What is Section 508?

1. What is Section 508?

Section 508 is part of a U.S. law (the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) that says any technology used by the federal government—like websites, apps, or software—must be accessible to people with disabilities. It’s been around since 1998 and got a big update in 2017 to keep up with modern tech.

In plain terms, it’s about making sure government websites work for everyone—whether they’re blind, deaf, or can’t use a mouse. Think of it as a rulebook for fairness in the digital world.

2. Does This Apply to My Small Business?

If you’re not selling directly to the federal government, Section 508 doesn’t legally require you to follow it. But here’s the catch: if you’re a vendor, contractor, or partner with a government agency (even indirectly), they might expect your website to meet these standards. Plus, it’s a good benchmark for accessibility anyway!

Real-World Example: Imagine you run a catering business. If a federal office wants to hire you and checks your menu online, but it’s not accessible, you could lose that contract.

3. What Does Section 508 Require?

Section 508 uses guidelines (aligned with WCAG 2.0, Level AA—more on that later) to make websites usable. Here’s what it looks like in everyday terms:

• Screen reader friendly: Blind users need text descriptions for images (like "Photo of a red velvet cake") so software can read it aloud.
• Keyboard access: Someone who can’t use a mouse should navigate your site with just a keyboard.
• Clear visuals: Text and buttons need strong contrast—like black on white—so low-vision users can see them.
• Captions: Videos need subtitles for deaf users to follow along.

Real-World Example: A federal worker who’s deaf wants to watch your promo video about office supplies. Without captions, they’re left out—and your bid might get skipped.

4. How is it Different from ADA or WCAG?

Section 508 is specific to federal government stuff, while the ADA applies to all public businesses. WCAG is a set of global guidelines that both can use. Section 508 basically says, "Follow WCAG 2.0 AA rules if you’re working with us." It’s narrower but still overlaps with broader accessibility goals.

Key Point: Even if Section 508 doesn’t apply to you, meeting its standards helps with ADA compliance and makes your site better for everyone.

5. Why Should You Care?

Beyond winning government contracts, Section 508 is a wake-up call. About 1 in 4 Americans have a disability, and an accessible site reaches them all. Plus, if you ignore accessibility, you risk complaints—or even lawsuits under other laws like the ADA.

Real-World Example: A small print shop lost a deal with a local VA office because their online order form didn’t work with a screen reader. A competitor who followed Section 508 got the job.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple sites can miss Section 508. Watch out for:

• No image text: A picture of your storefront with no description is invisible to blind users.
• Mouse-only design: If your "Buy Now" button needs a click, keyboard users can’t shop.
• Low contrast: Pale text on a light background fails visibility rules.

7. How to Make Your Site Section 508-Friendly

You don’t need to be a tech expert to start. Here’s a simple plan:

• Check your site: Use free tools like WAVE (webaim.org) to find problems.
• Fix the basics: Add image descriptions (alt text), test with a keyboard, and improve colors.
• Get help: A web designer or accessibility tool can do the tricky parts.

Real-World Example: A bookkeeping service added alt text to their charts (e.g., "Bar graph of tax savings"). A federal client noticed and hired them over a less accessible rival.

8. The Benefits of Following Section 508

Meeting Section 508 opens doors to government business—think schools, libraries, or agencies. It also boosts your site’s usability for all customers and can improve your Google ranking. Plus, it’s a great way to show you’re inclusive.

Real-World Example: A craft store followed Section 508, won a contract with a national park gift shop, and saw more online sales from regular customers, too.

9. Questions?

Not sure how Section 508 fits your business? Reach out to us at [email protected]—we’ll break it down for you!