What is Section 508?

Section 508 is an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and provides equity for all. It states that, "Under Section 508, agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information comparable to the access available to others."

To learn more, you can visit Section508.gov.

How does that effect me?

If we take out the fact that 508 compliance is law, there are still many reasons why a website or digital tool should still be accessible:

Better user experience for all
No two users that visit your site or view your products will be the same. Adhearing to Section 508 guidelines will enhance user experience regardless of disability or skill.
Larger network
Ensuring products are 508 compliant means that you can sell to anyone without any fall back.
Working with specific organizations, like the federal government for example, will require proof that the products align with 508 guidelines.

How can I make my products compliant?

Making products compliant is a process that requires all involved to have some level of awareness of 508 rules and guidelines.

This includes designers, coders, and even copywriters who may review screen readers for enhanced accessibility.

While the process for making something compliant is not always easy, it does not have to be difficult either. There are pit falls that can be avoided early on in development and this guide will help to avoid them all.