Laws and Policy Quick Reference Guide

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head>  <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="robots" content="index, follow">  <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="True"> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="320"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">  <title>Laws and Policy Quick Reference Guide | Section508.gov</title> <meta property="og:title" content="Section508.gov"> <meta name="description" content="Information about the Section508.gov website, GSA’s Government-wide IT Accessibility Team, and guidance to Federal agencies on accessible information and communication technology (ICT)."> <meta property="og:description" content="Information about the Section508.gov website, GSA’s Government-wide IT Accessibility Team, and guidance to Federal agencies on accessible information and communication technology (ICT)."> <meta property="og:image" content="https://assets.section508.gov/files/images/social-media-og-image.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://assets.section508.gov/files/images/social-media-og-image.jpg" />  <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary" /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Section508.gov" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Information about the Section508.gov website, GSA’s Government-wide IT Accessibility Team, and guidance to Federal agencies on accessible information and communication technology (ICT)." /> <meta property="og:type" content="article"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies/quick-reference-guide/" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies/quick-reference-guide/" />   <link rel="shortcut icon" type="image/ico" href="/assets/images/favicon.ico" /> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="/assets/images/favicon.ico" /> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="192x192" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-192x192.png" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon.png" /> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/assets/images/favicon-32x32.png" /> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="/assets/images/favicon-16x16.png" /> <link rel="manifest" href="/assets/images/site.webmanifest" />  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/assets/css/index.css?1732224641581990839"> <script src="https://code.jquery.com/jquery-3.6.0.js" integrity="sha256-H+K7U5CnXl1h5ywQfKtSj8PCmoN9aaq30gDh27Xc0jk=" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <script src="/assets/js/uswds-init.min.js?1732224641581990839"></script>  <meta name="topic" content="Law (law)"> <meta name="sub-topic" content="Accessibility Law & Policy"> <meta name="audience" content="federal employee (fedemp), 508 Program Manager (508pm), Lawmakers and Policy Officials (law-policy), Chief Information Officer (cio), Information Technology Program and Project Managers (itpm)"> <meta name="resource-type" content="Long form article"> <meta name="format" content="HTML (html)"> </head> <body> <section aria-label="Official Government Site Banner" class="page-landing-page layout-demo "> <a class="usa-skipnav" href="#main-content">Skip to secondary navigation</a> <a class="usa-skipnav" href="#content-section">Skip to main content</a> <div class="usa-banner" aria-label="Official website of the United States government" > <div class="usa-accordion"> <header class="usa-banner__header"> <div class="usa-banner__inner"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <img aria-hidden="true" class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="/assets/img/us_flag_small.png" alt="U.S. flag" /> </div> <div class="grid-col-fill tablet:grid-col-auto" aria-hidden="true"> <p class="usa-banner__header-text"> An official website of the United States government </p> <p class="usa-banner__header-action">Here’s how you know</p> </div> <button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner-default" > <span class="usa-banner__button-text">Here’s how you know</span> </button> </div> </header> <div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner-default" hidden="" > <div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg"> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/assets/img/icon-dot-gov.svg" role="img" alt="Dot gov" aria-hidden="true" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong>Official websites use .gov</strong><br />A <strong>.gov</strong> website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. </p> </div> </div> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/assets/img/icon-https.svg" role="img" alt="Https" aria-hidden="true" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong>Secure .gov websites use HTTPS</strong><br />A <strong>lock</strong> ( <span class="icon-lock" ><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="52" height="64" viewBox="0 0 52 64" class="usa-banner__lock-image" role="img" aria-labelledby="banner-lock-description-default" focusable="false" > <title id="banner-lock-title-default">Lock</title> <desc id="banner-lock-description-default">Locked padlock icon</desc> <path fill="#000000" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M26 0c10.493 0 19 8.507 19 19v9h3a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v28a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H4a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V32a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h3v-9C7 8.507 15.507 0 26 0zm0 8c-5.979 0-10.843 4.77-10.996 10.712L15 19v9h22v-9c0-6.075-4.925-11-11-11z" /> </svg> </span >) or <strong>https://</strong> means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <button id="backtotop" title="Go to top" style="display: none">˄ Top</button> <div class="usa-overlay"></div> </section> <header class="usa-header usa-header--extended" role="banner"> <div class="usa-navbar"> <div class="usa-logo" id="extended-logo"> <span><a href="/" onclick="return navigate(this)"> <img src="/assets/images/508-logo-cropped-web-altgreen.png" alt="Section508.gov Home; GSA logo with text: Section508.gov Buy. Build. Be Accessible." class="logo" /> </a></span> </div> <button class="usa-menu-btn">Menu</button> </div> <nav id="site-nav" role="navigation" class="usa-nav" aria-label="Primary Site Navigation"> <div class="usa-nav__inner"> <button class="usa-nav__close"><img alt="close" src="/assets/img/close.svg"></button> <ul class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion"> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <a aria-label="Policy & Management primary navigation" class="usa-nav__link usa-current" onclick="return navigate(this)" href="/manage/"><span>Policy & Management</span></a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <a aria-label="Acquisition primary navigation" class="usa-nav__link" onclick="return navigate(this)" href="/buy-sell/"><span>Acquisition</span></a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <a aria-label="Content Creation primary navigation" class="usa-nav__link" onclick="return navigate(this)" href="/create/"><span>Content Creation</span></a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <a aria-label="Design & Develop primary navigation" class="usa-nav__link" onclick="return navigate(this)" href="/develop/"><span>Design & Develop</span></a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <a