What is Section 508?
A. Section 508 requires reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities; program accessibility; effective communication with people who have hearing or vision disabilities; and accessible new construction and alterations. For example, the provisions of Section 508 will ensure that the software procured and used by a Federal agency is compatible with screen reading technology or other technologies that a blind individual could use to access the information. Section 508 requires the provision of interpreting services for deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind Federal employees. For more information and references, see U.S. Government Section 508 Website Accessibility Guidelines in the SIG’s Internet Accessibility area of focus page.
Section 508 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requiring electronic and information technology (“EIT”) developed, procured, maintained, or used by the Federal government be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes Federal employees as well as citizens trying to access Federal EIT. On August 7, 1998, the Workforce Investment Act was signed into a law that includes the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998. These 1998 amendments significantly expand and strengthen the technology access requirements of Section 508 and create binding, enforceable standards now incorporated into the Federal Acquisition Regulations (“FAR”).
A. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 applies to U.S. Federal departments and agencies when they develop, buy, lease, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Federal departments and agencies must ensure equal access to, and use of, electronic and information technology for Federal employees with disabilities and members of the public seeking information or services from their agency. This access must be comparable to that for people who do not have disabilities, unless such a requirement would cause an undue burden. These requirements have been in place since June 25, 2001. Section 508 carries the simple sanction that unless manufacturers and service providers collaborate with Federal departments and agencies to meet the relevant standards, they will not be able to sell their products to the Federal Government.
