Federal Requirements for Kiosk Accessibility

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires US federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.

While originally focused on federal websites and software, Section 508 also applies to self-service kiosks deployed by federal agencies or contractors.

This article provides information about accessibility laws and regulations, but is not legal advice. You should consult a lawyer for advice on specific legal issues or problems.

Self-Service in Government Settings

Self-service kiosks are increasingly used in government settings to:

  • Allow access to public records and information
  • Streamline document processing and applications
  • Collect payments for various fees and services
  • Issue licenses and permits
  • Provide wayfinding in government buildings
  • Help citizens to schedule appointments
  • Facilitate voter registration and election-related services
  • Assist with job searches and unemployment claims
  • Process passport applications and renewals
  • Provide virtual assistance for common inquiries
  • Offer multilingual support

Kiosks can help government agencies modernize their services, reduce operational costs, and improve accessibility for citizens, particularly in areas with limited staffing or during non-peak hours.

As kiosks become increasingly common, ensuring their accessibility is critical for providing equal access to all users.

Understanding Section 508

Section 508 was enacted in 1998 as an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and updated in 2017 to harmonize with other accessibility guidelines and standards. Its goal is to eliminate barriers in information technology and develop new opportunities for people with disabilities.

The law requires federal agencies to give employees with disabilities and members of the public access to information comparable to the access available to others. It also sets standards for developing, procuring, maintaining, or using electronic and information technology.

While Section 508 directly applies to federal agencies, it impacts many other organizations through federal contracts and partnerships. Any company doing business with the federal government likely needs to comply with Section 508 in some capacity.

Section 508 Requirements for Kiosks

Kiosks offer convenience and efficiency for many users. However, they can also create barriers for people with disabilities if not designed with accessibility in mind. Common accessibility issues with kiosks include:

  • touch screens that are difficult to use for people with limited dexterity or vision impairments
  • audio-only feedback that excludes deaf or hard of hearing users
  • physical designs that are inaccessible to wheelchair users
  • complex user interfaces that are challenging for users with cognitive disabilities

Section 508 aims to address these issues by requiring accessible design for kiosks used by federal agencies or their contractors.

The specific technical requirements for kiosks under Section 508 are outlined in the Revised 508 Standards, published in 2017. These include specific functional performance criteria, like:

For kiosks with a display screen, the kiosk must include modes that do not require vision, that allow users to make use of limited vision, and that do not require perception of color.

For kiosks that include audio, the kiosk must include modes that do not require hearing, and that allow users to make use of limited hearing.

Where speech is used for input, control, or operation, the kiosk must provide a mode of operation that does not require user speech.

For kiosks that include physical controls, including touchscreens, the kiosk must provide modes that do not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations, and that are operable with limited reach and limited strength.

Kiosks must provide features to make their use by individuals with limited cognitive, language, and learning abilities simpler and easier.

The standards also cover various aspects of kiosk design and functionality, including specific requirements for operability; speech output; braille instructions; volume control; tactile buttons; height, reach, and force limits; character style, size and contrast; timed responses; as well as closed captioning of audio content.

These requirements ensure that kiosks can be used by people with a wide range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.

Conclusion

Section 508's application to self-service kiosks represents an important step in ensuring equal access to technology for all users. By requiring federal agencies and their contractors to provide accessible kiosks, Section 508 helps break down barriers for people with disabilities in interacting with government services and information.

While implementing Section 508 requirements for kiosks can present challenges, the benefits extend beyond mere compliance. Accessible kiosks offer improved usability for all users, expand the potential user base, and demonstrate an organization's commitment to inclusivity.

As self-service kiosks continue to proliferate across various industries, the principles of accessible design embodied in Section 508 serve as a valuable guide. By prioritizing accessibility in kiosk design, we can create more inclusive and user-friendly technologies that benefit everyone. Ultimately, the goal of Section 508 as applied to kiosks is to ensure that the convenience and efficiency offered by self-service technology is available to all users, regardless of ability.

Ready to make your next self-service project Section 508 compliant? Our team of experts can guide you through compliance requirements and help create truly inclusive self-service solutions. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward accessibility compliance.

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