Scope
Alternative format delivery is most defensible when it offers equivalent information access with clear timelines, reliable quality, and consistent support.
Operational takeaways
Use explicit entry criteria to decide between direct remediation and alternate delivery.
Measure elapsed time from request to delivery; speed and consistency matter in practice.
Pair alternate format workflows with root-cause fixes in upstream document production.
Decision triggers for alternate delivery
Legacy source files, vendor-imposed constraints, and urgent publication windows are common reasons teams start with alternatives.
The strongest programs classify requests by impact, complexity, and recurrence instead of handling each case ad hoc.
A deterministic intake policy reduces subjective decisions and improves legal defensibility.
Minimum conditions to meet
Equivalent content fidelity across headings, lists, tables, references, and meaningful context.
Predictable service levels and visible status tracking for users and compliance owners.
Versioning and auditability so delivered alternatives can be traced and maintained over time.
Build an exit plan from constant remediation
Use request analytics to identify source teams or templates that repeatedly create inaccessible documents.
Prioritize those sources for authoring policy updates, template governance, and training.
Treat alternate format operations as a bridge to better native accessibility, not a reason to postpone it indefinitely.
Frequently asked questions
Should we always remediate the original source instead?
When feasible, yes. But alternative delivery can be a practical path when timelines, source control, or legacy constraints prevent immediate direct remediation.
Is SLA tracking important for legal risk?
Yes. Slow or inconsistent response can undermine claims of equivalent access.
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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