GoDaddy Section 508 Checker

Section 508 for GoDaddy Sites

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to make the information and communication technology they develop, buy, maintain or use accessible. The Revised 508 Standards, in effect since January 2018, incorporate WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA for web content, electronic documents and software.

Private businesses are not directly covered, but agencies must buy accessible technology, so vendors are often asked for an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) based on the VPAT. This checker runs the scan with the WCAG 2.0 AA preset that Section 508 uses.

Hosting does not affect Section 508 conformance. For an agency or vendor site on GoDaddy, test the site you run there and keep dated results for your ACR.

Who Should Run the GoDaddy Section 508 Checker

• Federal agencies running a site or microsite on GoDaddy.
• Contractors and vendors whose GoDaddy site or portal is part of a federal contract.
• Agencies and vendors preparing a VPAT or Accessibility Conformance Report.
• State bodies and universities whose policies adopt Section 508.

Section 508 Checks That Matter for GoDaddy Sites

• 1.1.1 Non-text Content

  Every image, icon and chart needs a text alternative, or must be marked as decorative.

• 1.3.1 Info and Relationships

  Headings, lists, tables and form labels must be marked up so assistive technology can read the structure.

• 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)

  Text needs a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1, or 3:1 for large text.

• 2.1.1 Keyboard

  Every function must work with a keyboard alone.

• 2.4.1 Bypass Blocks

  Provide a way to skip repeated navigation, such as a skip link.

• 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value

  Custom controls need a name, role and state that assistive technology can read.

Where GoDaddy Sites Usually Fail Section 508

These problems come up again and again on GoDaddy sites, and each one fails Section 508. The GoDaddy accessibility checker explains how to fix them in GoDaddy.

• Images without alt text. Images added to builder sections and galleries are easy to publish without describing them.
• Section color contrast. Text placed over images or colored section backgrounds often lacks enough contrast.
• Booking and contact forms. Forms need visible labels and clear error messages that screen readers announce.
• Online store pages. Product options, cart buttons and quantity controls need accessible names and keyboard support.
• Link text. Buttons and links such as "Learn more" repeated across sections do not say where they go.

Worried about ADA claims as well? The GoDaddy ADA compliance checker covers the GoDaddy risks behind most complaints.

What to Test by Hand on GoDaddy

Automated testing finds many, but not all, Section 508 failures. Check these yourself after the scan:

1. Test every page with a keyboard only, including menus and dialogs (2.1.1).
2. Check documents and PDFs separately, since Section 508 covers them too.
3. Record results per criterion if you need to complete a VPAT or ACR.
4. Rescan after each fix. Continuous monitoring rescans up to 500 URLs per domain daily and keeps a dated record in the Compliance Vault.

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Related Guides

• Section 508 CheckerThe Section 508 standard in full, for any website.
• WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content Explained in Plain EnglishWCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content explained simply: how to write alt text for every kind of image, icon, chart and CAPTCHA, with code examples and a test routine.
• WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) Explained in Plain EnglishWCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) explained simply: the 4.5:1 and 3:1 ratios, what counts as large text, the exceptions, fixes and how to test your colors.
• ADA Website Compliance: What Businesses Need to KnowHow the ADA applies to websites, which WCAG level courts and regulators reference, the Title II rule for public entities, and practical steps to reduce risk.
• WCAG Success Criteria LibraryLook up any criterion the scan flags, in plain language.

GoDaddy Section 508 Checker: Frequently Asked Questions