What Is Section 508?
If you sell software or web services to a federal agency, accessibility is part of the purchase. Section 508 is why. This is general information, not legal advice.
Quick Answer
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to make electronic and information technology accessible. It “applies to all federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology.” The Revised 508 Standards, in effect since January 18, 2018, require electronic content to conform to WCAG 2.0 Level A and Level AA. Section 508 binds agencies; vendors meet it through what agencies buy.
What the standard requires
The U.S. Access Board issued the refreshed standards as a final rule on January 18, 2017, and they took effect on January 18, 2018. Provision E205.4 reads: “Electronic content shall conform to Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements in WCAG 2.0.” Software user interfaces have a parallel provision. The full text is on the Access Board ICT standards page.
WCAG 2.0 is the oldest version still referenced in US law. The ADA Title II web rule for state and local governments names WCAG 2.1 AA instead, so an organization serving both audiences usually builds to the newer version. Section 508 vs ADA vs WCAG lays the three side by side.
Section 508 is not the ADA
How it reaches vendors
Section 508 itself applies to agencies. It reaches contractors through procurement: the Federal Acquisition Regulation requires agencies to assess whether technology meets the standards and to include them in requirements documents (for example FAR 39.203). The Section508.gov laws and policies page lists the relevant provisions.
In practice, buyers ask vendors to document conformance, commonly with a completed VPAT. A vendor that cannot show how its product meets the WCAG 2.0 A and AA criteria is at a disadvantage in a federal bid.
Frequently Asked Questions
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