To ensure universal access to our forms, we use technology and practices that are Section 508 compliant and meet WCAG 2.1 standards. This enables you to create forms that can be used equally well by all visitors to your website.
Section 508 compliance
Even if you’re not required to comply with Section 508 standards, you should still strive to offer at least that level of accessibility. Try these tips to make your online forms more accessible.
If you work with the federal government – or schools, colleges and universities – you’re required to comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It stipulates that your information and communication technology must be able to be used as effectively by people with disabilities as it can by those without.
This includes those with hearing or vision impairments including color blindness, individuals prone to seizures, and people with physical limitations that prevent them from using a computer mouse.
Accessibility features
Our forms enable you to satisfy these requirements and provide a better experience for all visitors to your website. Your users will experience:
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Easily readable text
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High contrast Yes/No toggles
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Keyboard accessible fields, navigation, and file uploads
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Optimized screen reader compatibility
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Alt-text descriptions of all images (when provided by form creator)
You can also improve your website’s accessibility by your choices of field types and willingness to include detailed instructions and alt text.
Review our VPAT
Many government contracts require companies to provide a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). Download our VPAT here.
FAQ
Yes, you can use Cognito Forms to create Section 508-compliant forms that meet WCAG 2.1 standards.
To ensure universal access to our forms, we use technology and practices that enable you to create forms that can be used well by all visitors to your website.
While we do everything we can to ensure your forms are compliant, some things are out of our control. For example, you could choose a typeface that’s too small to meet accessibility standards.
To help ensure you’re doing everything you can to make your forms accessible, we encourage you to read our Accessibility Guide and 12 Tips for Making Your Website Forms More Accessible.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.
As such, it applies to all agencies and institutions that receive federal funding. This includes:
- Government agencies
- Federally funded nonprofits
- Public higher education institutions
- Public K-12 schools
If you work with these organizations on their IT, websites, or other electronic communication, the rules likely apply to your work with them as well.
If you’re not sure if Section 508 rules apply to you, contact your compliance officer or visit Section508.gov.
Learn more in our Accessibility guide.
Yes! You can review and download our Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) report right from our website.
This document details each Section 508 requirement and how our platform supports each criterion.
If you need a copy of this document to use our platform, or you’re looking for a form builder with high accessibility standards, this is the document you need.
To help ensure you’re doing everything you can to make your forms accessible, we encourage you to read our Accessibility Guide and 12 Tips for Making Your Website Forms More Accessible.