While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets broad civil rights protections for accessibility in the US, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 has a more specific and targeted focus: the U.S. federal government.
Section 508 mandates that all Information and Communication Technology (ICT) developed, procured, maintained, or used by federal agencies must be accessible to people with disabilities, including both federal employees and the general public. It is the primary law governing digital accessibility within the federal government itself.
Who Must Comply with Section 508?
The mandate of Section 508 is precise. It applies directly to :
- All U.S. Federal Agencies: Every department and agency within the executive branch of the federal government must ensure its ICT is accessible.
- Vendors and Contractors: Any private company or organization that sells ICT products or services to a federal agency must also ensure their offerings are Section 508 compliant.
This second point is critical for the private sector. If your business provides software, web development, or any other digital product to the federal government, non-compliance with Section 508 can lead to lost contracts and significant business risk.
What Technology Does Section 508 Cover?
The term "ICT" is broad and covers virtually all forms of electronic and information technology. This includes, but is not limited to :
- Websites (both internet and intranet)
- Software and operating systems
- Electronic documents such as PDFs and presentations
- Video and multimedia content
- Telecommunication products
- Hardware like computers and self-service kiosks
The Technical Standard: WCAG 2.0 AA
Similar to other major accessibility laws, Section 508 points to a specific technical standard. To be compliant, ICT must conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA.
This means that while the audience of Section 508 is narrower than the ADA's, the technical requirements for web content are well-defined and align with global best practices. Key principles like ensuring content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust are central to compliance.
Section 508 vs. ADA Title III: What’s the Difference?
This is a common point of confusion. The key differences are :
- Audience: Section 508 applies to federal agencies and their vendors. The ADA applies to public accommodations (most private businesses) and state/local governments.
- Scope: Section 508 is focused entirely on ICT. The ADA is a much broader civil rights law that covers physical spaces, employment, and transportation in addition to digital accessibility.
- Enforcement: Section 508 violations are typically handled through federal procurement regulations and can lead to lawsuits or formal complaints filed against federal agencies. ADA violations are often addressed through private lawsuits and DOJ enforcement actions.
Why Section 508 Matters to Your Business
Even if you don't work directly with the federal government, Section 508 is an influential standard that underscores the importance of accessibility. For vendors, it is a gateway to one of the largest markets in the world. Proving compliance, often through a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®), is a standard part of the federal procurement process.
At Wawsome, we provide the tools and expertise to help you navigate the technical requirements of Section 508. Our platform helps ensure your digital products and services meet the WCAG 2.0 AA standards necessary for compliance, enabling you to work confidently with federal partners.