Section 508 Compliance for Web Accessibility
What is Section 508?
Section 508 is part of the United States Rehabilitation Act of 1973 dealing specifically with accessibility. Congress amended that law in 1998 to require that all Federal agencies in the U.S. ensure their electronic and information technology (EIT), also referred to as information and communication technology (ICT), is accessible to all people with disabilities, including disabled employees and public members.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act specifies technical accessibility standards based on WCAG 2.0, Level AA. They define criteria for ensuring EIT to be accessible to people with disabilities.
While Section 508 was created for government departments, the regulations can also apply to any organization that uses Federal funding.
What Happens If a Website Isn’t 508 Compliant?
Non-compliance with the standards and requirements included in Section 508 is a legal violation. The U.S. Federal agencies and associated organizations that fail to comply are subject to penalties, fines, and lawsuits.
Section 508 was updated in 2017 to include the concept of Functional Performance Criteria (FPC) as a broader view to achieving accessibility. FPC focuses on the desired functional outcome of an ICT rather than specifying individualtechnical requirements. This amendment makes it easier to achieve compliance as it includes technology tools and enhancements into the future.
What Is the Difference Between ADA Compliance and Section 508 Compliance?
Two laws cover accessibility in the United States. While there is overlap, the difference between the ADA and Section 508 is who they apply to. The ADA laws and regulations cover private businesses and certain government entities. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act applies to all government departments and organizations funded by Federal agencies. This means that between the two, almost every U.S. public-use website will fall under accessibility compliance guidelines.