Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. The law applies to all federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology.
Under Section 508, agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information that is comparable to the access available to others. The law covers a wide range of technology, including computers, software, websites, phone systems, and copiers.
Section 508 standards are based on accessibility guidelines developed by the Access Board, an independent federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities.