Section 508 Compliance for Government Websites
Meet Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements with comprehensive accessibility testing designed for government organizations.
Why Section 508 Matters for Government
Section 508 is federal law requiring accessible government ICT
All federal agencies must comply with Revised 508 Standards
Federal contractors must provide accessible products and services
21st Century IDEA Act strengthens digital accessibility requirements
DOJ actively monitors and enforces Section 508 compliance
Section 508 Requirements for Government
Web content conformance
All federal web content must meet WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA success criteria
Electronic document accessibility
PDFs, Word documents, and spreadsheets must be accessible
Software accessibility
Government applications must meet software accessibility standards
Procurement requirements
Agencies must include accessibility in ICT procurement
Common Section 508 Issues in Government Websites
Issue
Agency websites failing Section 508 audits
Solution
Implement systematic testing and remediation with accountability
Issue
Inaccessible PDFs blocking citizen access to information
Solution
Establish document accessibility workflows and remediate legacy content
Issue
Procured systems lacking accessibility
Solution
Require VPATs, conduct testing before acceptance, include accessibility in contracts
Issue
Internal systems inaccessible to employees with disabilities
Solution
Section 508 applies to internal systems - audit and remediate employee-facing tools
How A11yScan Helps Government Meet Section 508
Section 508 Testing
Automated testing against all Section 508 success criteria relevant to government.
Government Focus
Industry-specific testing profiles targeting common government accessibility issues.
Compliance Reports
Generate Section 508 compliance documentation and remediation roadmaps.
Continuous Monitoring
24/7 monitoring to maintain Section 508 compliance as your government site evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions: Government Section 508 Compliance
What is the current Section 508 standard?
The Revised 508 Standards effective January 2018 directly incorporate WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA for web content. Updates to reference WCAG 2.1/2.2 are expected.
How do agencies report Section 508 compliance?
OMB requires agencies to assess and report on Section 508 compliance. GSA monitors compliance through the government-wide accessibility program and provides resources.
What are the consequences of Section 508 violations?
Violations can result in formal complaints, investigations, required corrective action, and potential litigation. Procurement violations can affect contract awards.
Other Compliance Standards for Government
Government WCAG 2.1 AA
Ensure your government website meets WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
WCAG 2.2Government WCAG 2.2
Ensure your government website meets WCAG 2.2 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
ADA ComplianceGovernment ADA Compliance
Ensure your government website meets ADA Compliance accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
EN 301 549Government EN 301 549
Ensure your government website meets EN 301 549 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Section 508 Compliance for Other Industries
Healthcare Section 508
Ensure your healthcare website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
FinanceFinance Section 508
Ensure your finance website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
E-commerceE-commerce Section 508
Ensure your e-commerce website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
EducationEducation Section 508
Ensure your education website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
LegalLegal Section 508
Ensure your legal website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Real EstateReal Estate Section 508
Ensure your real estate website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Ready to Achieve Section 508 Compliance for Your Government Website?
Start with a free accessibility scan and see exactly where your government site stands with Section 508 requirements.