Karlen Communications
Section 508 Solutions

Karen McCall and Karlen Communications has several years of experience working with companies and organizations to work toward Section 508 compliance for applications and digital content.

The two provisions we've worked with are Section 508 Sub-part A 1191.21 software applications and operating systems and Section 508 Sub-part B 1191.22 web based intranet and internet information and applications.

Karlen Communications can provide training on creating and repairing PDF documents. We can also perform repairs on PDF documents for accessibility. We do not use the Accessibility Full Check as the definition of what an accessible PDF is and we do not take on projects where "JAWS Compliant PDF" is a criteria for Section 508 compliance. There is no such thing as an adaptive technology based compliance standard or set of criteria. We do create and repair PDF documents to be accessible based on the logical document structure and properly implemented Tags. Visit the "Accessible PDF Resources" page on the Karlen Communications web site for more information.

There is currently a draft refresh of Section 508 which is useful in planning for the future. The refresh will include all document types and is an attempt to harmonize several pieces of legislation into one law. The refresh is also attempting to lessen the number of interpretations of the law so that everyone has the same understanding and implementation of Section 508.

We are now at the threshold of implementing HTML 5, ARIA or "Accessible Rich Internet Applications", and AJAX or Asynchronous JavaScript and XML based technology. We can now create accessible Flash and web based applications which may not have been possible even within the past five years. "Accessibility and usability" are not static elements but evolve and emerge with our ability to implement new techniques and technologies.

Karlen Communications is a Canadian based business. Our approach to accessible digital environments and content combine accessibility with usability and is a more global approach. Karen McCall contracts to Criterion 508 Solutions for Section 508 compliance of PDF documents.

If you have a project that requires Section 508 certification we suggest you contact Criterion 508 Solutions.

Karen worked on projects for the following Criterion 508 Solutions clients:

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