During the 1970s, lawmakers in the United States began recognizing the importance of protecting the rights of people with disabilities. Their efforts paved the way for landmark legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
As technology continued to evolve, it became clear that existing regulations needed to keep pace with the growing digital landscape. To help ensure that individuals with disabilities could access online information and services on equal terms, Section 508 was added to the Rehabilitation Act in 1998.
In this article, we will explore what Section 508 is, who it applies to, the key requirements organizations must meet, and the steps businesses can take to achieve and maintain compliance.
What Is Section 508 Accessibility Compliance?
Section 508 is an update to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the first federal law in the United States designed to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination.
To keep pace with the growing role of technology in everyday life, Congress introduced Section 508 to ensure that digital content and information and communication technology (ICT) are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This includes websites, operating systems, emails, digital documents, and other online resources. The accessibility requirements outlined in Section 508 are based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which are widely recognized as the global standard for digital accessibility.
Section 508 covers a broad range of electronic communications and digital resources, including:
- All pages on publicly accessible websites
- Online forms and surveys
- Telecommunications systems
- Internal and external email communications
- Software programmes and applications, including mobile apps
- Online learning and training materials
- Job application portals and recruitment pages
- Digital documents such as PDFs, Word files, and presentations
By following these requirements, organizations can help ensure that their digital content is accessible and usable for all individuals, regardless of ability.
Importance of Section 508
Ensuring accessibility is not only a legal requirement for many organizations but also an important part of creating an inclusive experience for all users. While complying with WCAG helps meet accessibility standards, it also offers a range of broader business benefits.
Websites that are designed with accessibility in mind tend to be easier for everyone to use. A smoother user experience can lead to higher levels of engagement, increased customer satisfaction, and stronger recommendations through word of mouth.
Many accessibility best practices also support search engine optimization (SEO). Features such as clear page structures, descriptive headings, and alternative text for images can improve both accessibility and search visibility.
Focusing on accessibility can also strengthen relationships with customers and employees. When people can easily access information, services, and digital tools, they are more likely to remain engaged and loyal to an organization.
From a technical perspective, accessible websites often rely on cleaner code and well-structured content. This can make future updates, maintenance, and development more efficient, potentially reducing long-term costs.
On the other hand, poor accessibility can create barriers for users, leading to frustration, reduced engagement, and lost business opportunities. It may also encourage potential customers to choose competitors that offer a more accessible experience. In some cases, failing to address accessibility issues can expose organizations to legal and reputational risks. Ultimately, accessibility is about creating digital experiences that work for everyone while also supporting long-term business growth and success.
Who Must Comply With Section 508?
Section 508 compliance is required for any organization that develops, purchases, manages, or uses information and communication technology (ICT) on behalf of the U.S. federal government. This includes federal agencies, as well as the contractors, suppliers, and service providers that work with them to deliver digital products, services, or experiences.The requirements also apply to many organizations that receive federal funding. This can include state and local government bodies, schools and universities, non-profit organizations, and other entities that are responsible for providing accessible digital content and services.
In practical terms, if your organization creates, supplies, or supports technology that is used by federal agencies, Section 508 is likely to apply. Ensuring that websites, software, documents, and other digital resources meet accessibility standards is an important part of fulfilling these obligations.
Whether you work directly with a federal agency or provide services through a procurement process, it is essential to understand Section 508 requirements and take the necessary steps to achieve compliance.
Section 508 Refresh Act
In July 2024, a group of Democratic senators introduced the Section 508 Refresh Act, a proposed piece of legislation aimed at updating federal digital accessibility requirements. The bill sought to strengthen the existing framework by improving the complaint process, requiring federal agencies to involve people with disabilities in technology testing and purchasing decisions, and appointing dedicated Section 508 compliance officers within each agency. It also proposed creating consistent accountability measures for accessible technology procurement and directing the U.S. Access Board to revise the technical standards that support Section 508 compliance.
Although the bill did not progress before the 118th Congress concluded in January 2025, it highlights the federal government's increasing focus on digital accessibility. It also reflects a broader understanding that the current standards, which were last updated in 2017 to align with WCAG 2.0, may no longer fully address today's technological landscape.
For organizations that fall under Section 508 requirements, it is worth keeping an eye on future developments, including the possible reintroduction of the bill. In the meantime, aligning digital content and technology with WCAG 2.2 can help organizations stay ahead of evolving accessibility expectations and prepare for potential future updates to federal standards.
What Are The Differences Between ADA and Section 508 Compliance?
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is one of the earliest pieces of disability rights legislation in the United States. Over time, updates to Section 508 expanded its scope, requiring federal agencies and organizations that receive federal funding to ensure their technology and digital resources are accessible to people with disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), introduced later, takes a broader approach to accessibility. It prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities across a wide range of public and private settings, including businesses, government organizations, and other entities that serve the public.
While both laws aim to promote equal access and inclusion, they apply to different types of organizations and have distinct requirements.
Section 508
Section 508 primarily applies to federal agencies and organizations that receive federal funding. This includes government-supported institutions such as universities, museums, and healthcare providers that participate in Medicare or Medicaid programmes, as well as various federally funded initiatives.
The requirements also extend to contractors, suppliers, and service providers that create or manage digital products, services, or content for these organizations. As a result, websites, software, online platforms, and digital documents associated with federally funded entities must meet accessibility standards.
For businesses seeking government grants or hoping to work with federal agencies, understanding and complying with Section 508 requirements can be an important part of securing those opportunities.
