Skip to Content

Blog > Section 508 Compliance: What You Need to Know

Section 508 Compliance: What You Need to Know

Michael Beck. - 24/02/2025

If you’ve heard the term “Section 508” but aren’t quite sure what it means for your organization, you’re not alone. Many businesses, federal agencies, and contractors struggle to navigate accessibility laws—especially when it comes to digital content.

So, let’s break it down. What is Section 508? Who does it apply to? And, most importantly, how can you ensure compliance while improving digital accessibility for all users?

What Is Section 508?

Section 508 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. The law was significantly updated in 2017 with the “508 Refresh,” aligning its requirements with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level A and AA.

In practical terms, Section 508 applies to any technology used by federal agencies, including websites, software, multimedia, and electronic documents. It also applies to contractors and vendors doing business with the federal government.

Who Needs to Be Compliant?

If you are a federal agency, compliance isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. But Section 508 also applies to organizations that:

  • Provide digital products or services to federal agencies
  • Receive federal funding (such as higher education institutions with government grants)
  • Develop software, websites, or other digital tools for government use

Even if you aren’t legally required to comply, adopting Section 508 standards is a best practice. Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring all users, including those with disabilities, can access and interact with digital content.

Key Requirements of Section 508

The 508 Refresh brought much-needed clarity by aligning requirements with WCAG 2.0. Here are some core areas covered:

1. Perceivable Content

  • Text alternatives for non-text content (e.g., alt text for images)
  • Captions and transcripts for multimedia content
  • Sufficient contrast between text and background colors

2. Operable Interfaces

  • Keyboard accessibility for all functionalities (no mouse required)
  • Sufficient time to read and use content
  • No content that causes seizures (flashing elements must be limited)

3. Understandable Navigation

  • Clear and predictable navigation
  • Input assistance (error identification and suggestions for correction)
  • Readable text with a logical structure

4. Robust Compatibility

  • Ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers
  • Proper use of HTML and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications)

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with Section 508 can have serious consequences, including:

  • Legal Risks: Complaints can be filed with the U.S. Access Board or the Department of Justice, potentially leading to lawsuits.
  • Loss of Federal Contracts: Vendors that fail to meet 508 requirements may be disqualified from government contracts.
  • Reputation Damage: Organizations seen as inaccessible can face public scrutiny and negative press.

How to Achieve Section 508 Compliance

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit

Start with a thorough assessment of your digital assets, including websites, applications, and documents. Automated tools like axe or WAVE can help identify issues, but manual testing with assistive technologies (such as screen readers) is crucial.

2. Remediate Issues Based on WCAG Guidelines

Since Section 508 is based on WCAG 2.0 AA, ensuring compliance means meeting those guidelines. Some common fixes include:

  • Adding accurate alt text to images
  • Ensuring keyboard navigability
  • Fixing color contrast issues
  • Providing transcripts and captions for videos

3. Implement Accessibility Policies and Training

Embedding accessibility into your organization’s culture is essential. Provide training for developers, designers, and content creators to ensure accessibility is a priority from the start.

4. Test with Real Users

Nothing beats usability testing with people who rely on assistive technology. Partnering with users with disabilities can help identify accessibility barriers that automated testing may miss.

5. Maintain Accessibility Over Time

Accessibility isn’t a one-time fix. Websites, apps, and documents evolve, so ongoing monitoring and testing are necessary to ensure continued compliance.

Beyond Compliance: The Business Case for Accessibility

While Section 508 is a legal requirement for certain organizations, accessibility benefits everyone. Here’s why prioritizing accessibility makes good business sense:

  • Expands Your Audience: Nearly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has a disability. An accessible website means reaching a broader market.
  • Improves User Experience: Accessibility best practices—like clear navigation and readable text—enhance usability for all users.
  • Boosts SEO: Many accessibility improvements, such as proper heading structure and alternative text, also help with search engine optimization (SEO).
  • Reduces Legal Risks: Proactively addressing accessibility helps mitigate the risk of lawsuits and compliance violations.

Final Thoughts

Section 508 compliance is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s an opportunity to create a more inclusive digital experience. By aligning with WCAG standards, conducting regular audits, and fostering an accessibility-first mindset, organizations can ensure their digital content is usable by everyone.

Need help navigating Section 508 compliance? Our team specializes in accessibility audits, remediation, training, and strategic consulting. Let’s make the digital world more inclusive—one website, app, and document at a time.

Related Blog Posts

Accessibility Icon overlaid on a pile of money.
The Business Case for Accessibility: Why Inclusive Design is a Smart Investment

When businesses think about accessibility, they often frame it as a compliance issue—something they have to do to avoid legal trouble. While compliance with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 508, and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is essential, accessibility isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits. It’s about unlocking market potential, enhancing brand […]

Michael Beck - 08/05/2025

Stylized computer screen showing a PDF. A magnifying glass highlights use of the , , and tag
Creating Accessible PDFs: A Guide to Inclusive Documents

PDFs are everywhere—business reports, government forms, educational materials, and even restaurant menus. But while PDFs are convenient for sharing information, they can be a nightmare for accessibility if not properly formatted. For people who use screen readers, magnifiers, or other assistive technologies, a poorly structured PDF can be completely unusable. Ensuring your PDFs are accessible […]

Michael Beck - 05/05/2025

Flat vector illustration of three characters surrounding an oversized mobile device. The device's screen shows the accessibility man icon along with icons for facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Accessible Social Media: Tips for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Social media has become a central part of our daily lives. It’s where we connect, share stories, and engage with brands. But for millions of people with disabilities, social media can be frustratingly inaccessible. Imagine trying to read a post that contains an image—but there’s no description. Or watching a video without captions. Or struggling […]

Michael Beck - 01/05/2025

Cartoon shark wearing sunglasses and earbuds using a desktop computer.
Screen Reader Compatibility: Ensuring Your Site Works for All Users

When was the last time you navigated a website without using your eyes? For millions of people who are blind, have low vision, or experience other disabilities, screen readers provide access to digital content by converting text into speech or braille. Ensuring that your website is fully compatible with screen readers isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s […]

Michael Beck - 01/05/2025

Closeup of a keyboard. The Enter key now says "Navigation"
Keyboard Navigation: Ensuring Usability Without a Mouse

When designing and building digital experiences, one fundamental principle of accessibility often goes overlooked: not everyone uses—or can use—a mouse. For users who rely solely on their keyboard, whether due to physical disabilities, temporary impairments, or personal preference, your website or application must be operable using just a keyboard. But creating robust keyboard navigation isn’t […]

Michael Beck - 30/04/2025