine Week: How GSA Supports Open Government Principles

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 18:49:00 -0500

Sunshine Week (March 13-19, 2022) celebrates the Government in the Sunshine Act, which promotes greater transparency in government activities. Our mission at GSA is to deliver effective and efficient government services for the American people. To do so, we have to be transparent and accessible—by opening meetings to the public, ensuring that federal buildings and facilities are fully accessible to all people, and making information on documents or pages (web pages, PDFs, newsletters, etc.) open and accessible. Learn about some of our initiatives that best display these principles.

Creating a New Way for People To Discover Government Benefits

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 19:47:00 -0500

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Lessons from the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 21:17:00 -0500

Lessons from the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 17:26:00 -0500

This event recap highlights best practices, a short case study video, and examples of federal web content that received both high and low scores in the 2021 Plain Language Report Card.

From Fellowship To Full-time: How a CFPB Software Engineer Helped Protect Consumers and Built a Career in Civic Tech

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 11:15:00 -0500

Anselm Bradford, a front-end engineer at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), is using his tech skills to protect American consumers.

Next Steps for Section 508 Compliance at the Office of Natural Resources Revenue: Stakeholder Interview Findings

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 11:56:00 -0500

Learn How to Create an Accessible Meeting

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 10:37:00 -0500

FAR Updated To Add Revised Section 508 Standards for Information and Communication Technology

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Document Accessibility: Getting From 5,000 to 0

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 11:48:00 -0500

Making It Easier for People to Find Federal Agencies

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 19:14:00 -0500

Accessibility: Usability for Every Ability

Tue, 25 May 2021 09:26:00 -0500

Accessibility: Usability for Every Ability—Accessibility enables full participation, and everyone who works on government websites has a role to play in making federal resources accessible and inclusive.

When’s the best time to tweet? @USAGovEspanol experiments with Twitter

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 07:55:00 -0500

How to Test Websites for Accessibility

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 17:00:00 -0500

How to Test Websites for Accessibility

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 14:00:00 -0500

Use both manual and automated testing methods to create accessible websites.

Building Trust in a Public Health Crisis

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:00:00 -0500

"Diga o marque 2": USAGov en Español’s New Approach to Interactive Voice Response

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0500

Executive Guide to Federal IT Accessibility

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 07:40:00 -0500

Guidance to help federal agencies improve accessibility to increase compliance with federal policy.

U.S. Web Design System

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 19:00:00 -0500

A community for anyone building federal websites with the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) or considering it for a future project.

U.S. Web Design System

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 23:37:00 -0500

A design system for the federal government that makes it easier to build accessible, mobile-friendly government websites for the American public.

Section 508 IT Accessibility

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 13:00:00 -0500

To support people working to enhance access to federal information technology (IT), we identify and promote best practices for compliance with Section 508 law, and conformance to the Revised 508 Standards.

Revised 508 Standards Roadmap

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 10:27:00 -0500

Follow the Revised 508 Standards to ensure your information and communication technology (ICT) is accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities.

DigitalGov Year in Review: Our Top Blogs, Resources, and Writers for 2016

Fri, 03 Feb 2017 11:25:00 -0500

DigitalGov had a pretty great year in 2016, and that was largely due to a bevy of talented and dedicated writers from over 50 agencies and departments across all 3 branches of the federal government (Thank you!!!). Below, we’ll review some program highlights from the last year, including our top-viewed articles and resources, and tell you how you, too, can contribute to DigitalGov in 2017.

Join the Plain Language

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 10:58:53 -0400

Promote the use of plain language to provide better service to the public.

PlainLanguage.gov

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Guidance on the use of plain language for government communications and training for federal employees.

Section508.gov

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Guidance for federal agencies on IT accessibility compliance.

The Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Get help with the PRA, planning and submitting an information request, and finding your agency’s PRA contact.

An introduction to accessibility

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:06:00 -0500

An overview of how to design and deliver accessible digital products and services in the federal government

An advanced approach to accessibility

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 08:00:00 -0500

A deeper look at accessibility: what to do, how to do it, and why it matters.

An Introduction to USWDS 3.0

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 23:37:00 -0500

A design system for the federal government that makes it easier to build accessible, mobile-friendly government websites for the American public.

