Section 508 Compliance Checker & Accessibility Audit
Test your website against Section 508 requirements for federal agencies and contractors. Automated testing with VPAT support.
What is Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act?
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. The Revised 508 Standards, effective since January 2018, directly incorporate WCAG 2.0 Level AA as the standard for web content. Section 508 applies to all federal agencies and extends to contractors, grant recipients, and others doing business with the federal government.
Timeline
Original Section 508 enacted in 1998. Revised 508 Standards effective January 18, 2018. Updates to incorporate WCAG 2.1/2.2 expected.
Key Section 508 Requirements
Web content must conform to WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA
Software applications must be accessible
Hardware must be accessible
Electronic documents must be accessible
Telecommunications products must be accessible
Video and multimedia must have captions and audio descriptions
Support documentation must be accessible
Functional performance criteria for users with various disabilities
Who Must Comply with Section 508?
All federal agencies and departments
Federal contractors developing/maintaining ICT
Organizations receiving federal funding
State agencies receiving federal funds
Vendors selling ICT to federal government
Federal grant recipients for funded projects
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Contract termination or non-renewal
Exclusion from future federal contracts
Complaints filed with agency or GSA
Lawsuits under Rehabilitation Act
Administrative complaints and investigations
Required remediation at contractor expense
How A11yScan Helps with Section 508 Compliance
Automated Testing
Comprehensive automated testing against all Section 508 requirements
Guided Testing
Manual testing workflows for criteria requiring human judgment
VPAT Generation
Generate Section 508 compliance documentation and VPATs
Monitoring
Continuous monitoring to maintain Section 508 compliance
Frequently Asked Questions: Section 508
What is the difference between Section 508 and ADA?
Section 508 is part of the Rehabilitation Act and specifically applies to federal agencies and their contractors. ADA is a broader civil rights law applying to private businesses, state/local governments, and employers. Both require accessibility but under different legal frameworks.
Do contractors need Section 508 compliance?
Yes, contractors must ensure ICT they develop, procure, maintain, or use for federal contracts is Section 508 compliant. This includes websites, software, documents, and hardware. Contracts typically include specific accessibility requirements.
What is a VPAT and why do I need one?
A Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) documents how your product meets Section 508 standards. Federal agencies require VPATs when procuring ICT. A11yScan can help generate accurate VPATs based on comprehensive accessibility testing.
Does Section 508 apply to internal agency systems?
Yes, Section 508 applies to all agency ICT, including internal systems used by employees with disabilities. Intranet sites, HR systems, training platforms, and internal tools must all be accessible.
How often should Section 508 testing occur?
Testing should occur before launch, after significant updates, and on a regular ongoing basis (quarterly or semi-annually recommended). Continuous monitoring helps catch issues before they impact users or trigger complaints.
Related Compliance Standards
WCAG 2.1 AA
Test your website against WCAG 2.1 Level AA success criteria. The most widely adopted web accessibility standard worldwide.
WCAG 2.2
Prepare for WCAG 2.2 with our comprehensive compliance checker. Test new success criteria for authentication, dragging, and focus.
ADA Compliance
Test your website for ADA compliance. Avoid costly lawsuits with comprehensive accessibility testing against WCAG standards.
Section 508 Compliance by Industry
Explore industry-specific Section 508 compliance requirements, common issues, and remediation guidance.
Healthcare Section 508 Compliance
Ensure your healthcare website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Learn moreFinance Section 508 Compliance
Ensure your finance website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Learn moreE-commerce Section 508 Compliance
Ensure your e-commerce website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Learn moreEducation Section 508 Compliance
Ensure your education website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Learn moreGovernment Section 508 Compliance
Ensure your government website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Learn moreLegal Section 508 Compliance
Ensure your legal website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Learn moreReal Estate Section 508 Compliance
Ensure your real estate website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Learn moreInsurance Section 508 Compliance
Ensure your insurance website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Learn moreTravel Section 508 Compliance
Ensure your travel website meets Section 508 accessibility requirements. Industry-specific compliance testing, remediation guidance, and monitoring.
Learn moreStart Your Section 508 Compliance Journey
Get a free accessibility scan and see where you stand with Section 508 compliance.
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