Let’s be honest – most of us build websites thinking about the average user. Someone is sitting at their desk, scrolling through content with their mouse, and is probably sipping coffee. But here’s a reality check: about 70 million Americans have a disability. That’s roughly one in five people who might struggle to use your website right now.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended in 1998, mandates that federal agencies make their electronic and information technology (ICT) accessible to people with disabilities. It isn’t merely a suggestion—it’s a federal law with significant implications for government agencies and contractors.
When we talk about 508 compliance, we’re looking at three core requirements:
The technical aspect of 508 compliance focuses on ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies. It means developing digital infrastructure that works seamlessly with screen readers, voice recognition software, and other adaptive tools. The technical requirements include:
The underlying technology must support various assistive devices while maintaining functionality across different platforms and browsers.
Functional compliance goes beyond mere technical accessibility to ensure practical usability. This component addresses how people with disabilities interact with and navigate digital content. Key aspects include:
All interactive components must be fully operational through various input methods, ensuring users can complete tasks regardless of their disability.
The support pillar ensures that all supplementary materials and assistance are accessible. This includes:
Non-compliance can result in serious consequences:
The General Services Administration (GSA) maintains section508.gov, which centralizes guidance for federal agencies. Through the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the government ensures that purchased technology meets accessibility standards.
The Department of Justice must submit biennial reports to the President and Congress regarding federal agency compliance. These reports include:
This comprehensive framework ensures that digital accessibility isn’t just a checkbox but a fundamental aspect of federal digital infrastructure, promoting equal access to information for all Americans.
Let me share something personal: I once watched a friend with visual impairment try to order food online. The website looked fantastic, but he couldn’t navigate it with his screen reader. He gave up and called a different restaurant. That’s lost business right there. And it’s not just about being nice. The consequences of non-compliance can hit hard:
Here’s the practical stuff you actually need to do:
Content Structure
Visual Elements
Technical Implementation
There are three levels of compliance under WCAG 2.0:
Remember, 508 compliance isn’t just about following rules—it’s about creating a web that everyone can use. And isn’t that what the Internet was supposed to be about in the first place?
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t build a physical store without wheelchair access, so why would you build a website that excludes people with disabilities? It’s not just about compliance; it’s about doing the right thing while making smart business decisions.
The choice is yours: you can treat 508 compliance as another bureaucratic hurdle or see it as an opportunity to expand your reach and build a better web for everyone. What’s it going to be?
Technically, only federal agencies and their contractors must comply3. However, it’s becoming a standard best practice for all websites.
Use accessibility checkers and conduct regular audits. Better yet, have actual users with disabilities test your site.
Up until working with Casey, we had only had poor to mediocre experiences outsourcing work to agencies. Casey & the team at CJ&CO are the exception to the rule.
Communication was beyond great, his understanding of our vision was phenomenal, and instead of needing babysitting like the other agencies we worked with, he was not only completely dependable but also gave us sound suggestions on how to get better results, at the risk of us not needing him for the initial job we requested (absolute gem).
This has truly been the first time we worked with someone outside of our business that quickly grasped our vision, and that I could completely forget about and would still deliver above expectations.
I honestly can't wait to work in many more projects together!
Disclaimer
*The information this blog provides is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The information may not reflect current developments and may be changed or updated without notice. Any opinions expressed on this blog are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or any other organization. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this blog without first seeking the advice of a professional. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this blog. The author and affiliated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions.
