How XR Navigation Helps Federal Agencies Follow Recent OMB Accessibility Guidance
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has recently unveiled a five-part guidance list aimed at propelling federal agencies towards a future where digital accessibility is not just an afterthought, but a cornerstone of service delivery. This guidance is crucial for ensuring that all Americans, regardless of ability, can access vital government resources.
You’re likely aware that adapting to these guidelines will require a significant shift in product development and acquisition processes. For many vendors, this transition will be a journey. However, at XR Navigation, we’ve been living and breathing these principles long before they were mandated. If you’re seeking to align with the OMB’s guidance swiftly and seamlessly, XR Navigation is ready to support you. Here’s a breakdown of how our products and culture already embody each of the five key elements:
1. Delivering Accessible Digital Experiences
“Prior to publishing electronic content, agencies should test it to ensure it meets accessibility requirements. Agencies are expected to include people with disabilities as part of digital product design and testing user groups.”
XR Navigation’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in our products’ adherence to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) AAA compliance, which exceed the baseline Section 508 standards. We conduct monthly user testing with individuals who have various disabilities, fostering a culture of inclusive design that consistently challenges us to serve those who may be overlooked by our product offering.
2. Establishing Digital Accessibility Programs and Policies
“Agencies must designate a program manager accountable for defining and overseeing digital accessibility processes including how digital accessibility issues are reported, tracked, and resolved.”
Our streamlined issue reporting process includes a feedback button on every page, ensuring that any concerns are swiftly logged into our tracker and prioritized for resolution. Through comparative studies, we identify and rectify user experience bottlenecks, providing quantitative proof of equal access. XR Navigation’s digital maps are recognized as technically acceptable map solutions.
Recommended by LinkedIn
3. Procuring Accessible Products and Services
“Agencies are encouraged to make accessibility subject matter experts part of the acquisition process to ensure any new information and communications technology an agency plans to buy will be fully accessible.”
We conduct independent accessibility audits and share these reports with procurement teams. XR Navigation invites accessibility experts to scrutinize our products and contribute to their enhancement. We can also connect you with independent IAAP certified accessibility experts if you want another external product evaluation.
4. Monitoring and Remediating Problems
“Agencies should regularly scan web content using both automated and manual testing tools and processes to fully assess whether accessibility requirements are met and immediately prioritize remediation if not.”
Our rigorous quality assurance process includes certified Web Accessibility specialists and real-world testing by users with disabilities, ensuring compliance and functionality with every update. Our commitment to digital accessibility is ongoing and proactive.
5. Cultivating a Positive Culture of Digital Accessibility
“Agencies are encouraged to offer Section 508 and digital accessibility training to employees on a regular basis.”
XR Navigation not only provides continuous accessibility training to our team but also champions leadership by individuals with disabilities. Currently all executives and board members of XR Navigation have a disability.
Partnering with XR Navigation means you’ll have the data and tools at your disposal to demonstrate compliance with the OMB’s guidelines. If you’re ready to elevate your digital map experience to meet and exceed these standards, let’s connect.