IT Accessibility/Section 508

When Federal agencies buy, build, maintain, or use Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires that agencies must give people with disabilities (both employees and members of the public) access to information comparable to the access available to others, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

The Revised 508 Standards contain scoping and technical requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) to ensure accessibility and usability by individuals with disabilities. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for Federal agencies.

GSA’s Office of Information Integrity and Access is charged with educating Federal employees about their responsibilities under Section 508, and building the infrastructure necessary to support IT Accessibility and Section 508 implementation government-wide.

Policy

• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. §794d)
• About the Update of the Section 508 Standards and Section 255 Guidelines for Information and Communication Technology
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Final Standards and Guidelines, 36 CFR Parts 1193 and 1194, RIN 3014-AA37
• Federal Web Policy 12 - Ensure Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities
• Learn more about IT Accessibility Laws and Policies

Implementation

• Section508.gov - Guidance and tools to help agencies buy, build and manage accessible technologies; includes accessibility information for vendors selling technology solutions to the Federal government.
• Accessibility Requirements Tool (ART) - ART helps Federal agencies create solicitations and contracting documentation that complies with Section 508, to ensure that IT products and services Federal government buys and builds are accessible to persons with disabilities.

The shortcut to this page is www.gsa.gov/section508