aria-label="Testing primary navigation" class="usa-nav__link" onclick="return navigate(this)" href="/test/"><span>Testing</span></a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <a aria-label="Training, Tools & Events primary navigation" class="usa-nav__link" onclick="return navigate(this)" href="/training/"><span>Training, Tools & Events</span></a> </li> </ul> <div class="usa-nav__secondary"> <ul class="usa-nav__secondary-links"> <li class="usa-nav__secondary-item"> <a href="/blog/" class="external-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Blogs & Updates</a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__secondary-item"> <a href="/tools/program-manager-listing/" class="external-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">My Agency’s 508 PM</a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__secondary-item"> <a href="/content/about-us/" class="external-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">About Us</a> </li> </ul> <form id="search_form" class="usa-search usa-search--small" action="https://search.usa.gov/search" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="get"> <input name="utf8" type="hidden" value="✓" /> <input name="affiliate" type="hidden" value="gsa-section508-accessibility" /> <div role="search"> <label class="usa-sr-only" for="extended-search-field-small">Search</label> <input class="usa-input usagov-search-autocomplete" id="extended-search-field-small" type="search" name="query" autocomplete="off"> <button class="usa-button primary-background-color" type="submit"><img src="/assets/img/usa-icons-bg/search--white.svg" class="usa-search__submit-icon" alt="Search" /></button> </div> </form> </div> </div> </nav> </header> <section aria-label="Page Banner" class="usa-graphic-list usa-section sml-margin bg-gradient landing-page-banner"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="tablet: grid-col"> <span class="banner-title-color font-sans-lg margin-bottom-0"> Policy & Management </span> <br /> <h1 class="text-white font-sans-xl margin-top-0 margin-bottom-0"> Laws and Policy Quick Reference Guide </h1> </div> </div> </div> </section> <div id="main-content" class="usa-layout-docs usa-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <aside class="usa-layout-docs__sidenav desktop:grid-col-3 padding-bottom-4"> <nav id="sec-nav" aria-label="Secondary Navigation"> <ul class="usa-sidenav menu"><li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/manage/" >Policy and Management</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="header-menu-text" aria-label="Management - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Management</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Manage a 508 Program - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Manage a 508 Program</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/roles/">Accessibility Roles</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/improve-digital-dashboard-scores/">Improve Digital Dashboard Accessibility Scores</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/publish-accessible-content/">Publish Accessible Content</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/teach-staff-about-accessibility/">Teach Staff about Accessibility</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/track-report-conformance/">Track and Report Conformance</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/program-manager-responsibilities/">IT Accessibility/508 Program Manager Responsibilities</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/program-roadmap/">Revised 508 Standards Roadmap</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/deia-guidance/">DEIA Accessibility Guidance</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/benefits-of-accessibility/">Practical Reasons for Digital Accessibility</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/how-508-standards-benefit-pwd/">How 508 Standards Benefit Persons With Disabilities</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Accessibility for IT Program & Project Manager - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Accessibility for IT Program & Project Manager</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/program-management/">IT Accessibility Program Management</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/identify-user-needs/">Identify User Needs</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/support-accessible-content/">Support Development of Accessible Content</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/understand-scope-technical-requirements/">Understand Content Scope and Technical Requirements</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/join-the-508-community/">Join the 508 community</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/tools/program-manager-listing/">Find your Program Manager</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/pmr/">Semi-Annual Program Maturity Report (PMR)</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="header-menu-text" aria-label="Playbooks - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Playbooks</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/">Overview</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/accessibility-playbook-quick-guide/">Quick Guide to IT Accessibility for Program Managers</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Technology Accessibility Playbook - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Technology Accessibility Playbook</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/">Introduction</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play01/">Play 1: Establish a Section 508 Program Manager</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play02/">Play 2: Assess your Section 508 Program Maturity</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play03/">Play 3: Develop a Section 508 Accessibility Roadmap</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play04/">Play 4: Establish a Section 508 Policy</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play05/">Play 5: Develop a Section 508 Program Team</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play06/">Play 6: Collaborate with the Federal Accessibility Community</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play07/">Play 7: Integrate Accessibility Needs into Requirements and Design Processes</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play08/">Play 8: Integrate Accessibility Needs into Market Research and Acquisition Processes</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play09/">Play 9: Integrate Accessibility Needs into Development Processes</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play10/">Play 10: Conduct Section 508 Testing</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play11/">Play 11: Track and Resolve Accessibility Issues</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/technology-accessibility-playbook-intro/play12/">Play 12: Educate the Workforce</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/playbooks/exec-guide-accessibility/">Executive Guide to Federal IT Accessibility</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="header-menu-text" aria-label="Law and Policy - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Law and Policy</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/">IT