Are hand held devices (palm tops, cell phones) covered by section 508?
Yes. This technology is “electronic and information technology” covered by section 508 and the Access Board’s standards. Most hand held devices currently fall in the category of “self contained closed products.” (See section 1194.25 of the Access Board’s standards). As technology advances, hand held devices may fall into other categories as well. Agencies are required to procure such products that meet the section 508 standards, subject to applicable exceptions such as “fundamental alteration (see section 1194.3(e)), “commercial availability” (see section 1194.2(b)), and “undue burden” (section 1194.2(a)).
