Re: Accessible app requirements

Hi Linda,

Seconding what others have said. From a compliance perspective nothing in the scoping of Section 508 requirements says that if the information is available in another, accessible way (desktop) then the second way of accessing (native app) is exempt.

From a human perspective it is vital that if there is a native app it is also accessible. Many users, especially low income, do not have access to a computer. Yes, the desktop version of the site may be accessed via browsers on their device, but the desktop version is not optimized for smaller devices (even if it reflows appropriately). Assistive technology on their device may function better/in a more familiar way for correctly coded apps as opposed to a website. The user simply may prefer to access a native app. 

For whatever the reason, if it's available for some folks, it should be available for all folks.

The W3C has been working on updating their WCAG to ICT document [https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/non-web-ict/], and DHS has documents for 508 expectations for native app accessibility [https://www.dhs.gov/508-testing] (refer to "Accessibility Tests for Mobile Applications").

Wishing you the best of luck!

Juliette Alexandria
On 5/25/2023 8:29:49 AM, Kelly Childs <kelly@beaccessible.com> wrote:
Hi Linda,

I recommend referring to the Section 508 website. This may help: Section 508 - Mobile Application [https://www.section508.gov/sample-procurement/mobile-application/].

In my experience, if it is a service or product that is being offered by the agency, then yes, it must be accessible. 

Hope this helps!
Kelly

On Thu, May 25, 2023 at 9:21 AM Karen Lewellen <klewellen@shellworld.net [mailto:klewellen@shellworld.net]> wrote:

Hi Linda,
Tossing my thoughts in here.
My vote is  yes.
access is about insuring the paths to content  is as inclusive as
possible.  That also means where the freedom to choose how one reaches that
content is concerned.
I will add that for some disability embodiment, one might only have app
related access desires met.
Say the site does not respond to voice browsers for example because  it is
not based on progressive enhancement.
A company can in theory only dictate the door used if they are also
providing the keys for that different door.  by which I mean supplying the
technology and insuring  equatable access in that fashion.
Does that resonate?
Its not about this door or that door, its about this door and that door.
Karen



On Tue, 23 May 2023, Linda Noble wrote:

> Hello all,
>
>
> I can’t find this information in the W3C site or elsewhere.  If a public
> company has a 508-compliant desktop site, and an app that isn’t, are they
> out of compliance? The app doesn’t have all the features of the desktop
> site.
>
> Regards,
>
> Linda
>