Tips for Understanding Section 508 Compliance and the VPAT Document

by Benny Smith Content Writer

What is Section 508?

The phrase "Section 508" refers to the section of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act (Section 508) that was changed by Congress in 1998 to require that federal agencies make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities.

The enactment of Section 508 was prompted by widespread worries that barriers hamper people’s access to and use of technology for accessibility. The law aims to remove obstacles in information technology and give people with disabilities access to new opportunities. It also aims to promote the development of technology that reduces barriers to accessibility for people with disabilities.

All federal agencies that create, acquire, manage, or use EIT must comply with Section 508. They must give employees and members of the public who have disabilities the same level of access to information as those without disabilities do.

Understanding Section 508 compliance can help you determine whether or not it applies to you or your company. If you have a disability, you should be aware of the legislation since it will benefit you.

Understanding Section 508 compliance is crucial if you're a vendor, manufacturer, supplier, distributor, or retailer of ICT products or services, because failing to do so could cost you major business opportunities.

What is Section 508 compliance?

The phrase "Section 508 compliance" refers to adherence to a provision of the 1998 amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that mandates that all governmental EIT be accessible to people with impairments, whether or not they are federal employees.

Federal agencies are required by law to allow employees with disabilities and members of the public with disabilities access to EIT that is equivalent to the access provided to other individuals. This responsibility falls under the purview of Section 508 compliance.

However, this has an impact on the companies that provide ICT products and services to the federal agencies because it will be hard to secure contracts to provide ICT products and services to the federal agencies without Section 508 compliance certification.

Section 508 compliance certification

Section 508 compliance certification is a summary of an ICT product's or service’s level of compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards as of a specific date. There are two types of Section 508 certifications that exist: the Section 508 VPAT statement of accessibility and the Section 508 compliance VPAT statement.

If you provide EIT that will be used by federal employees, you must obtain a Section 508 compliance certification. Even if you don't directly sell technology to the general public, Section 508 still applies to you if you provide it and it is made available to the public.

As a technology supplier, Section 508 may apply to you if you offer EIT that will be used by anyone who is directly or indirectly financed by the federal government. Remember that if you don't comply, you won't be chosen as an EIT provider by a government agency or group receiving federal funding.

The importance of Section 508 compliance certification

Section 508 compliance certification is important because it demonstrates a company’s commitment to Section 508 accessibility standards It also provides valuable information to EIT product users with disabilities so they can make informed decisions about a product or service.

Section 508 compliance certification also allows a business to expand its market pool and increase customer loyalty. It is beneficial to the product or service manufacturer or vendor to understand the level of accessibility of their product or service so that they can work on quality enhancement.

Section 508 compliance certification also provides chances for businesses to sell their digital offerings to a large portion of the economy. Any EIT provider committed to business growth should seriously evaluate Section 508 compliance for their customer-facing technologies, such as those presented in the form of websites.

Need help with Section 508 compliance and VPAT documentation?

ADACP can assist you with your Section 508 compliance and VPAT documentation, including helping you develop an insightful VPAT Section 508 compliance statement.

You can also learn more about VPAT documentation by reviewing their Section 508 VPAT example. For any other inquiries, call them at (626) 486-2201.