A Guide to Disability Rights Laws

Section 508

Section 508 establishes requirements for electronic and information technology developed, maintained, procured, or used by the Federal government. Section 508 requires Federal electronic and information technology to be accessible to people with disabilities, including employees and members of the public.

An accessible information technology system is one that can be operated in a variety of ways and does not rely on a single sense or ability of the user. For example, a system that provides output only in visual format may not be accessible to people with visual impairments and a system that provides output only in audio format may not be accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Some individuals with disabilities may need accessibility-related software or peripheral devices in order to use systems that comply with Section 508. For more information on section 508, contact:

U.S. General Services Administration
Office of Government-wide Policy IT Accessiblity & Workflow Division (ITAW)
1800 F Street, N.W.
Room 2222 - MEC:ITAW
Washington, DC 20405-0001

www.gsa.gov/portal/content/105254

(202) 501-4906 (voice)

U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
1331 F Street, N.W., Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004-1111

www.access-board.gov

800-872-2253 (voice)
800-993-2822 (TTY)