This checklist is for Chapter 3 of the final rule. When internal reference numbers are used (i.e. 301.1) they refer to the specific paragraph in the final rule 301.1 (Chapter 3 Section 301 subsection 1). External reference numbers are contained in Chapter 7: Reference Standards of the final rule.

Scope. The requirements of Chapter 3 shall apply to ICT where required by 508 Chapter 2 (Scoping Requirements), 255 Chapter 2 (Scoping Requirements), and where otherwise referenced in any other chapter of the Revised 508 Standards or Revised 255 Guidelines.

E201.1 Scope. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that is procured, developed, maintained, or used by agencies shall conform to the Revised 508 Standards.

E205.4 Accessibility Standard. Electronic content shall conform to Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements in WCAG 2.0 (incorporated by reference). For referenced standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and Section 255 of the Communications Act, See Chapter 7.

You may access a customizable quick reference to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 requirements (success criteria) and techniques.

Severity Level Grading Criteria

Critical: This issue results in severe barriers for users with disabilities, either because content is blocked or functionality is inoperable. It causes global issues across the project because people with disabilities are unable to use it. This violation must be resolved before content/functionality can be considered fully compliant. Remediation should be a top priority.

High: This issue results in significant barriers for individuals with disabilities. Some important content/functionality is not accessible. Users of Assistive Technology may not be able to access all content and/or functionality. Remediation should be a priority.

Medium: This issue results in some barriers for individuals with disabilities but will not prevent them from accessing fundamental elements or content. This violation must be resolved before content/functionality can be considered fully compliant.

Low: This issue causes minimal impact for users with disabilities. This may be a technical violation of the law but doesn’t make the content inaccessible. This content/functionality should be remediated in order to be considered fully compliant, but remediation can be given a low priority.

Functional Performance Success Criteria Checklist

Download the Functional Performance Success Criteria Checklist (PDF, 4 pages, 106 KB)

Reference NumberSeverity LevelFunctional Performance Success CriteriaYes, No, or Not Present
302.1CriticalWithout Vision. Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user vision.

Is there at least one mode of input/output operation accessible to a blind person for each feature in the program?

If the mode of operation for the blind user to 302.2access the feature is non-standard, is the mode of operation well documented?
302.2CriticalWith Limited Vision. Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that enables users to make use of limited vision.

Is there at least one mode of input/output operation accessible to a user with limited vision for each feature in the program?

If the mode of operation for the user with limited vision to access the feature is non- standard, is the mode of operation well documented?
302.3CriticalWithout Perception of Color. Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one visual mode of operation that does not require user perception of color.

Is there at least one mode of operation accessible to a user who cannot perceive color for each feature in the program?

If the mode of operation for a user who cannot perceive color to access the feature is non- standard, is the mode of operation well documented?
302.4CriticalWithout Hearing. Where an audible mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user hearing.

Is there at least one mode of non-auditory operation accessible to a user who cannot hear for each feature in the program?

If the mode of operation for a user who cannot hear to access the feature is non-standard, is the mode of operation well documented?
302.5CriticalWith Limited Hearing. Where an audible mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that enables users to make use of limited hearing.

Is there at least one non-auditory mode of operation accessible to a user with limited hearing for each feature in the program?

If the mode of operation for the user with limited hearing to access the feature is non- standard, is the mode of operation well documented?
302.6CriticalWithout Speech. Where speech is used for input, control, or operation, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user speech.

Is there at least one mode of operation accessible to a user who cannot speak for each feature in the program?

If the mode of operation for a user who seeks to access the feature is non-standard, is the mode of operation well documented?
302.7CriticalWith Limited Manipulation. Where a manual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations.

Are all features of the application keyboard accessible?

When supported by the operating system, are all features of the product or service available to users of AT that provide voice control and input?
302.8CriticalWith Limited Reach and Strength. Where a manual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that is operable with limited reach and limited strength.

If you are creating a hardware device as part of this project, are all features of the application accessible to a user with limited reach and strength?
302.9CriticalWith Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities. ICT shall provide features making its use by individuals with limited cognitive, language, and learning abilities simpler and easier.

Are all features of the application accessible to a user with limited learning abilities?

Are all features of the application easily reachable on and around the keyboard so a user with limited reach could also use it?

Does the application in general have a gradual learning curve for users with limited cognitive abilities?