Page 6 - Primer on Accessibility

Practical Information From WCASG

Section 508

If you work for a U.S. Federal Government Agency (either directly or as a contractor), then Section 508 of the

Rehabilitation Act applies to you.

Section 508 Standards govern electronic
and information technology purchased

by the federal government, including
computer hardware and software, and

websites. Under Section 508, all disabled

people (both members of the public and
federal employees) must be

accommodated.

Note that 508 applies to all Information and Communication Technology (ICT), not just websites and applications.

Section 508 also applies to all 3rd Party ICT products, services, and deliverables purchased by the U.S. Federal

Government.

If your organization does contract work for Federal Agencies, you may need a VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility
Template) detailing your product’s compliance with Section 508 Standards. Originally released in 2010, Section 508

Standards were updated and published in Jan. 2017.

The main takeaway? All new web and electronic content and applications published after Jan. 2018 must comply with

updated 508 Standards.

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