Section 508 Compliance for Government Websites: Complete Guide

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. This comprehensive guide covers everything government organizations need to know about Section 508 compliance in 2026.

What is Section 508?

Section 508 is a federal law that requires all electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by federal agencies to be accessible to people with disabilities—both employees and members of the public.

Who Must Comply?

Required:

• Federal agencies and departments
• Federal contractors and subcontractors
• Organizations receiving federal funding
• State and local governments (for federally funded projects)

Recommended:

• State and local governments (all projects)
• Educational institutions
• Healthcare organizations
• Any public-facing organization

Section 508 vs WCAG

The Relationship

In 2017, Section 508 was updated to incorporate WCAG 2.0 Level AA as the technical standard. In 2026, most agencies are transitioning to WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA.

Key Differences

• Section 508: US federal law with legal enforcement
• WCAG: International guidelines, widely adopted
• Scope: Section 508 covers more than websites (software, hardware, documents)

Section 508 Requirements for Websites

1. Perceivable Information

Text Alternatives

• All images must have descriptive alt text
• Complex images need long descriptions
• Decorative images marked appropriately

Time-Based Media

• Captions for all video content
• Audio descriptions for video
• Transcripts for audio-only content

Adaptable Content

• Logical reading order
• Programmatically determined structure
• Instructions don't rely on sensory characteristics

Distinguishable Content

• Color contrast ratio of 4.5:1 (normal text)
• Color contrast ratio of 3:1 (large text, 18pt+)
• Color not used as only means of conveying information
• Text resizable to 200% without loss of functionality

2. Operable Interface

Keyboard Accessible

• All functionality available via keyboard
• No keyboard traps
• Keyboard shortcuts don't conflict with assistive technology

Enough Time

• Users can turn off, adjust, or extend time limits
• No automatically updating content without user control
• Warnings before timeouts

Seizures and Physical Reactions

• Nothing flashes more than 3 times per second
• No content causes seizures or physical reactions

Navigable

• Skip navigation links
• Descriptive page titles
• Logical focus order
• Link purpose clear from context
• Multiple ways to find pages
• Clear headings and labels
• Visible keyboard focus

Input Modalities

• Functionality available through various inputs
• Motion actuation has alternative
• Target size sufficient (24×24 pixels minimum)

3. Understandable Information

Readable

• Language of page programmatically determined
• Language of parts identified
• Unusual words explained
• Abbreviations expanded

Predictable

• Consistent navigation across pages
• Consistent identification of components
• No unexpected context changes
• Changes requested by user

Input Assistance

• Error identification
• Labels and instructions provided
• Error suggestions offered
• Error prevention for legal/financial transactions

4. Robust Content

Compatible

• Valid HTML markup
• Name, role, value for all UI components
• Status messages programmatically determined
• Compatible with assistive technologies

Implementation Roadmap

Phase 1: Assessment (Months 1-2)

Inventory

• List all websites and web applications
• Identify all documents (PDFs, Word, Excel)
• Catalog software and mobile apps
• Document third-party tools

Audit

• Automated accessibility testing
• Manual testing with assistive technology
• User testing with people with disabilities
• Document all issues by severity

Prioritization

• Critical issues (keyboard traps, missing alt text)
• High-priority pages (homepage, forms, services)
• Frequently used features
• Public-facing content

Phase 2: Remediation (Months 3-6)

Quick Wins

• Add missing alt text
• Fix color contrast issues
• Add form labels
• Improve heading structure

Structural Changes

• Implement skip navigation
• Fix keyboard navigation
• Add ARIA labels where needed
• Ensure logical tab order

Content Updates

• Rewrite unclear instructions
• Simplify complex language
• Add captions to videos
• Create transcripts for audio

Phase 3: Documentation (Month 7)

Accessibility Statement

• Conformance level achieved
• Known limitations
• Contact information
• Alternative access methods
• Date of statement

Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)

• Required for federal procurement
• Documents Section 508 conformance
• Must be completed by vendor
• Regularly updated

Testing Documentation

• Testing methodology
• Tools used
• Issues found and resolved
• Ongoing monitoring plan

Phase 4: Training (Month 8)

Content Creators

• Writing accessible content
• Creating accessible documents
• Adding alt text to images
• Structuring content with headings

Developers

• Semantic HTML
• ARIA best practices
• Keyboard navigation
• Testing with assistive technology

Procurement Officers

• Reviewing VPATs
• Accessibility requirements in RFPs
• Vendor evaluation criteria

Phase 5: Ongoing Monitoring (Ongoing)

Regular Testing

• Quarterly automated scans
• Annual manual audits
• User testing sessions
• Complaint tracking and resolution

Continuous Improvement

• Review new content before publishing
• Test new features for accessibility
• Update policies and procedures
• Stay current with standards

Testing Procedures

Automated Testing Tools

Recommended Tools:

• axe DevTools: Browser extension, comprehensive checks
• WAVE: Visual feedback on accessibility issues
• Pa11y: Command-line tool for CI/CD integration
• Lighthouse: Built into Chrome DevTools

Limitations: Automated tools catch only 30-40% of accessibility issues. Manual testing is essential.

