What are the 508 Compliance Requirements? Key things you must have for accessibility
.svg)
If your digital product touches the U.S.federal government then Section 508 compliance becomes essential for youas it is required by law. A SaaS vendor, design agency, or document publishermust take 508 compliance testing seriously to ensure their technology isusable by people with disabilities.
According to the GAO's December 2023 Federal Accessibility assessment, about 53% of federal agencies report they do not consistentlyverify whether their procured technology meets Section 508 accessibilityrequirements. Non-compliant websites, software or digital documents risk morethan just usability concerns.
- You could be disqualified fromRFPs.
- You could face legal action fordiscrimination.
- You could damage your brand’sreputation among government buyers.
508 compliance is now a contract-winningnecessity. So you must know everything about the 508 compliancerequirements?
TL;DR: Section508 compliant digital content must adhere to four key accessibility principles.Based on WCAG 2.1 guidelines it must be perceivable, operable, understandableand robust. Websites, PDFs, apps, and media must have proper structure,appropriate labelling and keyboard compatibility. Assistive tech support also makesyour digital products 508 compliant. All of this requires thorough testing,proper documentation such as a VPAT or ACR and ongoing updates when contentchanges. Failing 508 compliance could cost you the deal to U.S. federalagencies or partners.
What is Section 508 Compliance?
Section 508 is a part of the USRehabilitation Act of 1973. This law mandates use of accessible digital contentand technology by federal agencies. This digital accessibility law applies tothe following products:
- Websites
- Mobile apps
- Documents
- Software
- Hardware
People who are blind, have low vision,limited mobility or cognitive issues must be able to use digital tools withoutbarriers.
Section 508 was originally passed to prevent discrimination in federal programs. Later,it was updated in 2017 to line up with WCAG 2.0 AA guidelines. These are theglobal gold standards for web accessibility developed by W3C.
Section 508 compliance applies to bothcreators and vendors of technology. If your product is used by or sold to thefederal government then 508 compliance becomes mandatory. It is legallyrequired and yes it is auditable. Agencies often review VPATs(Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates) and request Accessibility Conformance Reports ACRs before approving any purchase or contract.
Who Must Be Section 508 Compliant?
- U.S.Federal Agencies
- Vendorsand tech partners bidding on government contracts
- SaaS companies serving public sector clients
- Educational institutions receiving federal funding
- Contractors providing websites, software, PDFs, or digital systems to the government
What Are the 508 Compliance Requirements? A Must-Have Checklist
Essentially, the core accessibilityprinciples outlined in the WCAG are 508 compliance standards. Thesecover everything from how users perceive content to how they interact with yourinterface. Below is a clear checklist of the key 508 compliance requirementsevery organization must follow:
1. Make your content perceivable
Present the content in a way that userswith disabilities can understand and access.
- Use alternative text for all images and icons
- Provide captions and transcripts for videos
- Ensure proper contrast between text and background
- Allow content to be resized without breaking the layout
508 compliance standards require allnon-text content to have a text-based alternative.
2. User interface should be operable
Users should be able to navigate yourwebsite or app using different input methods.
- Enable full keyboard navigationwithout a mouse
- Ensure focus indicators arevisible for all elements
- Avoid time limits or provideways to extend them
- Avoid flashing content that maytrigger seizures
3. Information should be understandable
Ensure your content and interface are easyto read and predict. For easily understood digital experiences, you should useplain, consistent language. The menus and layouts should be intuitive andoverly technical instructions should be limited. There should be input hints,labels, and error suggestions for users with cognitive challenges.
4. Code and screen reader compatibility
Your code must work well with assistive technologies. There should be proper semantic HTML and heading structures sothat screen readers can present the content in the way you want it.
- Add ARIA (Accessible RichInternet Applications) roles when needed
- Forms and controls should beproperly labelled
- Avoid relying on JavaScript alone for crucial actions
5. 508-Compliant Documents (PDFs, Word,Excel)
Make the downloadable files accessible through:
- Proper tag structure
- Logical reading order
- Alt text for images and chartsin documents
- Accessible templates for Wordand Excel
Did you know? Document accessibility is a commonly overlooked 508 compliance requirement, but it is mandatory in audits. Learn more about 508 compliance testing by getting in touch with audit specialists atADACP.
6. Accessible Video and Audio
Multimedia content must include alternativeformats for people with hearing or vision impairments.
- Add closed captions to all videos
- Provide audio descriptions where necessary
- Offer text transcripts for audio-only content
7. Mobile accessibility
Your mobile apps and responsive websites must be accessible on all devices and platforms.
