Accessibility in Action: Building Better Government Services

Government services touch nearly every facet of life. From accessing transportation, housing, and healthcare to basic civic participation, prioritizing accessibility ensures we serve all people equitably and efficiently.

As ADA standards evolve, we’re committed to helping government initiatives become more inclusive and effective. Government agencies are being called not only to comply, but also to lead. Accessibility has become a cornerstone of how public services are delivered, and it represents an opportunity to energize initiatives that make systems more equitable, sustainable, and responsive to the people they serve.

Here are three key initiatives for embedding accessibility into government services:

1. Understand Section 508 Standards

• What is Section 508?
  Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that federal agencies and increasingly state and local governments make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities.

• Why it matters:
  Whether you’re launching a new web portal for social service applications, distributing digital reports, or deploying in-office kiosks, any digital tool must be accessible.

• Action Steps:

  • Familiarize your teams with WCAG 2.1 or beyond, referenced by Section 508.

  • Use accessibility checkers and screen readers to test your digital content.

  • Involve people with disabilities in user testing to understand real-world usability.

2. Teach Internally and Make Everyone an Advocate

• Why internal advocacy matters:
  Accessibility isn’t just an IT or compliance issue, it’s an organizational mission. When everyone from program managers to frontline staff understands accessibility, it’s integrated from the start.

• What that looks like:

  • Regular training sessions for staff and contractors.

  • Internal resource hubs with guidelines and checklists.

  • Accessibility champions in each department to guide projects.

• Outcome:
  Greater organizational buy-in. Accessibility becomes second nature and not a late-stage add-on.

3. Continually Monitor and Improve Your Products

• Why ongoing monitoring matters:
  Even when something starts out accessible, updates or content changes can introduce barriers.

• Strategies for continuous improvement:

  • Schedule regular accessibility audits tied to product releases.

  • Collect feedback from people with disabilities.

  • Monitor analytics to spot usability drop-offs.

  • Treat accessibility bugs with the same urgency as technical ones.

In Summary

Accessibility is more than a compliance requirement; it is a commitment to equity, inclusion, and public trust. By mastering Section 508 standards, building internal advocates, and continuously monitoring and improving your products, government agencies can ensure that the services they provide are truly accessible to everyone. These steps not only help you meet federal guidelines but also create experiences that are more intuitive, scalable, and user-friendly.

If you’re attending the ISM Conference this September 14–17, be sure to check your attendee bag for our “10 Easy Checks to Spot Deeper Accessibility Problems” guide. It’s a quick way to learn about accessibility standards and identify some easy wins. You can also stop by Booth #517 to see our live accessibility demo and chat with the Moser team about how we can support your organization’s goals. Not attending the conference? No problem! Reach out to us anytime, and we’ll be happy to schedule a one-on-one demo tailored to your organization’s needs.

Discover YOUR perfect UX package today. Contact MoserUX for more information at marketing@moserit.com.