Bilingual Glossaries, Dictionaries, and Style Guides

Wed, 11 Jun 2014 09:55:00 -0500

Multilingual resources to standardize the use of various languages across government.

Join the Web Managers

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 02:31:00 -0500

Create a better online experience for the public alongside government web content managers.

18F Accessibility Guide

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

A resource for developing accessible products.

Accessibility for Teams

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

A guide to making products more accessible for everyone.

Open Opportunities

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Discover opportunities across government that will help you build and make connections.

U.S. Web Design System

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

A toolkit of principles, guidance, and code that helps agency digital teams build accessible, mobile-friendly government websites for the American public.

Requirements for delivering a digital-first public experience

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Learn how to implement 21st Century IDEA to design and deliver better websites and digital services.

How our developers and accessibility specialists work together

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Planning for accessibility is critical to creating more inclusive digital experiences. Discover how developers and accessibility specialists from USA.gov collaborate early in the development process to ensure that their government websites are accessible for everyone. By following established accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, USA.gov proactively reduces the need for later fixes.

USWDS Monthly Call - May 2024

Thu, 16 May 2024 14:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) team will chat with Center for Civic Design co-founder Whitney Quesenbery about designing accessible civic spaces.

Spring 2024 Community Summit

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Digital service experts across the federal government will share case studies and best practices on delivering a digital-first public experience.

USWDS Monthly Call - January 2024

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0500

This month the Design System team will talk about the development and rollout of their new accessibility tests for components.

USWDS Monthly Call - November 2023

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0500

The USWDS team will continue sharing our progress to improve ongoing research, publishing results and addressing recent findings.

USWDS Monthly Call - October 2023

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 14:00:00 -0500

This month, we’ll share progress and findings from our recent effort to improve our ongoing research practice.

USWDS Monthly Call - June 2023

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0500

Developing and evaluating content for manual accessibility and user experience (UX) tests

2023 Government UX Summit

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0500

User experience (UX) experts across the federal government shared case studies and best practices during this virtual summit.

USWDS Monthly Call - May 2023

Thu, 18 May 2023 14:00:00 -0500

Join us as we observe Global Accessibility Awareness Day and talk about the real-world experience of blind users on the web.

The plain language tie to translating digital content

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 14:00:00 -0500

Join us to discuss the plain language and cultural components of effectively translating digital content into multiple languages.

2022 Federal Plain Language Summit

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 10:30:00 -0500

Join the best and brightest plain language practitioners from across the federal government.

2022 Government UX Summit

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0500

A two-day summit—June 7 and June 8—with experts who will share their experiences as UX practitioners in the federal government.

Optimization Case Study: Performance, SEO, and Accessibility with CFPB

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 14:00:00 -0500

Join three technologists from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) as they discuss methods used to ensure that the CFPB website is discoverable and fully accessible to all.

USWDS Monthly Call - April 2022

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 14:00:00 -0500

Our friends at Digital.gov will join us to talk through their experience migrating to USWDS 3.0.

Language Connections: Tips to Create, Maintain, and Present Non-English Digital Content

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 14:00:00 -0500

Tips to help you improve access to your non-English digital content.

2021 Federal Plain Language Summit

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0500

On 9/21/21, PLAIN’s Fourth Federal PL Summit showcases federal employees’ plain language projects. Topics include COVID-19 agency responses, accessibility, user experience, and career enhancement.

Accessible Digital Content: Tips and Tricks

Wed, 26 May 2021 14:00:00 -0500

This webinar will present and demonstrate tips and tricks to address several common accessibility errors and issues that occur during digital content creation.

USWDS & Accessibility: Creating More Inclusive Federal Websites

Thu, 20 May 2021 14:00:00 -0500

How does USWDS address accessibility? Join us as we share tips and tools for addressing accessibility throughout the lifecycle!

Plain Language: Accessibility for Content

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 14:00:00 -0500

Come join us as we focus on concerns and opportunities shared by the Section 508 and plain language communities in Government!

Practical Tips for Accessible Content and Multilingual Websites

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 14:00:00 -0500

In this talk, we’ll focus on content creation and how accessibility supports multilingual work.

