Does the ADA or Section 504 require information technology accessibility like Section 508?
The ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act do not specifically require information technology accessibility as does Section 508. The ADA and Section 504 are general anti-discrimination laws that require program and architectural accessibility which could include the provision of accessible information technology as a reasonable accommodation or as an auxiliary aid or service necessary for equal access. The effective communication requirement of the ADA could also require the delivery of accessible information technology products. However, all of these requirements might also be met in other ways such as the use of human assistance or other program modifications. ADA and Section 504 information technology access decisions are made for individuals on a case by case basis; whereas Section 508 information technology access decisions are made by determining if products adhere to the Access Board standards. To date, the Department of Justice and the Office for Civil Rights have not ad
