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1-786-885-5165The U.S. federal standard for accessibility in all government and federally funded digital technology.
Section 508 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a U.S. federal law requiring government agencies and organizations that receive federal funding to make their electronic and information technology (EIT/ICT) accessible to people with disabilities.
In simple terms - any federal website, software, or digital document must be usable by everyone, including individuals who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers, voice input, or keyboard navigation.
Section 508 applies primarily to:
Even private companies that sell software, apps, or web platforms to government agencies must demonstrate compliance through a VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template).
The goal of Section 508 is to eliminate digital barriers that prevent equal access to:
Government websites and online services, internal systems, and communication tools.
Training materials, documents, applications, electronic forms, PDFs, and videos.
By making technology accessible, Section 508 ensures equal participation for employees, citizens, veterans, and the public - regardless of disability.
Section 508 and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) share the same accessibility principles, but apply to different entities:
| Law | Covers | Standard Used |
|---|---|---|
| ADA | Private businesses and public accommodations | WCAG 2.1 A/AA (interpreted under Title III) |
| Section 508 | Federal agencies, contractors, and federally funded projects | WCAG 2.0 A/AA (as referenced by 2018 Refresh) |
The 2018 Section 508 Refresh aligned its standards with WCAG 2.0 A/AA, creating consistency between federal and private accessibility expectations. Today, most organizations voluntarily adopt WCAG 2.1 to future-proof compliance.
In January 2018, the U.S. Access Board published the Section 508 Refresh - a major update that:
This update marked a shift from checklist-style compliance to usability-based accessibility, focusing on real user experience.
Organizations that fail to meet Section 508 standards can face:
In short, non-compliance can block federal business opportunities and damage credibility - especially for IT vendors and SaaS companies.
👉 Learn more about creating a VPAT and Government Accessibility Requirements.
To ensure compliance and maintain eligibility for federal contracts, follow these steps:
Compliance ensures your organization’s technology can be used by everyone - including people with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor disabilities.
Beyond legality, Section 508 compliance enhances:
Accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement - it’s a sign of technical quality and inclusivity.
👉 Learn how to meet federal accessibility requirements with our specialized solutions.
This page explains Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, a U.S. federal law requiring accessibility for all electronic and information technology (EIT) used by government agencies and their vendors. It details that Section 508 standards are aligned with WCAG 2.0 A/AA and emphasizes the need for a VPAT to secure federal contracts. Compliance avoids funding loss and OCR investigations, improving procurement eligibility and reputation.
Learn how Section 508 applies specifically to your sector.
Ensure your product is compliant and eligible for government contracts by verifying adherence to Section 508 standards.
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