Best Practices for Writing for the Accessible Web

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 14:00:00 -0500

Tips for making online information accessible for those with auditory and visual needs.

The Intersection Between Plain Language and 508 Compliance

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 14:00:00 -0500

We’ll discuss how plain language intersects with 508 compliance requirements to make federal electronic documents and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Web Content

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0500

This week, we’re providing a few tips for tidying up redundant, outdated, and trivial content.

Writing for the Accessible Web

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Watch this special presentation featuring 18f Content Strategist, Ryan Johnson, where he discusses how you can effectively write accessible web content.

Plain Language in 2020

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0500

A look ahead at the coming year, and what we’ll accomplish together.

An Introduction to Accessibility

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:11:00 -0500

This week, we're taking at look at how to reframe our approach to encouraging others to build with accessibility.

Join the U.S. Web Design System Community

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 13:00:00 -0500

Are you and your team working with the U.S. Web Design System on your site, or have plans to start using it? The USWDS team has a public Slack channel where you can meet other government engineers, content specialists, and designers who are working with the USWDS to build accessible, mobile-friendly websites.

Introducing USWDS 2.0

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 09:00:00 -0500

Today’s update introduces a powerful toolkit of new features to help make creating useful, consistent digital services faster, simpler, and more fun.

Collaborating for Better Design, Technology, and User Experience

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 12:18:00 -0500

Overview of initiatives across Federal government that focus on IT design, development and accessibility.

Getting Started with USWDS 2.0

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 13:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Web Design System team will show you how to get started with USWDS 2.0: how to set up your project colors, fonts, and more.

DAP Learning Series: Analytics and Accessibility

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 14:00:00 -0500

This online event will cover how to check if behaviors change when people are using keystrokes to click, which might give insight into how users with disabilities interact with your site

PLAIN Language: Forms-a-palooza

Wed, 11 Jul 2018 14:00:00 -0500

Join the the Plain Language Community of Practice for an hour-long conversation about how best to revise forms and convince your agency that the long-term benefits outweigh the cost.

Introducing Accessibility for Teams

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 16:38:00 -0500

A quick-start guide for embedding accessibility and inclusive design into a team’s workflow.

Accessibility for content designers

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 09:00:00 -0500

Getting started How to use this guide: We recommend conducting accessibility testing throughout the design and development processes. If you have project-specific questions, ask your agency’s accessibility team. Plain language Can you quickly understand the main points of the content? Why it’s important Karin is not a native English speaker and she sometimes has trouble decoding legal or bureaucratic language. John has a developmental disability and has difficulty interpreting content written above a sixth-grade reading level.

Accessibility for front-end developers

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 09:00:00 -0500

Getting started Accessible front-end development ensures people with different abilities can access, understand, and navigate web content, regardless of how they’re accessing it. Front-end developers collaborate with other members of a cross-functional team to implement a robust user experience. How to use this guide: We recommend conducting accessibility testing throughout the design and development processes. A good place to start testing is on high-touch pages, critical user paths, and site-wide templates.

Accessibility for product managers

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 09:00:00 -0500

Getting started Product managers play a vital role in communicating accessibility requirements early in the project lifecycle, ensuring each team member knows their responsibility, and keeping the team accountable for building accessible products. Following these steps, you’ll make sure you’re not only following legal requirements, but making your product more usable for everyone. Why you should care Any product released by the government must conform to the standards of Section 508 (which aligns with the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.

Accessibility for user experience designers

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 09:00:00 -0500

Getting started Accessibility is usability for people who interact with products differently. Your role is to help the team approach accessibility as a facet of user experience rather than checklist of requirements. How to use this guide: If you have project-specific questions, ask your agency’s accessibility team. Inclusive design Adopt an inclusive design mentality Celebrate accessibility requirements as a set of design constraints that help you create a better product for all users.

Accessibility for visual designers

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 09:00:00 -0500

Getting started Everyone benefits from designs that are easier to see. People with different visual abilities see your designs in varying ways—the diverse nature of impairments creates a wide variation in how your designs are perceived. A clean and clear visual presentation helps everyone make sense of a website’s information and functionality. How to use this guide: We recommend planning for accessibility in your design process and regularly conducting accessibility testing throughout the design and development processes.

