How to hire a 508 compliance expert?
Hiring a 508 compliance expert is crucial for ensuring that your digital content is accessible to people with disabilities, as required by law for many government and public-facing projects. These professionals audit and modify websites and documents to meet the standards set by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Learn what a 508 compliance expert does, how much it costs, and what to ask before you hire one.
What is a 508 compliance expert?
A 508 compliance expert is a specialist who ensures that electronic and information technology (EIT) is accessible to people with disabilities. They work to make websites, software, PDFs, and other digital content usable by individuals with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments. Their expertise involves auditing existing content and implementing changes to meet the specific guidelines of Section 508.
Things a 508 compliance expert can do for you
- Website Audits: Conduct a full audit of your website to identify accessibility issues and provide a detailed report.
- PDF Remediation: Modify existing PDF documents to make them accessible to screen readers and other assistive technologies.
- Accessibility Consulting: Provide guidance on best practices for designing and developing new accessible content.
- Video Captioning: Add accurate captions and descriptions to video content for those with hearing impairments.
- Web Development: Implement code changes and design updates to make a website fully compliant.
How much does it cost to hire a 508 compliance expert?
The cost for a 508 compliance expert depends on the scope of the project, such as the size of the website or the number of documents. On freelance platforms, prices might be:
- Small website audit: Average of $100-$300.
- PDF remediation (per page): Average of $5-$20 per page.
- Full website remediation: Prices are highly variable and often quoted on a per-project basis.
Questions to ask when hiring a 508 compliance expert
- What is your experience with Section 508 compliance?
- Can you provide examples of projects you've made compliant?
- What is your process for auditing and remediation?
- Do you provide a formal report of the issues found and fixed?
- How do you stay up-to-date with evolving accessibility standards?
How much time does a 508 compliance expert take to complete a job?
The time to complete a 508 compliance job varies widely. A small document might be remediated in a day or two, while a full website audit and remediation can take several weeks or months, depending on its size and complexity. On average, expect a turnaround time of 5 to 30 days.
