Section 508

Section 508 is an amendment to the United States Rehabilitation Act of 1973
that requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information
technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. It applies to federal
agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information
technology, and covers both employees with disabilities and members of the
public seeking access to federal information.
^[1]

---

The 2017 refresh

Section 508 was significantly updated in January 2017 in what is commonly
referred to as the Section 508 Refresh. The refresh aligned Section 508
requirements with WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA, replacing the older 508 standards
that had been in place since 2000. It also incorporated requirements for
software, operating systems, and support documentation.
^[2]

Key changes in the 2017 refresh:

• WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA adopted as the technical standard for web content
• Harmonised with international standards including EN 301 549
• Functional performance criteria updated to reflect modern assistive technology
• New requirements for authoring tools and support documentation

---

What it covers

Section 508 applies to a broad range of electronic and information technology:

• Websites and web applications
• Software applications and operating systems
• Hardware (computers, printers, kiosks)
• Video and multimedia products
• Telecommunications products
• Self-contained closed products
• Desktop and portable computers
• Support documentation and services

^[1]

---

Who must comply

Section 508 applies directly to US federal agencies. This includes all
executive branch departments and agencies, Congress, and the federal courts
when they develop or procure technology. It does not directly apply to
private sector companies, state governments, or non-profits — however:

• Companies contracting with the federal government must ensure their
  products meet Section 508 requirements
• State and local governments may be subject to similar requirements under
  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• Many private sector organisations voluntarily adopt Section 508 as a
  benchmark

^[3]

---

Relationship to WCAG

The 2017 refresh incorporated WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA by reference, meaning
that meeting WCAG 2.0 AA satisfies the web content requirements of Section 508.
The US Access Board has indicated it will continue to align Section 508 with
future WCAG versions as they are published.

Tools such as a11ytest.ai can scan against Section 508 alongside WCAG 2.1
and 2.2, allowing development teams to verify compliance in a single pass
rather than running separate audits.
^[2]

---

Enforcement

The US Access Board publishes and maintains the Section 508 standards.
Enforcement is primarily through:

• Agency self-monitoring and accessibility programmes
• Complaints filed with individual agencies or with the Department of Justice
• Federal litigation under the Rehabilitation Act
• GSA monitoring of federal agency websites

---

References

1. United States Access Board. Section 508 Standards. https://www.access-board.gov/ict/ ↑
2. Section508.gov. About Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. https://www.section508.gov/about-us/ ↑
3. W3C Web Accessibility Initiative. US Laws and Policies. https://www.w3.org/WAI/policies/united-states/ ↑