New USAGov Program Aims to Help Agencies Market Within the Federal Government

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 12:00:00 -0500

The Outreach and Marketing team from USAGov helps agencies amplify their key messages through a variety of channels.

Infographics: Plain Language Considerations

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 15:00:00 -0500

The March meeting of the Plain Language Community of Practice will focus what makes an infographic easy to understand

Redesigning an Intranet Site: Final Stages, Launch, and Lessons Learned

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 12:00:00 -0500

Helpful lessons from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) on the redesign of an intranet.

Why Your Team Needs Its Own Style Guide and Where to Start

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 10:00:00 -0500

Learn how creating your own style guide can help facilitate development for agency websites. Review best practices, lessons learned, and examples from the U.S. Web Design System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Using Journey Mapping to Streamline Processes Across Agencies

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 11:52:00 -0400

How one team used journey mapping to improve the customer experience for newly naturalized citizens attempting to travel abroad.

Learn About the Updated IT Accessibility Standards

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 09:32:00 -0400

Effective January 18, 2018, the revised 508 standards modernize the federal government’s IT accessibility standards and bring us into alignment with governments around the world.

Slack AMA Connect Standards Team with Public

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 15:47:04 -0400

The Standards team hosted their first AMA (Ask Me Anything) with the public in August. Here’s a breakdown of the big topics discussed during the chat.

A Conversation With ITIF About the State of Federal Government Websites

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 11:00:00 -0400

Since it’s been nearly six months since their report was released, we wanted to check in with ITIF and see what they’ve learned, what they’ve heard from agencies and what their future plans are to build on this research.

A Deeper Look into the USDA.gov Website Redesign

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:00:11 -0400

We hope you are finding it easier to get the information you need on USDA.gov following the launch of our site redesign in March. We’ve already welcomed over 1 million visitors to the new site and we are pleased with the positive feedback we’ve received thus far. Our redesign makes it easier for you to

How the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Uses the U.S. Web Design Standards

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 11:00:14 -0400

In this second post in our series, we met with the team at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and learned how they used the Standards to train, develop, and design their various websites and applications.

NASA’s Journey With the U.S. Web Design Standards

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 15:17:05 -0400

The U.S. Web Design Standards were created by the government, for the government. They’re currently implemented on hundreds of government sites, with an audience of more than 26 million monthly users.

New ITIF Report Inspires a Closer Look at Website Performance and Security—Here Is Where to Begin

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 11:02:04 -0400

The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) recently published a report, Benchmarking U.S. Government Websites, that looks at the performance, security, and accessibility of the top 297 government websites.

Mythbuster’s Guide to Accessibility: What We’ve Learned About 508 Compliance That All Technologists Can Use

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:14:30 -0400

Too often, we’ve seen others neglect accessibility because of some common misconceptions that make things difficult. In this post, we’ll debunk these myths, so you can easily create universally accessible content.

Accessibility for teams

Wed, 01 Feb 2017 09:00:00 -0500

A ‘quick-start’ guide for embedding accessibility and inclusive design practices into your team’s workflow

DigitalGov University in Review: 2016 Training Trends

Wed, 11 Jan 2017 12:00:02 -0400

Thanks to your participation, DigitalGov University (DGU), the events platform for DigitalGov, hosted over 90 events with 6,648 attendees from over 100 agencies across federal, tribal, state, and local governments.

Writing for the Web Is Easy. Writing for Users Is Not.

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 11:00:25 -0400

We all do it. Whether on Twitter, Facebook, or the comment section on a news article, it’s easy to get our writing on the internet. Many of us have personal websites or contribute to blogs. We work at organizations with content management systems that allow us to publish pages with a single button click. The

Webinar Recap: Snaps and Stripes—Sharing Public Service Stories with Snapchat

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:00:50 -0400

Snapchat has quickly become an incredibly effective digital storytelling medium, and content creators across multiple government agencies have adopted it as an important part of their programs.

