Empowering Inclusivity: Achieving Accessibility Across Diverse Audiences with 508 Compliance

Ulatus plays a pivotal role in supporting EnCompass with revolutionary Section 508 localization projects, guaranteeing that their content reaches and resonates with a diverse audience, transcending language and ability barriers

Client Testimonial

Thank you for your support and for delivering the Section 508-compliant translations. Overall, the planning and execution of our collaboration with you and your team went smoothly and pleasantly. Your team demonstrated responsiveness, accountability, and effective communication, which greatly contributed to a successful partnership. It was truly impressive.

Project Summary

Case Study on EnCompass Translation, Editing & Proofreading Services
  • Language Pair: English to Arabic, Spanish & French
  • Volume: 170,000 words
  • Service Type: Translation, Editing and Proofreading
  • Specialization: Legal-508 Compliance (Section 508 ensures that federal technology is accessible to people with disabilities, both employees and the public)

About the company, what were their requirements and why?

EnCompass is not just a women-owned business; it's a trailblazer in innovative, tailor-made solutions that redefine leadership, fortify capacity, provide technical assistance, and elevate the standards of monitoring and evaluation. With an extensive footprint spanning over 70 countries, EnCompass boasts a global team of over 1,300 dedicated professionals and consultants. Their partnership canvas extends across government and multilateral agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporations worldwide. They bring not only thought leadership but a rich tapestry of diversity and unwavering technical expertise in critical domains such as education, gender and inclusive development, global health, human rights, and food security.
The client was in search of a highly proficient translation vendor, one who could not only provide top-tier linguistic services but also ensure Section 508 compliance. They had a pressing need for translations and localizations of their digital content in Arabic, Spanish, and French, recognizing the significance of making their materials accessible to diverse audiences across different languages and abilities.

Challenges we overcame during the project

Global Voices, Local Impact: Section 508 Compliant Translation Triumph

We were entrusted with the monumental responsibility of translating our client's newsletters, press releases, brochures, presentations, blogs, and project summaries into Arabic, Spanish, and French. Among the client's most stringent demands was the requirement for the translations in all three languages to be 508 Compliant. This challenge was not merely an obligation; it was an absolutely critical endeavour.
The triumph of this undertaking rested on our unwavering commitment to delivering Section 508 Compliant Translation and Localization Services that would not just meet standards but also resonate with diverse language communities worldwide. Our success was not measured solely by compliance, but by our ability to bridge language gaps, empower inclusivity, and convey our client's message with impactful resonance across the globe.

The Intersection of Language and Design: Navigating 508 Compliance

To ensure a seamless transfer of meaning and understanding in translation, the inclusion of visual elements, including images and info graphics, takes on a pivotal role. It became an unwavering imperative to uphold uniform formatting throughout the source documents when embarking on the task of translating content into three distinct target languages. For this ambitious undertaking to yield the desired results, our devoted Desktop Publishing (DTP) team embarked on a mission to meticulously align the formatting of the InDesign target files in three diverse languages with the source material. This precision was not the sole challenge; we also committed ourselves to meeting the rigorous standards of Section 508 Compliance, further intertwining the intricacies of formatting requirements with the unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Our mission was a multi-faceted one, where linguistic accuracy met visual coherence and accessibility, forging a path towards comprehensive and impactful communication across languages and communities.

Tracking the Path to Perfection: A Tale of 508 Compliant Review

In pursuit of the pinnacle of precision and excellence, our client initiated a rigorous review process for their Section 508 Compliant translation, mobilizing a battalion of internal and external reviewers. The need for a formidable tracking system became paramount in this intricate process, as it served as the linchpin for both parties to masterfully orchestrate the avalanche of deliverables.
This meticulous review phase was more than just a step; it was a symphony of expertise converging to ensure that each translated piece resonated with not only linguistic accuracy but also the spirit and intent of the original content. The tracking mechanism was the conductor's baton in this symphony, guiding the collaborative effort toward the crescendo of a flawless, impactful final product.

Solution provided by Ulatus to client

Mapping Success: Small Goals, Monumental Impact

From the very inception of this project, we laid the foundation for success during a pivotal project kick-off call with our client. Collaboratively, we unveiled and outlined a series of seemingly modest yet undeniably pivotal goals, each one meticulously charting a course for our flawless execution. Our blueprint for success hinged on this detailed and strategic plan. To orchestrate a harmonious symphony among all project stakeholders, a seasoned project manager assumed the mantle of responsibility, serving as the linchpin for seamless communication and collaboration. This orchestrator of operations played a pivotal role, weaving the threads of understanding and shared vision across every team member and linguist.
Our project manager proactively undertook the task of providing comprehensive briefings to our esteemed translators and the DTP team. In doing so, the project's significance was highlighted, and the client's expectations were artfully clarified. This level of proactive engagement set the stage not just for compliance but for surpassing expectations and delivering an impact that resonated far beyond the project's scope.

Empowering Global Connections: Ulatus' Mark on Section 508 Localization

Ulatus stands as a paragon of excellence in the realm of Section 508 compliant translations and localizations for digital content. We don't just adhere to Section 508 standards; we embody them, ensuring that every facet of your localization project reaches the zenith of accessibility and inclusivity, transcending language and abilities. In our unwavering commitment to Section 508 compliance, we diligently follow government-issued Section 508 checklists as an integral part of our translation and localization process. This meticulous approach ensures that every element, every word, and every visual in the content is not just translated but transformed into a beacon of accessibility.
Our dedicated Desktop Publishing (DTP) experts went the extra mile to guarantee that alt text, the key to making images and multimedia accessible, was seamlessly translated. Headings and labels were not just words; they were beacons, guiding users to the heart of the content, making it not just comprehensible but engaging and interactive. Consistency is our hallmark. We maintained unwavering translations, aligning every element to meet the stringent Section 508 mandates, where digital content became not just understandable but consistently identifiable. Ulatus didn't merely provide translation; we crafted an inclusive and accessible experience that empowered the translated content to connect with a global audience across languages and abilities.

Linguistic Precision, Visual Harmony: A Winning Formula

Our tracking and review mechanism served as the bedrock of transparent communication and efficient progress tracking. It not only empowered both teams but also ensured that no suggestions or changes were inadvertently overlooked in the labyrinth of deliverables. In perfect synchronization, our linguists and the dedicated Desktop Publishing (DTP) team meticulously incorporated every change and suggestion into the documents, all the while preserving the uniform formatting throughout the files. This dynamic system acted as the bridge between linguistic adaptation and visual consistency, enabling us to swiftly address all reviewer inputs.
To ensure strict adherence to Section 508 Compliant standards, we provided the client with a comprehensive Accessibility report. This report contained a meticulous checklist, verifying that all the requirements of the standard were meticulously met. Our in-house DTP experts skilfully used Adobe InDesign and Illustrator for precise alignment between translations and the source English content.
Our approach met diverse client needs, creating a visually captivating experience for readers of all backgrounds. By seamlessly blending DTP expertise with translation, we ensured precise localization and maintained source material's professionalism. Each document section underwent meticulous Section 508 Compliance application, highlighting the need for ample time allocation to ensure inclusivity and accessibility across all elements.

Accomplishments

  • Accomplishing Section 508-compliant translations of precisely interpreted content, thereby enhancing accessibility and comprehension for a variety of language communities.
  • Achieved harmonious collaboration among project stakeholders, facilitating seamless communication and coordination, ultimately exceeding client expectations in a symphony of success.
  • Cultivated a strong client relationship, laying the foundation for securing future projects.

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