The Step 508

Your tool for prioritizing Web site accessibility problems

What Is STEP508?

STEP508, the Simple Tool for Error Prioritization for Section 508 compliance, is a new electronic tool that:

• Prioritizes the repairs you should make to ensure that your Web site is compliant with the accessibility requirements of Section 508.
• Provides the metrics to report your progress in improving the accessibility of your site over time.

What specifically does STEP508 do?

STEP508 uses the output of accessibility evaluation tools * (such as Bobby, LIFT, WebKing etc.) and

• Compares the results of these evaluations (how your site performed on Bobby vs. LIFT, WebKing, etc.)
• Prioritizes the errors/accessibility problems that were identified (identifies the errors that are most critical to fix to make your site accessible)
• Tracks the progress of your accessibility repair efforts over time (gives you a baseline "score" and provides metrics to quantitatively monitor/report your improvements)

* This first pilot version of STEP508 uses output from these listed accessibility evaluation tools. Future versions of STEP508 are anticipated to work with other available accessibility evaluation tools. GSA's use of these tools does not imply endorsement of these products.

What is the role of STEP508 in the process of making Web sites accessible?

STEP508 was designed to assist Web developers in prioritizing the accessibility repairs that should be made to their Web sites.

STEP508 is an excellent tool to assist in the repair of Web sites with large numbers of pages (sites with legacy content, sites with many authors/owners who may not be familiar with accessibility issues)

STEP508 is not designed for new projects. Instead, Web developers should be trained well in accessibility practices, accessible coding, and testing/validating the site for accessibility.

Who developed STEP508?

The STEP508 tool is currently being developed through a collaboration of the U.S. General Services Administration and the National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM). The initial pilot project was developed by the Communication Technologies Branch of the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Is there training available on using STEP508?

Yes, the Usability Solutions Group in the Office of Electronic Government and Technology at the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)is offering hands-on training for STEP 508 users. The training on the enhanced tool is scheduled for Fall 2005. For more information and to register visit: http://www.usability.gov/usabilityuniversity/training.html.

How do I get a free copy of the STEP508 software?

STEP508 is currently a Windows application. You can download the STEP508 software (2nd release). You must have at least one of the following applications in order to use the Step 508 tool:

Bobby 4.1,

Liftmachine,

Webking

Who do I contact for additional information about STEP508?

Call GSA's Rosemary Gibert, Office of E-Gov, Project Manager at 202-219-1364.