Section 508 is a U.S. federal law requiring government agencies and their contractors to make information and communication technology accessible to people with disabilities. It aligns with WCAG 2.0 standards and applies to websites, software, documents, and other digital content procured or developed with federal funding.
Section 508
Key facts about Section 508
- Full name: Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Purpose: Require U.S. federal agencies to make information and communication technology accessible to people with disabilities
- Applies to: Federal agencies, contractors, and organizations receiving federal funding
- Scope: Websites, software, electronic documents, operating systems, and telecommunications products
- Accessibility standard: Aligns with WCAG 2.0 Level AA
- Standards body: U.S. Access Board sets and maintains Section 508 requirements
- Enforcement: Non-compliance can result in legal action, lawsuits, and federal penalties
What is Section 508?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a U.S. federal law that requires federal agencies to ensure their information and communication technology (ICT) is accessible to people with disabilities.
The law applies when federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use ICT. It ensures that both federal employees with disabilities and members of the public have comparable access to digital information and services.
Section 508 standards are set by the U.S. Access Board and currently align with WCAG 2.0 Level AA as the technical benchmark for web and digital content accessibility.
Who must comply with Section 508?
Section 508 applies to:
- All U.S. federal agencies
- Contractors and vendors supplying ICT to federal agencies
- Organizations receiving federal funding when developing or procuring ICT
Private sector organizations not engaged with federal agencies are not directly subject to Section 508, though they may be subject to related laws such as the ADA.
What does Section 508 cover?
Section 508 applies to a broad range of ICT, including:
- Federal websites and web-based applications
- Intranet systems and internal digital tools
- Software and operating systems
- Electronic documents such as PDFs, Word files, and spreadsheets
- Telecommunications products
- Multimedia content, including video and audio
Section 508 and WCAG
Section 508 standards reference WCAG 2.0 as the technical standard for web content. WCAG defines how digital content should be made perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users with disabilities.
Organizations that meet WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA will generally exceed Section 508 requirements for web content.
Common Section 508 accessibility requirements
- Visual impairments: Screen reader compatibility, screen magnification support, and high-contrast text options
- Hearing impairments: Captions and transcripts for all multimedia content
- Motor impairments: Full keyboard operability and compatibility with voice input and assistive devices
- Cognitive impairments: Clear, simple content structure and accessible fonts
Proving Section 508 compliance
Contractors and vendors commonly demonstrate Section 508 compliance through a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). A VPAT documents how a product or service meets each Section 508 requirement and is often required as part of federal procurement processes.
Exceptions to Section 508
Compliance exceptions may apply in limited circumstances, such as when meeting the requirement would impose an undue burden. However, even where an exception applies, agencies must still provide alternative means of access to the information or functionality.
Section 508 and accessibility solutions
Organizations subject to Section 508 implement accessibility as part of broader compliance programs. Dedicated tools and platforms can help organizations:
- Conduct structured accessibility testing and audits against WCAG and Section 508 criteria
- Support users with disabilities through an accessibility widget
- Publish a compliant accessibility statement
- Manage accessibility issue reporting
For more information on how Clym supports accessibility compliance, see our accessibility solutions.
Related compliance terms
Commonly asked questions
Section 508 is a U.S. federal law requiring federal agencies and their contractors to make information and communication technology accessible to people with disabilities.
Section 508 applies specifically to federal agencies and entities receiving federal funding. The ADA applies more broadly to employers, public accommodations, and commercial entities. Both laws aim to ensure equal access for people with disabilities, and both reference WCAG as the technical standard for digital content.
Section 508 standards align with WCAG 2.0 Level AA. Many organizations also follow WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 as best practice.
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is a document used by contractors and vendors to demonstrate how their product or service meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. It is commonly required in federal procurement.
Non-compliance can result in legal complaints, lawsuits, and federal penalties. Individuals who are denied accessible access to federal ICT may file complaints with the relevant agency or pursue legal action.
Section 508 directly applies to federal agencies and their contractors. Private companies not engaged with the federal government are not subject to Section 508, but may be covered by the ADA or other accessibility laws.
Adam is the Head of Digital Marketing at Clym, where he leverages his diverse expertise in marketing to support businesses with their compliance needs and drive awareness about data privacy and web accessibility. As one of the company’s original team members, Adam has been instrumental in shaping its journey from the very beginning. When he’s not diving into marketing strategies, Adam can be found cheering on his favorite sports teams or enjoying fishing.
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