Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires U.S. federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities
"Section 508 requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, Federal employees with disabilities have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities."
— U.S. Access Board, Section 508 Standards
All federal departments and agencies must ensure their ICT is accessible
Organizations doing business with the federal government
Organizations receiving federal financial assistance
While Section 508 specifically applies to federal entities, many private companies adopt these standards to ensure broader accessibility and reduce legal risk. State and local governments often have similar requirements.
Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability
Requires federal electronic and information technology to be accessible
Access Board publishes first Section 508 standards
Updated to align with WCAG 2.0 Level AA international standards
| Aspect | Section 508 | ADA | WCAG 2.1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal agencies & contractors | Places of public accommodation | International web standard |
| Legal Status | Federal law (U.S.) | Civil rights law (U.S.) | Technical standard |
| Technical Standard | WCAG 2.0 Level AA | No specific technical standard | Three levels: A, AA, AAA |
| Enforcement | Federal oversight & complaints | DOJ & private lawsuits | Varies by jurisdiction |
WebAbility's automated solution ensures your federal website or application meets all Section 508 requirements without the complexity