Section 508 Compliance: Digital Accessibility for Federal Agencies

What is Section 508?

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires all U.S. federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring equal access and usability for everyone.

Official resource: Section508.gov

Why is Section 508 Compliance Important?

Compliance ensures accessibility and inclusivity, reduces legal risks, fosters transparency, and ensures all citizens can engage effectively with federal resources and services.

Detailed explanation: U.S. Access Board ICT Accessibility Standards

Who Must Comply with Section 508?

• All U.S. federal government agencies
• Contractors and vendors serving federal agencies
• Organizations receiving federal funding
• Providers of technology products or services to federal agencies

Key Requirements of Section 508

• Text Alternatives: Include descriptive alt-text for all non-text content.
• Keyboard Navigation: Ensure all functionalities are accessible without a mouse.
• Captions and Audio Descriptions: Multimedia content must have captions and transcripts.
• Accessible Forms: Ensure compatibility with assistive technologies.
• Document Accessibility: Electronic documents must comply with accessibility standards.

Full criteria: Section 508 Laws and Policies

Legal Risks of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance can result in litigation, financial penalties, loss of contracts, and significant damage to public reputation. Regular compliance protects organizations and supports inclusivity.

Reference: U.S. Department of Justice 508 Guidelines

How Our Platform Supports Section 508 Compliance

Our automated tools provide ongoing compliance checks, accessibility remediation, enhanced keyboard navigation, automated captions, and dynamic alt-text generation, ensuring comprehensive Section 508 adherence.

Best Practices for Continuous Section 508 Compliance

• Conduct regular accessibility audits and testing.
• Implement accessibility checks throughout development processes.
• Provide consistent staff training on Section 508 standards.
• Collect and act on feedback from assistive technology users.