Federal agencies rely heavily on technology to serve the public, communicate, and manage operations. With this reliance comes a responsibility to ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, has equal access and opportunity to engage with digital information and services. That’s where Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act comes in and why Section 508 compliance is so important for federal agencies.
What is Section 508?
Section 508 requires federal agencies to make their information and communication technology (ICT) accessible to people with disabilities. This includes everything from websites and PDF documents to software and hardware. The law applies to technology used internally by federal employees as well as externally by the American public.
Why Digital Accessibility Matters
- Inclusivity Is a Core Value: Federal agencies exist to serve all citizens. By ensuring that technology is accessible, agencies demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and equity. Accessibility fosters a sense of belonging and ensures that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in society.
- Improving Employee Productivity: Accessibility isn’t just for the public—it’s also for federal employees. An accessible workplace enables employees with disabilities to perform their jobs effectively, improving productivity and morale. Accessible systems can also benefit all employees, as universal design principles often lead to more user-friendly interfaces.
- Legal Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Failing to take Section 508 compliance into consideration can result in lawsuits, loss of public trust, and additional costs to fix inaccessible systems. Adhering to Section 508 ensures agencies are legally compliant, avoiding these risks and demonstrating accountability.
- Better Service Delivery: When federal websites and technologies are accessible, they become more efficient and user-friendly for everyone—not just those with disabilities. Accessible design often leads to improved navigation, clearer content, and better functionality, benefiting all users.
Challenges Agencies Face
While the benefits of Section 508 compliance are clear, achieving full accessibility can be challenging. In fact, a 2023 General Services Administration (GSA) report about Section 508 compliance found that Federal Government is not meeting the minimum standard or legal obligation to provide equal access to all members of the public and federal employees with disabilities. One main reason for this lack of compliance is that resources for Section 508 programs are low, with more than a third of the reporting agencies indicating they have less than one full-time employee devoted to Section 508 compliance.
The GSA report highlighted that agencies often face challenges such as:
- Limited budgets and staff resources
- Complex legacy systems that are difficult to update
- A lack of awareness or training on accessibility best practices
How to Prioritize Section 508 Compliance
Federal agencies can take several steps to make Section 508 compliance and digital accessibility a priority:
- Incorporate accessibility early: Making accessibility a standard part of procurement, design, and development processes prevents costly retrofits later.
- Conduct accessibility audits: Regularly review digital assets to identify and address accessibility barriers.
- Offer accessibility training: Provide employees with the tools and knowledge they need to create and maintain accessible systems.
- Work with accessibility experts: Partnering with organizations that offer accessibility support services, such as Applied Development, can streamline the compliance process and ensure long-term success.
Section 508 is not just a legal requirement, it’s a moral imperative. By prioritizing accessibility, federal agencies can better serve their employees and the public while fostering a more inclusive society.
At Applied Development, we specialize in helping federal agencies achieve their accessibility goals. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey to Section 508 compliance.