- Test apps with screen readerslike TalkBack or VoiceOver
- Support pinch-zoom and largetext
- Avoid tiny touch targets orcrowded interfaces
- Navigation must be consistentacross screen sizes
508 compliance testing must include mobile platforms because government users increasingly access content on phones and tablets.
What you must have for 508 compliance
Web and document formats of your ICTproducts can pass 508 compliance testing if they are perceivable, operable,understandable, and robust. Follow WCAG 2.1 AA standards and include assistivetools, PDFs, videos, and mobile in your audit scope. Schedule a free consultationto discover the audit scope for 508 compliant software and hardware testing.
How to Get 508 Compliance Certification
There is no formal 508 compliancecertificate issued by the U.S. government. Unlike ISO or SOC 2, Section 508compliance is self-verified. It is the responsibility of vendors and agenciesto ensure that their digital products meet 508 compliance guidelines.
Many companies still refer to themselves as508 certified but what they usually mean is that they have conductedaccessibility testing, documented the results using a VPAT and produced a validAccessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
What does “508 certified” actually mean?
When a vendor says they are “508certified,” it usually means they have:
- Tested their website, app,document or software against WCAG 2.1
- Identified issues and appliedaccessibility remediations
- Created a completed VPAT ACR todocument compliance
- Worked with an accessibilityfirm like ADACP
How Do You Get 508 Compliance Certification?
There is no official U.S. 508 certificate, howeveryou can work with a third-party firm to create a valid VPAT ACR. The mosttrusted way to prove 508 compliance is to test your product against WCAG 2.1,fix the issues and submit a completed ACR with your proposal. This is the goldstandard most government buyers expect today.
How long does accessibility 508 compliance testing take?
508 compliance testing typically takes 2 to4 weeks, following a step-by-step process from audit to final documentation. Hereis a simple flowchart to help you understand the 508 compliance testing timeline:
Note:Most projects are completed within 2–4 weeks byADACP’s accessibility team.
Mastering 508 Compliance Requirements starts with the right steps
Understand the 508 compliance requirements and make your digital content truly accessible to everyone. Your websites,mobile apps, documents or software used for federal purposes must follow the standards outlined in WCAG 2.1.
Details like alt text, semantic HTML, PDFs accessibility and screen reader compatibility matter in passing a 508 audit.
Book a free consultation with ADACP today. Our experts will guide you through 508 testing, remediation and prepare a contract-ready VPATACR ensuring your digital product is fully compliant and competitive.
If your digital product touches the U.S.federal government then Section 508 compliance becomes essential for youas it is required by law. A SaaS vendor, design agency, or document publishermust take 508 compliance testing seriously to ensure their technology isusable by people with disabilities.
According to the GAO's December 2023 Federal Accessibility assessment, about 53% of federal agencies report they do not consistentlyverify whether their procured technology meets Section 508 accessibilityrequirements. Non-compliant websites, software or digital documents risk morethan just usability concerns.
- You could be disqualified fromRFPs.
- You could face legal action fordiscrimination.
- You could damage your brand’sreputation among government buyers.
508 compliance is now a contract-winningnecessity. So you must know everything about the 508 compliancerequirements?
TL;DR: Section508 compliant digital content must adhere to four key accessibility principles.Based on WCAG 2.1 guidelines it must be perceivable, operable, understandableand robust. Websites, PDFs, apps, and media must have proper structure,appropriate labelling and keyboard compatibility. Assistive tech support also makesyour digital products 508 compliant. All of this requires thorough testing,proper documentation such as a VPAT or ACR and ongoing updates when contentchanges. Failing 508 compliance could cost you the deal to U.S. federalagencies or partners.
What is Section 508 Compliance?
Section 508 is a part of the USRehabilitation Act of 1973. This law mandates use of accessible digital contentand technology by federal agencies. This digital accessibility law applies tothe following products:
- Websites
- Mobile apps
- Documents
- Software
- Hardware
People who are blind, have low vision,limited mobility or cognitive issues must be able to use digital tools withoutbarriers.
Section 508 was originally passed to prevent discrimination in federal programs. Later,it was updated in 2017 to line up with WCAG 2.0 AA guidelines. These are theglobal gold standards for web accessibility developed by W3C.
Section 508 compliance applies to bothcreators and vendors of technology. If your product is used by or sold to thefederal government then 508 compliance becomes mandatory. It is legallyrequired and yes it is auditable. Agencies often review VPATs(Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates) and request Accessibility Conformance Reports ACRs before approving any purchase or contract.
Who Must Be Section 508 Compliant?
