Requirement • Explanation • Example
Accessibility Initiative
Section 508 Requirement
(m) Plug-Ins:
When a Web page requires that an applet, plug-in, or other application be present on the client system to interpret page content, the page must provide a link to a plug-in or applet that complies with §1194.21(a) through (l).
Explanation
Always provide link(s) for the visitor to download software and/or plug-ins required to properly view your page(s). Some examples of plug-ins and third party software that might be needed by your visitor include:
Example
PDF Files
Note: PDFs are not the only files that require a plug-in, but they are the most popular downloadable files found on Winthrop's site.
Many departments currently provide links to the PDF versions of files via the Winthrop Web site. One way of satisfying requirement "m" is to preface the list of PDF forms with a statement like this:
The following forms are being made available to you as .PDF files unless otherwise noted. To access a form as a .PDF file, you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader software which is available free of charge. Once you have installed the Acrobat Reader software, simply click on a form title below to open it in .PDF format. 
Each Web author needs to confirm that the PDFs presented on your site are indeed accessible. If they are not, consider providing an additional link to the text conversion service mentioned in the "Explanation." You may also consider investigating ways of making your files accessible. There are many Web sites that offer tutorials, or you may check out the following:
For your convenience, you may also wish to download a printer-friendly Section 508 checklist (pdf).
For additional assistance with this requirement, send an email to accessibility@winthrop.edu.