How Do You Redesign a ‘Dinosaur’? Redesigning an Intranet Site: the Beginning Stages

Mon, 19 Sep 2016 10:00:56 -0400

Many content managers in the digital world understand the irrepressible desire to improve, fix, edit, add, and move things around. Indeed, it’s our job to nurture this ongoing process to create, update, test, update again. And, repeat! But, what about those sites or pages that seem to never crawl up to the ‘high-priority’ list and

Sharing The Story of Innovation

Thu, 08 Sep 2016 11:00:55 -0400

Our goal for a more veteran-centered and innovative VA is shared. Our approach to innovation is collaborative. Our approach to innovation is driven by listening, understanding and responding to the experiences and stories of the Veterans we serve. We were huddled on squeaky chairs in the social room of a transitional housing facility in Los

Celebrating the 18th Anniversary of the Section 508 Rehabilitation Act

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 11:00:03 -0400

August 8, 2016, marks the 18th anniversary of the amendment to the Section 508 Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To recognize the importance of IT accessibility, we wanted to highlight some agency initiatives to improve accessibility across the federal landscape.

Welcome to the New DHS.gov

Thu, 09 Jun 2016 02:00:26 -0400

Today, I am happy to announce the newly optimized DHS.gov website. Over the past year, DHS has worked behind the scenes to update and modernize our flagship website, making it faster and easier to use. Some of the specific differences you’ll see are: Compatibility for both desktop computers and mobile devices (phones and tablets) Cleaner,

Our CX Recipe for Success: Complete with Ingredient List and Substitutions!

Tue, 31 May 2016 12:15:34 -0400

If you were to spend any time with me in the kitchen, you would often find me searching out substitutions for ingredients that I don’t have on hand or have to drive 100 miles to find. I don’t want to abandon the recipe, so I substitute instead. I find that in the world of internal

Accessible Workplace Technology: Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Tue, 10 May 2016 10:00:28 -0400

Last week, I had a brush with a bona fide music legend — the great Stevie Wonder. Was I starstruck? Of course. I’ve long admired his musical accomplishments and advocacy for people with disabilities. His appearance at the Grammy Awards in February highlighted once again the need to improve accessible technology, particularly in the workplace.

The Content Corner: Branches—Stick to the Vine

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 11:00:03 -0400

A branch that does not stick to its source of nutrition will wither away and die. Just ask anyone who has received a bouquet of beautiful flowers about how long they really last. In the same way, as communicators we must stay connected to our audience, or we risk the chance of fading away into

The USAGov Bilingual Style Guide Is Now Online!

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 10:00:12 -0400

About a year and a half ago, the Federal Citizen Information Center—today called USAGov—embarked on a very ambitious task: integrating our content operations. We blurred lines that defined silos and adopted a bilingual content approach to offer a more consistent experience, regardless of language preference or point of access to our information. See more about

USAGov’s Step-by-Step Guide to Making Snapchat Stories As Accessible As Possible

Tue, 29 Mar 2016 01:30:57 -0400

One of the biggest things we take into account whenever we consider launching on a new social platform is how we can make the information we share through that tool as accessible as possible. In its current form, Snapchat isn’t a highly accessible platform. This isn’t a problem that’s unique to Snapchat. Many emerging technologies

A 2016 Look Ahead: What’s on the Horizon for Digital Government?

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 16:58:52 -0400

With January, and the tearing off of the old calendar, comes the annual taking stock of where we’ve been in the last year and where we can go in the year ahead. So for this month’s editorial theme, we’re taking a closer look at what we think 2016 will bring for digital government—from mobile and

DigitalGov's 2015 Year in Review

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 11:00:26 -0400

As we look ahead to 2016, we wanted to take a minute to look at our most popular content in 2015 and reflect on our second year. This was a big year for DigitalGov as we saw our session traffic nearly double and our weekly and daily email subscribers increase by 15%.

Quick Reference to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 requirements

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 10:23:16 -0400

This quick reference guide will help you meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0. It is a customizable quick reference to the requirements, success criteria and techniques.

Making Federal Employment Accessible Through DOD’s CAP App

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 10:00:43 -0400

The Department of Defense CAP app allows U.S. government employees to use their mobile devices to look up information about services and resources.

