Section 508 Made Simple
Ensure your government website welcomes all citizens. AllAccessible makes federal accessibility compliance automatic and worry-free.
What is Section 508?
A federal law ensuring government technology is accessible to everyone
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
Enacted in 1998 and strengthened in 2018, Section 508 requires all federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. This includes websites, software applications, and electronic documents.
- Applies to all federal agencies and contractors
- Covers websites, documents, and software
- Based on WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards
- Required for all government procurement
- Enforced by the U.S. Access Board
Federal Requirement
Section 508 compliance is mandatory for all federal agencies and required for government contractors and grant recipients.
Section 508 Requirements
What government websites must achieve
Perceivable Content
All users can perceive information
- Text alternatives for images
- Captions for video content
- Clear visual contrast
- Adaptable content structure
Operable Interface
All users can operate controls
- Full keyboard accessibility
- Sufficient time to complete tasks
- No seizure-inducing content
- Clear navigation mechanisms
Understandable Information
Content is clear and predictable
- Readable text content
- Predictable page behavior
- Input assistance for forms
- Error identification and correction
Robust Compatibility
Works with assistive technologies
- Valid HTML markup
- ARIA attributes when needed
- Screen reader compatibility
- Future technology support
Who Must Comply with Section 508?
Federal compliance requirements affect many organizations
Federal Agencies
All executive branch agencies must ensure their ICT (Information and Communication Technology) meets Section 508 standards.
Federal Contractors
Companies providing services or products to the federal government must deliver 508-compliant solutions.
Grant Recipients
Organizations receiving federal funding often must demonstrate Section 508 compliance as a condition of their grant.
State & Local Government
While not legally required, many state and local governments adopt Section 508 as their accessibility standard.
VPAT Documentation Required
The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is essential for federal procurement
Federal agencies require VPATs to verify Section 508 compliance before purchasing technology products or services. A VPAT documents how your product meets accessibility standards.
Required for Procurement
Federal buyers need VPATs to evaluate accessibility before purchase decisions.
Standardized Format
VPATs follow a consistent format making it easy to compare products.
Detailed Compliance Mapping
Shows exactly which standards are met, partially met, or not applicable.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Section 508 violations can have serious repercussions
Legal Action
Individuals can file complaints with the agency or pursue legal action for discrimination.
Procurement Rejection
Non-compliant products cannot be purchased by federal agencies, eliminating a major market.
Budget Freezes
Agencies failing to meet 508 standards may face budget restrictions until compliance is achieved.
Reputation Damage
Public criticism and negative press for failing to serve citizens with disabilities.
How AllAccessible Ensures Section 508 Compliance
Automated accessibility that meets federal standards
Automated 508 Scanning
Continuous monitoring against Section 508 technical standards with detailed reporting.
Real-Time Remediation
Automatically fix common accessibility issues as they're detected on your site.
VPAT Generation
Generate compliant VPAT documentation for federal procurement requirements.
Compliance Reporting
Detailed reports showing 508 compliance status with actionable recommendations.
Federal Expertise
Access to accessibility experts familiar with government compliance requirements.
Standards Updates
Automatic updates when Section 508 standards evolve to keep you compliant.
Ready to Achieve Section 508 Compliance?
Join federal agencies and contractors using AllAccessible to meet accessibility requirements
Start Your Compliance JourneyFree accessibility audit • No credit card required