Section 508 compliance
Testing, document remediation and ACRs for federal agencies, contractors and vendors.
Federal · Updated October 2026
Section 508: accessibility for federal technology
Section 508 requires federal agencies to develop, buy, maintain and use accessible information and communication technology — and that requirement flows down to every vendor that sells to them.
The law
Section 508 was added to the Rehabilitation Act in 1986 and strengthened in 1998. It requires federal departments and agencies to ensure that the information and communication technology (ICT) they develop, procure, maintain or use is accessible to federal employees and members of the public with disabilities, unless doing so would impose an undue burden.
The Revised 508 Standards
The US Access Board refreshed the standards in January 2017, and they took effect on January 18, 2018 (36 CFR part 1194). The key changes:
- WCAG 2.0 Level AA is incorporated by reference for web content, electronic documents and software user interfaces — even when they’re not on the web.
- Requirements are organized by functionality rather than product type, with functional performance criteria for users with limited vision, hearing, manipulation or cognition.
- Specific chapters cover hardware, software and authoring tools, and support documentation and services.
- “Electronic content” includes official agency communications — emails, documents, notices, training materials — not just websites.
What contractors and vendors need
Federal procurement rules (FAR Subpart 39.2) require agencies to consider accessibility when buying ICT. In practice, vendors need:
- A current ACR on the VPAT 508 or INT edition.
- Products and deliverables that actually conform — agencies increasingly test what they buy.
- Accessible documents delivered under contract: reports, manuals, training materials.
- A credible roadmap for any gaps.
Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 / 2.2
Section 508 still references WCAG 2.0. Newer laws reference WCAG 2.1 (ADA Title II, HHS Section 504) and the European standard EN 301 549 tracks WCAG 2.1. Because each newer version includes everything in the older ones (apart from the obsolete 4.1.1 Parsing criterion, which 2.2 removed and which modern browsers make moot), testing to WCAG 2.2 AA covers all of them at once.
Frequently asked questions
Who enforces Section 508?
Each federal agency is responsible for its own compliance. Individuals can file complaints with the agency, and the law provides a private right of action. GSA supports agencies through Section508.gov, and the DOJ reports to Congress on federal compliance.
Does Section 508 apply to state governments?
Not directly. But many states have adopted Section 508 or WCAG by law or policy for their own agencies, and state and local governments are now covered by the ADA Title II rule.
Find out where you stand, in writing.
Send us a few URLs or sample PDFs. Within two business days you get a free, plain-English snapshot of your biggest accessibility risks and what it takes to fix them.