U.S. Access Board Section 508 Standards

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 02:24:28 -0400

The Section 508 Standard for Electronic and Information Technology requires that when a federal agency shares information digitally, individuals with disabilities seeking information or services from a federal agency, must have access to and be able to use the information and data, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

The Data Briefing: Create an App for Employees with Disabilities

Wed, 28 Oct 2015 10:00:42 -0400

Have you worked with an employee with a disability? Are you an employee with a disability? Then, you know the unique challenges of the average workplace that able-bodied colleagues may never experience. Workplace challenges could be overcome with accommodations such as larger computer monitor displays, wheelchair-accessible office furniture or a voice reader. In some cases,

National Customer Service Week Is Over, but Our Work Is Not!

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 10:00:56 -0400

Get your customer personas right, and you will improve the customer experience (CX) for the rest of your audience. That’s advice Rick Parrish from Forrester Research gave in response to an audience question during the September 29 DigitalGov University webinar on the state of CX in the federal government. Your key customers are those that are most important to the organization, and often most

Why Your User Experience Must Include Design for Accessibility

Fri, 16 Oct 2015 10:00:52 -0400

Too often, usability and accessibility are confused with each other by our clients (stakeholders). They shouldn’t be, because while they are related, they are very different. So, how do you bring these two concepts together? They should really be working side-by-side throughout the ENTIRE process. This might seem like a no-brainer but it can be

How OSTP Crowdsourced A Crowdsourcing Toolkit

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 10:18:38 -0400

To promote crowdsourcing, one effective tool is, well, crowdsourcing. Today, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Federal Community of Practice for Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science (CCS) unveiled the Citizen Science and Crowdsourcing Toolkit. The toolkit contains information, resources, and best practices federal agencies can use to harness the power

PDFs: A Digital Content Detour

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 10:25:03 -0400

The Portable Document Format, or “PDF” file, is one of the staple productions of many communications professionals. It’s compact, prints exactly as formatted, and allows for clean, multiplatform distribution. However, it’s the old “U.S. Route” on the Digital Interstate. Let’s take an average user of a U.S. government website: a 45 year old PC user

Trends on Tuesday: Global Efforts Underway to Update Mobile Accessibility Guidelines

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 10:00:29 -0400

Federal agencies do not get a free pass on accessibility for mobile—as we stated earlier this month, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act applies to ALL information and communication technology (ICT). Luckily, there are a number of organizations working on guidelines and practices to help the private and public sectors create accessible mobile websites and

Monthly Theme: Building, Evaluating, and Improving Government Services Through Social Media

Fri, 05 Jun 2015 14:56:52 -0400

While examples of government social media content may initially seem like mere fun, the potential of applied social data to build, evaluate and improve diverse citizen services is only increasing.

Using Section 508 Guidance to Improve the Accessibility of Government Services

Fri, 05 Jun 2015 11:10:22 -0400

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to use accessible information and communication technology (ICT), whether procured, developed, or maintained.

Sharing the Essentials of Animated Gifs for Public Services

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 13:33:00 -0400

Animated gifs are increasingly found throughout the digital experience of today’s users.

Usability Testing with People Who Have Vision Impairment

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 11:10:21 -0400

It’s a forgone conclusion that usability studies are effective in identifying weak points within a website, but what about testing people who are visually impaired? How hard is it to accommodate them? There are some additional challenges that you may encounter when conducting testing with people with disabilities; however, these challenges should not be considered

Usability Design for Kids: Things Federal Workers Should Know

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 10:00:50 -0400

I used to teach 8th grade science in inner city Denver in the 1990s. After that, I supported special education students and their teachers in North Carolina. Around that time (mid-late 1990s), the Internet wasn’t really designed for kids –most of the electronic materials I

GoodGovUX Addresses UX of IT Contracts

Fri, 13 Mar 2015 10:00:27 -0400

How do you define user experience (UX)? That was the question posed to more than 100 people at the GoodGovUX event at the Artisphere in Arlington, Virginia, on February 24th. Attendees learned how government can improve the user experience of digital products, from

Accessibility Is (Not) Scary

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 10:00:33 -0400

The word accessibility breeds misconceptions. Why? Because accessibility is something that scares you. Accessibility is hard. Accessibility needs people with specialized expertise. Accessibility problems often depend on the context of the website or Web application in question. Accessibility takes time. Accessibility is a legal mandate. Accessibility is a moral obligation. These statements are both true

