What is New in Section 508 Compliance Standards? 2025 Regulation Changes
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As of today, the definitive source for Section 508 updates is the official U.S. government portal, Section508.gov, which is maintained by the GSA and the U.S. Access Board. Regularly monitor its What’s New section for rolling updates.
2025 is shaping up as a pivotal year for digital accessibility under Section 508. Below is what is new or changing and what organizations that interface with federal agencies should be watching.
Recent Developments & Legislative Momentum to make the Web Section 508 Compliant
Senators push for a “Section 508 Refresh Act.”
In May 2025, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced a bill aiming to modernize Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Key updates include making sure people with disabilities are part of accessibility testing. It requires that every federal agency have a dedicated officer to scrutinize testing as per 508 compliance requirements. There is also a proposal for simplifying how accessibility issues can be reported.
While the bill hasn’t passed yet, it signals strong legislative interest in tightening digital accessibility obligations at the federal level.
Section508.gov updates point to emerging policy integration
On the official site, the “What’s New” section has recently published new guidance about integrating Section 508 into FITARA (federal IT oversight) and how agencies can build internal testing capabilities.
This suggests that the government is preparing to enforce accessibility more deeply within IT acquisition and portfolio oversight processes.
Want to learn more about the rules and standards? Check out our guide on Section 508 compliance requirements. See exactly what agencies and contractors need to do to stay accessible and compliant. Understanding these requirements can help you implement WCAG compliance effectively.
What’s Changing in 2025
While the statutory core of 508 compliance guidelines remains the same, interpretations and complementary standards are evolving. Below are the main changes or shifts in practice to be aware of:
What Agencies and Contractors Should Do Now
Federal agencies and contractors can stay ahead of these changes and reduce risk with these simple steps:
- Check your audits. Make sure your accessibility reviews cover the latest WCAG 2.2 rules so your digital content becomes Section 508 compliant.
- Put someone in charge. Assign a lead for accessibility and 508 compliance. They should track progress and weave accessibility into everyday workflows.
- Build it in, don’t bolt it on. Add accessibility requirements directly into RFPs, vendor contracts, and procurement not as an afterthought.
- Stay alert. Keep watch for new government updates and enforcement actions so you are never caught off guard.
- Keep records. Document remediation clearly so you can show 508 compliance certification if questioned.
Staying on top of Section 508 updates in 2025 is critical for federal agencies and contractors. Organizations that act now to formalize accessibility roles, update 508 compliance testing frameworks and embed compliance into procurement will be better positioned.
ADACP offers free consultations to guide agencies and contractors through the latest 508 updates and compliance strategies. Contact us today to ensure your digital services are accessible to everyone.
As of today, the definitive source for Section 508 updates is the official U.S. government portal, Section508.gov, which is maintained by the GSA and the U.S. Access Board. Regularly monitor its What’s New section for rolling updates.
2025 is shaping up as a pivotal year for digital accessibility under Section 508. Below is what is new or changing and what organizations that interface with federal agencies should be watching.
Recent Developments & Legislative Momentum to make the Web Section 508 Compliant
Senators push for a “Section 508 Refresh Act.”
In May 2025, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced a bill aiming to modernize Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Key updates include making sure people with disabilities are part of accessibility testing. It requires that every federal agency have a dedicated officer to scrutinize testing as per 508 compliance requirements. There is also a proposal for simplifying how accessibility issues can be reported.
While the bill hasn’t passed yet, it signals strong legislative interest in tightening digital accessibility obligations at the federal level.
Section508.gov updates point to emerging policy integration
On the official site, the “What’s New” section has recently published new guidance about integrating Section 508 into FITARA (federal IT oversight) and how agencies can build internal testing capabilities.
This suggests that the government is preparing to enforce accessibility more deeply within IT acquisition and portfolio oversight processes.
Want to learn more about the rules and standards? Check out our guide on Section 508 compliance requirements. See exactly what agencies and contractors need to do to stay accessible and compliant. Understanding these requirements can help you implement WCAG compliance effectively.
What’s Changing in 2025
While the statutory core of 508 compliance guidelines remains the same, interpretations and complementary standards are evolving. Below are the main changes or shifts in practice to be aware of:
What Agencies and Contractors Should Do Now
Federal agencies and contractors can stay ahead of these changes and reduce risk with these simple steps:
- Check your audits. Make sure your accessibility reviews cover the latest WCAG 2.2 rules so your digital content becomes Section 508 compliant.
- Put someone in charge. Assign a lead for accessibility and 508 compliance. They should track progress and weave accessibility into everyday workflows.
- Build it in, don’t bolt it on. Add accessibility requirements directly into RFPs, vendor contracts, and procurement not as an afterthought.
- Stay alert. Keep watch for new government updates and enforcement actions so you are never caught off guard.
- Keep records. Document remediation clearly so you can show 508 compliance certification if questioned.
Staying on top of Section 508 updates in 2025 is critical for federal agencies and contractors. Organizations that act now to formalize accessibility roles, update 508 compliance testing frameworks and embed compliance into procurement will be better positioned.
ADACP offers free consultations to guide agencies and contractors through the latest 508 updates and compliance strategies. Contact us today to ensure your digital services are accessible to everyone.
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