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SAMHSA's Section 508 Resources

How do I update my website if SAMHSA is hosting it?

As of May 2009, SAMHSA requires website contractors and developers follow the steps below when making a request for a site update:

  1. 508 REVIEW OF NEW OR UPDATED FILES: The contractor must conduct a detailed accessibility test on each new or updated web page, and related documents such as PDF files, and verify they are compliant with Section 508 standards. Specifically:

    • The contractor must fill out one (1) 508 HTML Checklist for all web page updates contained in the submission. This checklist provides the verifiable objective evidence (VOE) that SAMHSA requires to process your request.

    • The contractor must fill out one (1) 508 checklist for each PDF, .DOC, .PPT, .XLS or A / V file in the submission. These checklists provide the verifiable objective evidence (VOE) that SAMHSA requires to process your request/

  2. EMAIL TO WEBMASTER: The contractor must send an email request to the SAMHSA webmaster ( and cc their Project Officer) detailing what site content is being added or updated, and the reasons why.

    • The email should have all the updated files attached in a zip file. (Note: Do not send the entire site in the zip file. Only send the updates, zipped up from the root folder of the website).

    • In the same email, submit your VOE checklist files zipped up into a separate file, typically called VOE.zip. For example, if a website update contains 10 HTML web pages and 5 PDF files, the VOE would contain 1 HTML checklist, and  5 PDF checklists. The checklists can be found at the following URL http://508.samhsa.gov/checklistsTools.aspx  

  3. FILES POSTED TO BETA FOR 508 ASSESSMENT: Once the contractor's request and VOE information is received, the Webmaster will ensure the beta site is updated, and then request a cursory 508 Assessment be completed.

  1. ASSESSMENT REPORT SENT: Within 1-3 days, the Webmaster will receive a 508 Assessment Report and foward the results to the contractor. The contractor may or may not be required to provide additional updates.

  1. FILES POSTED LIVE: Upon acceptance of your files by the 508 Assessment team and approval by your Project Officer, the SAMHSA Web team will post the files to production.

If you have any questions, please contact the SAMHSA Webmaster at webmaster@samhsa.hhs.gov

Last Update: 05/17/2009