Scope
Conforming alternate versions can reduce risk when they are equivalent, timely, and reliable, but they should not be used to indefinitely avoid improving primary accessibility workflows.
Operational takeaways
Treat alternate versions as a controlled service with measured response times.
Document how equivalence is verified and how updates are synchronized.
Use recurring alternate-version demand as a trigger for upstream remediation.
What conforming means operationally
In practical program terms, conforming alternatives should provide equivalent information and utility for affected users.
They should be discoverable, available within reasonable timelines, and kept aligned with source updates.
A conforming approach requires ownership, service targets, and escalation pathways.
Common failure modes
Alternatives delivered too late for the user’s actual need window.
Alternatives that miss key data, structure, or referenced attachments.
No process to update alternatives when the source document changes.
Program controls to keep alternatives defensible
Publish intake channels and expected response windows.
Track each alternative request with timestamps and responsible owner.
Review request trends quarterly and prioritize upstream source fixes.
Frequently asked questions
Is a conforming alternate version always enough by itself?
Not always. It can support access obligations, but governance quality and timeliness determine whether it is defensible.
Should we still improve source documents?
Yes. Alternate delivery should complement, not replace, upstream accessibility improvements.
Sources and references
- U.S. DOJ: Accessibility of Web Information and ServicesPrimary ADA web accessibility guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice.
- Section 508 Laws and PoliciesHigh-level Section 508 legal and policy reference for federal obligations.
- Revised 508 Standards (U.S. Access Board)Technical standards frequently mapped to WCAG success criteria.
- W3C WCAG 2.2 RecommendationInternationally used accessibility standard referenced by many programs.
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