Beyond the Law: Why Section 508 Should Shape Your IT Company’s Accessibility Strategy

For organizations that create or support Electronic and Information Technology (EIT), accessibility is not something that can be added at the end of a project. It needs to be part of how teams design, build, and maintain digital products. Although Section 508 is often associated only with U.S. federal agencies, its practical influence is far wider. The standard has become a dependable reference point for digital inclusion and a valuable guide for any company focused on quality and long-term user trust.

This article explains what Section 508 covers and turns its principles into a clear, text-based checklist your engineering, design, and QA teams can use to develop accessible products with confidence.

Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794d) requires federal agencies to ensure their electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities. In practice, this means digital content must be designed so all users can perceive information, operate interface controls, understand the experience, and rely on technology that remains robust over time. The scope of content is broad. It includes websites, software, documents, multimedia, and digital communication.

A major update to the law took effect in 2018. These revised standards aligned Section 508 directly with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA. Because WCAG is the international foundation for digital accessibility, this alignment brings Section 508 in line with global expectations, including the European EN 301 549 standard. It also positions development teams to adopt newer WCAG requirements, such as the improvements introduced in WCAG 2.2.

Section 508 applies legally to U.S. federal agencies and their vendors, but many private organizations voluntarily use the standard as part of their accessibility strategy.

There are several reasons for this approach:

• It keeps companies eligible for federal procurement and partnership opportunities.

• It reduces exposure to legal disputes related to accessibility.

• It signals to customers and partners that accessibility is taken seriously.

• It gives teams a dependable framework for building inclusive, user-centered products.
  
  

For QA and accessibility testers, Section 508 also serves as a practical map that turns general accessibility expectations into defined success criteria that can be evaluated and verified.

Although the principles of Section 508 apply broadly, the way they are implemented depends on the type of digital product. The following sections outline the essential requirements for each category.

Web Content and Web Applications

Web accessibility under Section 508 is based on WCAG 2.0 AA, with many teams now incorporating WCAG 2.2 recommendations. Key practices include:

• Adding meaningful alt text to all non-text content, including icons, charts, and buttons.
  
  

• Using a clear heading structure and appropriate ARIA landmarks to guide navigation.
  
  

• Ensuring everything can be operated using only a keyboard.
  
  

• Keeping focus indicators visible and easy to follow.
  
  

• Meeting contrast ratios of 4.5 to 1 for text and 3 to 1 for interactive components.
  
  

• Providing captions and transcripts for videos and audio.
  
  

• Communicating dynamic updates through ARIA live regions.
  
  

Software and Application Accessibility

Accessibility in native applications depends heavily on the proper use of the operating system’s accessibility API. Requirements include:

• Full keyboard control of all functions and elements.
  
  

• Providing programmatic names, roles, and states to assistive technologies.
  
  

• Creating predictable navigation and consistent focus order.
  
  

• Avoiding the use of color as the only method of conveying meaning.
  
  

• Ensuring layouts respond correctly to zoom up to 200 percent.
  
  

• Supporting platform accessibility features such as high contrast themes.
  
  

• Allowing alternative input methods such as voice control or switch devices.
  
  

Accessible Electronic Documents

Creating accessible documents requires careful use of structure and tagging. Requirements include:

• Assigning correct tags for headings, lists, tables, and other structural components.
  
  

• Supplying alt text for images and graphics.
  
  

• Ensuring programmatic reading order matches the visible layout.
  
  

• Labeling all form fields in interactive PDFs and defining a logical tab order.
  
  

• Meeting color contrast standards.
  
  

• Testing with tools such as PAC 3 or the Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker.
  
  

Functional Performance Criteria and Integrated Testing

Functional Performance Criteria (FPC) address real-world user needs by verifying that core tasks can be completed by users with a wide range of disabilities. These criteria are often validated through assistive technology reviews or high-fidelity simulations.

For lasting accessibility, testing should be built into development from the beginning. This includes automated scans, manual reviews with assistive technologies, and full reporting through a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT).

Section 508 offers a stable and well-defined foundation for building an accessible EIT ecosystem. By following WCAG 2.0 AA as a minimum requirement and adopting WCAG 2.2 practices, teams can create products that meet modern expectations and remain prepared for future standards. This approach strengthens compliance, improves user experience for people with disabilities, and supports a smooth transition toward the broader and more user-centered philosophy behind WCAG 3.0.

Ensure your digital products meet modern accessibility standards and deliver a better experience for every user. Contact UKAD and build truly inclusive technology!