Synopsis of Section 508 Accessibility Requirements:
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Section
508 requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure,
maintain, or use electronic and information technology (EIT),
Federal employees with disabilities have comparable access to
and use of information and data as Federal employees who have
no disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the
agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities,
who are members of the public seeking information or services
from a Federal agency, have comparable access to and use of information
and data as the public without disabilities, unless an undue
burden would be imposed on the agency.
Although Federal agencies have an explicit statutory obligation
to make all EIT that they develop, maintain, or use compliant with
Section 508, the current emphasis is on newly procured EIT because
it is the category that is explicitly enforceable by legal action.
Procurement awards made on or after June 25, 2001, are subject to
Section 508.
It should be noted, however, that other Federal regulations and
guidelines (e.g., Section
501 and Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act) require equal access for individuals
with disabilities. Therefore, Federal agencies are required, upon
request, to provide information and data to individuals with disabilities
through an alternative means of access that can be used by the individuals.
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