6 Digital Media Trends for 2015: You Can Make Them Accessible!

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 02:30:19 -0400

Resolutions and predictions abound this time of year. If you’ve already lost the fight to finally give up sardine ice cream, you can always resolve to maintain or improve your digital media accessibility. Some people say that accessibility and Section 508 compliance squashes

Social Media and Accessibility: Resources to Know

Fri, 02 Jan 2015 10:00:59 -0400

When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990, there was no Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Since then, the number of social media channels, and their use for communication among all demographics, has grown exponentially. Unfortunately, however, despite newer ways to reach individuals living with disabilities, many individuals in this community face challenges

Crowdsourcing for Accessibility

Mon, 29 Dec 2014 10:00:11 -0400

While we’re anticipating the Section 508 refresh, many government digital media teams are facing the task of incorporating WCAG 2.0 standards (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) in their projects despite having limited staff resources and budget constraints. We can use creative solutions, such as crowdsourcing, to overcome those challenges and make our works accessible. Our teams

Results: 2014 Federal User Experience Survey

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 10:00:29 -0400

The Federal User Experience (UX) Survey helpsus to learn how we can best improve the effectiveness, ease-of-use, and value of federal digital systems by connecting their teams to their customers.

User Experience Impossible: The Line Between Accessibility and Usability

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 10:00:39 -0400

Bob goes to a popular federal government site, using his assistive technology, and starts reading a teaser for an article. Just below the teaser, there’s an embedded video on the page. He presses the tab key, trying to navigate to a link for the full article, but suddenly he’s trapped—he can’t tab past the video.

Celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 10:00:58 -0400

Happy anniversary, baby! Seventies pop songs aside, July 26, 2014, was the 24th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and on August 7 of this year, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended in 1998, will have its 16th anniversary. Sometimes these two laws are mistaken one for the other,

Improving the Accessibility of Social Media in Government

Wed, 16 Jul 2014 02:50:38 -0400

Government agencies are increasingly using social media to engage with citizens, share information and deliver services more quickly and effectively than ever before. But as social content, data and platforms become more diverse, agencies have a responsibility to ensure these digital services are accessible to all citizens, including people with disabilities.

508 Accessible Videos—Why (and How) to Make Them

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 10:00:51 -0400

Making Web content and video accessible to people with disabilities is the law. Ensuring a video is accessible requires planning. Taking steps from day one will save you time and money. To verify that a video is accessible you’d need to incorporate three elements: Captioning Audio descriptions An Accessible video player Why Accessibility Matters Many government

508 Accessible Videos – Use a 508-Compliant Video Player

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 10:00:37 -0400

When you watch a video on your computer, the window that displays your video is called a “video player.” It usually has start, pause, and other buttons. You might not be aware that you’re using a player at all—you just watch your video. A fully-accessible video player (e.g. Section 508-compliant)

508 Accessible Videos – How to Make Audio Descriptions

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 10:00:33 -0400

An audio description is an additional audio track that describes and gives context for essential visual information, making videos and multimedia accessible to people who have low vision (very poor vision), or who are blind.

508 Accessible Videos – How to Caption Videos

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 10:00:22 -0400

What are Captions? In a video, captions collect all audio information and describe them using text. They include not only spoken content but also non-speech information such as sound effects, music, laughter, and speaker identification and location (for example, audio spoken off-screen). Captions appear transposed over the visual elements in

Federal Social Media Accessibility Toolkit Hackpad

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 09:18:30 -0400

The following contains the shared document for the development of the Social Media Policy Toolkit, a shared service of the Federal Social Media Community of Practice lead by teams including The Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.