ADA
The ADA has a much broader reach and applies throughout the private sector. Businesses and public-facing organizations, including restaurants, hotels, theatres, medical practices, pharmacies, retail shops, libraries, museums, parks, and childcare facilities, are all expected to provide accessible experiences for people with disabilities.
Under the ADA, organizations must make reasonable accommodations for both employees and customers. The goal is to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access services, participate in activities, and benefit from opportunities on an equal basis with everyone else.
As technology has become an essential part of everyday life, courts have increasingly recognized that accessibility obligations extend beyond physical locations. Websites, mobile applications, and online services are now widely viewed as part of the customer experience and should be accessible to users with disabilities. Numerous legal cases and enforcement actions over the years have reinforced this expectation, making digital accessibility an important consideration for organizations of all sizes.
In practice, this means that when accessible solutions are available and can reasonably be implemented, organizations are expected to take steps to ensure their digital content and services can be used by everyone.
Section 508 vs WCAG Compliance
Although Section 508 and WCAG are closely connected, they are not the same thing. Section 508 is a U.S. federal accessibility regulation that applies primarily to government agencies and organizations that work with or receive funding from the federal government. WCAG, on the other hand, is an internationally recognized set of accessibility guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
In practice, Section 508 relies on WCAG as its technical standard, meaning organizations can often achieve Section 508 compliance by meeting the relevant WCAG requirements. While WCAG provides the framework for creating accessible digital content, Section 508 establishes the legal obligations for certain organizations to follow those standards.
What is a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)?
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a document that outlines how well a product meets established accessibility requirements, including those defined under Section 508. It provides a detailed overview of a product’s accessibility features and helps organizations evaluate whether the technology is suitable for users with disabilities.
VPATs play an important role in federal procurement processes, as government agencies often use them to assess accessibility compliance before purchasing software, hardware, or other technology solutions.
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) encourages vendors to create and maintain a VPAT for any technology product or service intended for use by federal agencies, government employees, or organizations connected to the federal sector. Having a VPAT available can help streamline procurement reviews and demonstrate a commitment to accessibility and inclusive design.
Section 508 Compliance Requirements
To comply with Section 508, information and communication technology (ICT) must meet the requirements of WCAG 2.0 Level AA. These standards apply to websites, software, digital documents, and other online content, helping ensure that people with disabilities can access and use digital resources effectively.
The requirements cover a wide range of accessibility features, including keyboard navigation, alternative text for images, captions and transcripts for multimedia content, adequate colour contrast, and compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies. For physical devices and non-digital ICT, Section 508 also includes additional accessibility requirements related to hardware design and usability.
These accessibility standards are based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which serve as the technical framework for Section 508 compliance.
The Relationship Between Section 508 And WCAG
WCAG is the internationally recognized standard for digital accessibility, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It provides detailed guidance on how to make websites, applications, and digital content accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities.
Section 508 adopts WCAG 2.0 Level AA as its benchmark for digital accessibility. As a result, organizations that need to comply with Section 508 typically use WCAG as their roadmap for meeting accessibility requirements.
WCAG is built around four core principles. Digital content should be:
- Perceivable – Information and user interface elements must be presented in ways that users can recognise and access.
- Operable – Navigation and functionality should be usable through different methods, including keyboard-only controls.
- Understandable – Content and interactions should be clear, predictable, and easy to comprehend.
- Robust – Content should work reliably with a variety of browsers, devices, and assistive technologies.
These principles, often referred to as the POUR framework, form the foundation of accessible digital experiences. WCAG also organizes its requirements into three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. For Section 508 compliance, organizations are required to meet the Level AA standard.
Risks of Non-Compliance with Section 508
Federal agencies can face legal challenges if they fail to meet Section 508 accessibility requirements. Over the years, several government organizations, including the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Social Security Administration, have been the subject of accessibility-related complaints and legal action.
As a result, federal agencies are expected to carefully evaluate the information and communication technology (ICT) they purchase to ensure it complies with Section 508 standards. This requirement also affects vendors, contractors, and third-party service providers that supply products or services to government organizations.
For businesses operating in the private sector, failing to meet Section 508 accessibility expectations can have significant consequences. Non-compliant products may reduce the chances of securing government contracts, create challenges when renewing existing agreements, and limit opportunities to work with federally funded organizations.
By prioritising accessibility and compliance, organizations can strengthen their position in the public sector marketplace while demonstrating a commitment to creating inclusive digital experiences for all users.
How to Achieve Section 508 Compliance
Achieving and maintaining Section 508 compliance can be a complex process, which is why many organizations choose to work with an experienced accessibility partner. A qualified accessibility provider can assess your current digital environment, identify areas that need improvement, help prioritize remediation efforts, and establish ongoing monitoring processes to support long-term compliance.
At Webmax, our accessibility specialists have extensive experience with both Section 508 requirements and WCAG standards. We take a comprehensive approach that combines advanced accessibility technology, expert manual testing, staff training, and regulatory guidance to help organizations build and maintain accessible digital experiences.
Our solutions are designed to simplify the path to compliance while supporting the needs of both public and private sector organizations. For businesses that provide products or services to government agencies, we can also assist with accessibility documentation, including VPAT preparation, helping demonstrate compliance and support procurement requirements.
By partnering with accessibility experts, organizations can reduce compliance risks, improve user experiences, and create more inclusive digital environments for everyone.