Section 508 Compliance: Digital Accessibility for Federal Agencies
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 establishes strict digital accessibility requirements for U.S. federal government agencies and has implications for their vendors. To achieve Section 508 compliance, federal agencies must create, buy, and use accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT)—such as websites, software, internal tools, and electronic documents.
Because the law extends to third-party technology, businesses that sell digital products to the federal government must prove these products meet Section 508 standards or put new deals and existing contracts at risk. In practice, that means obtaining a completed Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) that can be shared with current and potential clients.
Section 508 compliance isn’t just key to mitigating legal issues (for federal agencies) and maximizing business opportunities (for vendors). By adhering to the law, organizations help ensure that all people, regardless of disability, can access U.S. federal government services.
Risks of non-compliance with Section 508
Federal agencies can be sued for not meeting Section 508 requirements. In fact, several have, including the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Social Security Administration.
For this reason, federal agencies must validate all ICT they purchase is Section 508 compliant, which in turn impacts vendors and outside organizations. In the private sector, neglecting to meet Section 508 standards may put your existing contracts at risk and mean missing out on new business opportunities.
To learn more about these risks, and how to avoid them, download our Complete Guide to Section 508 Compliance.
Section 508 requirements for digital accessibility
In 2018, a refresh of Section 508 adopted the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the standard for ICT accessibility. WCAG is a set of technical guidelines that, when followed, make digital content accessible for individuals with disabilities. At a high level, WCAG standards suggest a site should be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for every user of every ability.
How to achieve Section 508 compliance
The best way to meet the Section 508 requirements is to work with a third-party expert. The right partner will evaluate your current state of ICT accessibility, help you swiftly prioritize and resolve any issues identified, and implement continuous monitoring for lasting compliance.
Level Access’s team of experts thoroughly understand Section 508 compliance obligations and WCAG standards. Our holistic approach to accessibility combines advanced technology with manual testing, training, and legal expertise to ensure you achieve, and maintain, Section 508 compliance.
We offer the only digital accessibility solution authorized by the federal government’s Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), streamlining procurement and onboarding for federal agencies. And if you’re a government vendor, we’ll equip you with a VPAT so you can sell your product with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
What is Section 508 compliance?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act is a federal accessibility law that requires federal agencies to make their information and communication technology (ICT) accessible to individuals with disabilities. ICT includes software and websites, electronic documents (such as PDFs), multimedia content, phones, call centers, and any other digital assets or technology. Specifically, Section 508 evaluates web accessibility according to the success criteria of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA. That means that, to be compliant with Section 508, federal agencies, organizations receiving federal funding, and those doing business with federal agencies, must make sure their ICT conforms with WCAG 2.0 AA.
Does Section 508 apply to state agencies?
While Section 508 is a federal law, there may be implications for employees and agencies at the state level. Consult the Section 508 website to learn more about implications for state agencies and whether your state has enacted its own ICT accessibility laws.
Does Section 508 apply to the private sector?
Private sector organizations contracting with federal agencies are also required to comply with Section 508, ensuring any ICT they provide a federal agency is accessible.
What is Section 508 compliance testing?
Section 508 compliance testing is the process of checking information and communication technology (ICT) to ensure it meets accessibility requirements. ICT refers to your entire digital presence—including your website, internal digital communications, purchased apps and other technology, and even digital documents. Section 508 defines web accessibility as conforming to the success criteria outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA. Therefore, to comply with Section 508, ICT should conform with WCAG.
What is the difference between ADA and Section 508?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act is a U.S. federal law that mandates that federal agencies create and use information and communications technology (ICT) that is accessible to people with disabilities, including those using assistive technology. Section 508 applies to federal agencies and departments, ensuring all people with disabilities can use federal agency resources. It also applies to any vendors selling ICT to a federal agency.
The ADA is an anti-discrimination law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in physical spaces. While the specific language of the ADA does not mention digital accessibility compliance, recent U.S. court rulings and legal precedent make it clear the ADA applies to the digital world as well as the physical one.
While ADA compliance and Section 508 accessibility standards have some overlap, they’re best used in tandem as guidelines for digital accessibility. Together, the ADA and Section 508 help ensure that no business or agency, whether in the public or private sector, excludes individuals with disabilities from access to online content. Learn more about the difference between the ADA and Section 508.