U.S. Gov Releases New Collaborative Social Media Services

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 05:30:47 -0400

The Federal #SocialGov Community, a collective of almost 700 digital engagement managers from more than 120 government agencies, marked the 2nd anniversary of our program by releasing a suite of new collaborative services to help us better work together and with partners in

Save the Date for FCC’s Social Media Accessibility Event

Thu, 08 May 2014 01:00:33 -0400

On Thursday, July 17, the FCC’s Accessibility and Innovation Initiative will host a public event called “Accessing Social Media.” The purpose is to promote collaborative, cross-sector problem-solving on how to produce and consume accessible social media, considering authoring tools, client apps, and best practices for various

Create Section 508-Compliant Videos on Your Government Websites

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 08:47:00 -0400

It is undeniable the reach of online video into our modern lives. From cats in shark costumes riding on Roombas to the 2.1 million people live streaming the 2012 Super Bowl. Online video inspires us with TED talks and allows us to feel the rush of Felix Baumgartner jumping from space. With online video so

Federal Contact Center Regulations & Directives

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 05:19:56 -0400

Contact centers operated and managed by federal agencies have to follow certain laws, regulations, policies, and other directives. Unless specifically noted, contact centers operated and managed by states or local governments do not have to comply with these same requirements. Access for People with Disabilities (Section 508) Federal contact centers must comply with Section 508

Best Week Ever in #SocialGov: 2

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 02:58:09 -0400

(This is the second installment of an ongoing series charting the programs, events and people that make the emerging field of social media and data in government From where I sit, I think we just had a great week in #socialgov. From a sold-out international forum that demonstrated how we can use free tools to

Looking at User Experience through Two Lenses

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 08:31:17 -0400

Usability and accessibility are slightly different lenses to assess user experience. It is possible to be strong in one area and weak in the other. Using either approach alone could result in an inaccurate view of your site’s user experience. Evaluating your website with both usability and accessibility in mind gives all users the best

Trends on Tuesday: Why You Should Be Accessible on Mobile

Tue, 27 Aug 2013 10:24:24 -0400

Mobile Marketing Watch released an article explaining why it is important for the workplace to be making the move to mobile. When it comes to marketing, it is essential to understand your customer and be easily discoverable or else your product will go unseen.

Embracing Responsive Design

Tue, 20 Aug 2013 07:42:45 -0400

See how a shift in consumer behavior during the last few years lead to the responsive redesign of USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov.

Mobile Product Accessibility Testing Resources

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:34:45 -0400

Accessibility testing is a subset of usability testing and is the inclusive practice of making websites and mobile applications usable by people of all abilities and disabilities. You do this by testing mobile websites and/or applications on all leading browsers, mobile devices and screen readers. This article was developed as part of the Mobile Application

Making Multimedia Section 508-Compliant and Accessible

Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:18:22 -0400

If you plan for accessibility when creating and posting media, you can create a rich, interactive community where users can get important government information from your agency’s official website or blog and dialogue with government.

5 Myths About Social Media Accessibility

Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:03:57 -0400

Guest post by Mario Damiani, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) at the Department of Labor. ODEP spearheads the Social Media Accessibility Working Group within the Federal Social Media Community of Practice. The working group recently released a toolkit for agencies to make their content more accessible for citizens with disabilities, including recommendations from agencies

Make Mobile Gov with the Mobile Application Development Program

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:01:11 -0400

Anytime, Anywhere, Any Device. The 21st century imperative to deliver government information and services to the public anytime, anywhere and on any device makes mobile a critical tactic in the federal Digital Government Strategy.

#SocialGov Summit Highlights Accessibility Challenges

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 01:58:51 -0400

The recent #SocialGov Summit on accessibility of government social media raised emerging issues faced by agencies in their effort to make sure the information citizens need is communicated to them when and how they need it.

Accessibility Editorial Guidelines for YouTube

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:00:44 -0400

USAGov and USAGov en Español (formerly known as GobiernoUSA.gov) use social media to make government information easy for people to find, access, and use. Among the essential tools we use are videos, which we host on USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov’s YouTube channels.

Government Video: Laws you need to follow

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:33:55 -0400

Government videos need to follow two main laws: People with disabilities must be able to fully experience them, and They must adhere to privacy laws 1. Making Video Accessible for People with Disabilities (Section 508) Federal employees are required by law (Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) to make the materials they create

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

A resource to help federal employees write in plain language and comply with the Plain Writing Act of 2010.

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Guidance to Federal agency staff who play a role in IT accessibility.

Web Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) documents explain how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. Web “content” generally refers to the information in a web page or web application, including: natural information such as text, images, and sounds code or markup that defines structure, presentation, etc. View the Web Accessibility Guidelines