Manual Testing Checklist

Keyboard Navigation

• Tab through entire page
• All interactive elements reachable
• Focus indicator visible
• No keyboard traps
• Logical tab order

Screen Reader Testing

• Test with NVDA (Windows)
• Test with JAWS (Windows)
• Test with VoiceOver (Mac)
• All content announced correctly
• Images have appropriate alt text
• Form labels associated correctly

Visual Testing

• Color contrast meets requirements
• Text resizable to 200%
• Content reflows at 320px width
• No information conveyed by color alone

Content Testing

• Headings in logical order
• Links descriptive out of context
• Forms have clear labels and instructions
• Error messages are clear and helpful

User Testing

Recruit Participants:

• People who use screen readers
• People with low vision
• People with motor disabilities
• People with cognitive disabilities

Testing Protocol:

• Real-world tasks
• Think-aloud method
• Note pain points and successes
• Prioritize issues by impact

Common Section 508 Violations

1. Missing Alt Text

Problem: Images without alternative text Impact: Screen reader users can't access content Solution: Add descriptive alt text to all images

2. Poor Color Contrast

Problem: Text doesn't meet 4.5:1 contrast ratio Impact: Low vision users can't read content Solution: Adjust colors to meet contrast requirements

3. Keyboard Traps

Problem: Users can't navigate away from element Impact: Keyboard users stuck on page Solution: Ensure all elements are keyboard accessible

4. Unlabeled Form Fields

Problem: Form inputs lack associated labels Impact: Screen reader users don't know what to eSolution: Use label elements or aria-label

5. Inaccessible PDFs

Problem: PDFs are scanned images or untagged Impact: Screen readers can't read content Solution: Create tagged, accessible PDFs

6. Missing Captions

Problem: Videos lack captions Impact: Deaf users can't access content Solution: Add accurate, synchronized captions

7. Unclear Link Text

Problem: "Click here" or "Read more" links Impact: Context unclear for screen reader users Solution: Use descriptive link text

Procurement and Vendor Management

Including Accessibility in RFPs

Required Language: "All deliverables must conform to Section 508 standards and WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Vendor must provide a completed VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) with proposal."

Evaluation Criteria:

• VPAT completeness and accuracy (20%)
• Demonstrated accessibility expertise (15%)
• Testing and quality assurance process (15%)
• Remediation timeline and process (10%)

Reviewing VPATs

Red Flags:

• "Supports with exceptions" without explanation
• Vague or incomplete responses
• No testing methodology described
• Old VPAT version or outdated standards

Green Flags:

• Specific conformance levels stated
• Clear explanations of limitations
• Recent testing date
• References WCAG 2.1 or 2.2

Contract Requirements

Include:

• Specific accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA)
• Testing requirements
• Remediation timelines
• Ongoing support and updates
• Training for staff
• Penalties for non-compliance

Enforcement and Consequences

Complaint Process

1. User files complaint with agency
2. Agency investigates (30-60 days)
3. Remediation required if violation found
4. Follow-up to ensure compliance

Legal Consequences

• Civil rights complaints
• Department of Justice investigations
• Lawsuits under Rehabilitation Act
• Loss of federal funding
• Damage to reputation

Recent Enforcement Actions

• Department of Education (2024): Required to remediate 50+ websites
• State DMV (2023): $2.5 million settlement for inaccessible online services
• Federal Agency (2025): Consent decree requiring ongoing monitoring

Resources for Government Agencies

Official Resources

• Section508.gov: Official government resource
• Access Board: Regulatory guidance
• GSA Government-wide Section 508 Program: Tools and training
• Digital.gov: Best practices and case studies

Testing Tools

• Trusted Tester: Federal certification program
• ANDI: Free testing tool from SSA
• Color Contrast Analyzer: Free tool for contrast checking

Training

• Section 508 University: Free online courses
• Trusted Tester Certification: Federal testing program
• DHS Section 508 Training: Comprehensive curriculum

Case Studies

Success Story: Social Security Administration

Challenge: 1,000+ web pages, complex forms Approach: Phased remediation, user testing, staff training Result: 95% WCAG 2.1 AA conformance, improved user satisfaction

Success Story: State of California

Challenge: Multiple agencies, inconsistent standards Approach: Statewide accessibility policy, centralized training Result: Standardized approach, reduced complaints by 60%

Conclusion

Section 508 compliance is not just a legal requirement—it's a commitment to equal access for all citizens. By following this guide and implementing accessibility best practices, government organizations can ensure their digital services are available to everyone.

Ready to achieve Section 508 compliance? Start with a comprehensive accessibility audit to identify gaps and create a prioritized remediation plan.