Definition

Section 508 is a United States federal law that mandates that all electronic and information technology (EI&T) developed, procured, maintained, or used by federal agencies must be accessible to people with disabilities. It is an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, aiming to ensure that federal employees and members of the public with disabilities have comparable access to and use of information and data.

Explanation

The advent of assistive technologies like hearing aids, adaptive switches, and screen readers has undeniably been a profound blessing for individuals with disabilities, breaking down many physical barriers. In a similar vein, the rapid growth of information technology should serve to empower and enable people with disabilities to access and interact with digital information more effectively. This is precisely the overarching objective of Section 508. Its fundamental aim is to ensure that digital information and services provided by the U.S. federal government are universally available to individuals with disabilities.

Here are the core goals that Section 508 strives to achieve:

• To Remove Barriers in Information Technology: Section 508 seeks to eliminate obstacles that prevent individuals with disabilities from accessing or using electronic and information technology. This includes everything from websites and software to telecommunication products and multimedia.
• To Provide New Opportunities for People with Disabilities: By mandating accessibility, Section 508 creates new avenues for employment within federal agencies for individuals with disabilities, and it expands their ability to access government services and information.
• To Encourage the Development of Technologies to Achieve These Goals: The law provides an incentive for technology developers and vendors to create products and services that are inherently accessible, fostering innovation in inclusive design.

So, what types of documents and digital content fall under the purview of Section 508? Essentially, any digital content created, disseminated, or maintained by a U.S. federal agency must comply. This broadly includes:

• Websites and Intranets: All web-based information and applications.
• Electronic Documents: Such as PDFs, Microsoft Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Computer Software and Operating Systems: Both desktop and web-based applications.
• Multimedia Content: Including videos with captions/audio descriptions, and audio-only content with transcripts.
• Telecommunications Products: Phones, video conferencing systems, etc.

You might be wondering why Section 508 should be a concern for your organization, especially if you are not a federal agency. The reason is significant: compliance with Section 508 is mandatory for all federal agencies and their contractors. If your company develops or provides electronic and information technology (EI&T) for the U.S. federal government, or if you receive federal funding, you are directly obligated to adhere to Section 508 standards. Failure to comply can lead to serious consequences, including costly and time-consuming accessibility lawsuits filed by both customers and employees who are unable to access your non-compliant technology. Therefore, ensuring your products meet Section 508 guidelines is critical for legal adherence and business continuity when interacting with the federal sector.