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.