- U.S.Federal Agencies
- Vendorsand tech partners bidding on government contracts
- SaaS companies serving public sector clients
- Educational institutions receiving federal funding
- Contractors providing websites, software, PDFs, or digital systems to the government
What Are the 508 Compliance Requirements? A Must-Have Checklist
Essentially, the core accessibilityprinciples outlined in the WCAG are 508 compliance standards. Thesecover everything from how users perceive content to how they interact with yourinterface. Below is a clear checklist of the key 508 compliance requirementsevery organization must follow:
1. Make your content perceivable
Present the content in a way that userswith disabilities can understand and access.
- Use alternative text for all images and icons
- Provide captions and transcripts for videos
- Ensure proper contrast between text and background
- Allow content to be resized without breaking the layout
508 compliance standards require allnon-text content to have a text-based alternative.
2. User interface should be operable
Users should be able to navigate yourwebsite or app using different input methods.
- Enable full keyboard navigationwithout a mouse
- Ensure focus indicators arevisible for all elements
- Avoid time limits or provideways to extend them
- Avoid flashing content that maytrigger seizures
3. Information should be understandable
Ensure your content and interface are easyto read and predict. For easily understood digital experiences, you should useplain, consistent language. The menus and layouts should be intuitive andoverly technical instructions should be limited. There should be input hints,labels, and error suggestions for users with cognitive challenges.
4. Code and screen reader compatibility
Your code must work well with assistive technologies. There should be proper semantic HTML and heading structures sothat screen readers can present the content in the way you want it.
- Add ARIA (Accessible RichInternet Applications) roles when needed
- Forms and controls should beproperly labelled
- Avoid relying on JavaScript alone for crucial actions
5. 508-Compliant Documents (PDFs, Word,Excel)
Make the downloadable files accessible through:
- Proper tag structure
- Logical reading order
- Alt text for images and chartsin documents
- Accessible templates for Wordand Excel
Did you know? Document accessibility is a commonly overlooked 508 compliance requirement, but it is mandatory in audits. Learn more about 508 compliance testing by getting in touch with audit specialists atADACP.
6. Accessible Video and Audio
Multimedia content must include alternativeformats for people with hearing or vision impairments.
- Add closed captions to all videos
- Provide audio descriptions where necessary
- Offer text transcripts for audio-only content
7. Mobile accessibility
Your mobile apps and responsive websites must be accessible on all devices and platforms.
- Test apps with screen readerslike TalkBack or VoiceOver
- Support pinch-zoom and largetext
- Avoid tiny touch targets orcrowded interfaces
- Navigation must be consistentacross screen sizes
508 compliance testing must include mobile platforms because government users increasingly access content on phones and tablets.
What you must have for 508 compliance
Web and document formats of your ICTproducts can pass 508 compliance testing if they are perceivable, operable,understandable, and robust. Follow WCAG 2.1 AA standards and include assistivetools, PDFs, videos, and mobile in your audit scope. Schedule a free consultationto discover the audit scope for 508 compliant software and hardware testing.
How to Get 508 Compliance Certification
There is no formal 508 compliancecertificate issued by the U.S. government. Unlike ISO or SOC 2, Section 508compliance is self-verified. It is the responsibility of vendors and agenciesto ensure that their digital products meet 508 compliance guidelines.
Many companies still refer to themselves as508 certified but what they usually mean is that they have conductedaccessibility testing, documented the results using a VPAT and produced a validAccessibility Conformance Report (ACR).
What does “508 certified” actually mean?
When a vendor says they are “508certified,” it usually means they have:
- Tested their website, app,document or software against WCAG 2.1
- Identified issues and appliedaccessibility remediations
- Created a completed VPAT ACR todocument compliance
- Worked with an accessibilityfirm like ADACP
How Do You Get 508 Compliance Certification?
There is no official U.S. 508 certificate, howeveryou can work with a third-party firm to create a valid VPAT ACR. The mosttrusted way to prove 508 compliance is to test your product against WCAG 2.1,fix the issues and submit a completed ACR with your proposal. This is the goldstandard most government buyers expect today.
How long does accessibility 508 compliance testing take?
508 compliance testing typically takes 2 to4 weeks, following a step-by-step process from audit to final documentation. Hereis a simple flowchart to help you understand the 508 compliance testing timeline:
Note:Most projects are completed within 2–4 weeks byADACP’s accessibility team.
Mastering 508 Compliance Requirements starts with the right steps
Understand the 508 compliance requirements and make your digital content truly accessible to everyone. Your websites,mobile apps, documents or software used for federal purposes must follow the standards outlined in WCAG 2.1.
Details like alt text, semantic HTML, PDFs accessibility and screen reader compatibility matter in passing a 508 audit.
Book a free consultation with ADACP today. Our experts will guide you through 508 testing, remediation and prepare a contract-ready VPATACR ensuring your digital product is fully compliant and competitive.
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
We will contact you shortly.
.webp)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)