Accessibility Laws and Policies Overview</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/section-508-law/">Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item active usa-current "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/quick-reference-guide/">Laws and Policy Quick Reference Guide</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Website Accessibility Statements - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Website Accessibility Statements</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/website-accessibility-statement/">Developing a Website Accessibility Statement</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/implementing-public-feedback-mechanism/">Implementing a Public Feedback Mechanism</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/Section-508-complaints-best-practices/">Best Practices For Establishing And Maintaining a Formal Section 508 Complaint Process</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/update-agency-policies/">Updating Agency Policy</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/state/">State-level Accessibility Law and Policy</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/international/">International IT Accessibility Laws and Policies</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="header-menu-text" aria-label="IT Accessibility Policy Framework - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">IT Accessibility Policy Framework</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/introduction/">Introduction</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="How to Use the Framework - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">How to Use the Framework</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/how-to-use-the-framework/how-to-identify-policies/">How to Identify Policies</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/how-to-use-the-framework/evaluation-criteria/">Evaluation Criteria</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/how-to-use-the-framework/guiding-question/">Guiding Questions</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/how-to-use-the-framework/ict-accessibility-policy-matrix/">ICT Accessibility Policy Matrix</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Guidance by Policy Type - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Guidance by Policy Type</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/approach/">Approach</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/acquisition-and-procurement/">Acquisition and Procurement</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/administrative-services/">Administrative Services</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/budget-and-finance/">Budget and Finance</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/communications/">Communications</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/emergency-response/">Emergency Response</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/human-resources-management/">Human Resources Management</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/information-technology-services/">Information Technology Services</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/legal/">Legal</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/guidance-by-policy-type/real-property-management/">Real Property Management</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Resources and References - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Resources and References</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/resources-and-references/policy-review-template/">Policy Review Template</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/resources-and-references/all-policy-types-and-subtypes/">All Policy Types and Subtypes</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/resources-and-references/summary-of-summary-criteria/">Summary of Evaluation Criteria</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/resources-and-references/useful-links/">Useful Links</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/resources-and-references/list-of-acronyms/">List of Acronyms</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/policy-framework/faq/">FAQ</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" class="header-menu-text" aria-label="Annual Section 508 Assessment - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Annual Section 508 Assessment</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/">Instructions</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item list "> <a href="javascript:void(0);" aria-label="Assessment Criteria - Submenu" aria-expanded="false">Assessment Criteria</a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist items"><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-01/">General Information</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-02/">IT Accessibility Program Office</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-03/">Policies, Procedures, and Practices</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-04/">Communications</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-05/">Content Creation</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-06/">Human Capital, Culture, and Leadership</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-07/">Technology Lifecycle Activities</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-08/">Testing and Validation</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-09/">Acquisition and Procurement</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-10/">Training</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/criteria-11/">Conformance Metrics</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/faq/">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/support/">Support</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/definition-of-terms/">Definition of Terms</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item "> <a href="/manage/section-508-assessment/annual-reports/">Annual Reports</a> </li></ul> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/manage/agency-508-reporting-requirements/" >Agency Section 508 Reporting Requirements</a> </li><li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/manage/accessibility-faq/" >ICT Accessibility Frequently Asked Questions</a> </li></ul> </nav> </aside> <main class="usa-layout-docs__main desktop:grid-col-9" id="content-section"> <div class="usa-graphic-list"> <p>This guide highlights the changes you need to make to your agency’s 508 Program, to transition to the <a href="https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule">Revised 508 Standards</a>. Federal agencies are required to comply with the revised standards as of January 18, 2018.</p> <div class="grid-row"> <div class="grid-col-auto jump-links"> <strong>Jump to a Topic:</strong> <ul style="list-style-type:none; padding-left: 10px"> <li><a href="#changes">Major Changes</a></li> <li><a href="#policies">Task 1 - Update Agency Policies</a></li> <li><a href="#requirements">Task 2 - Define Accessibility Requirements</a></li> <li><a href="#language">Task 3 - Update Solicitation Language</a></li> <li><a href="#develop">Task 4 - Develop & Test for Conformance</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <h2 id="changes"> Major Changes </h2> <ul> <li>Provides guidance based on features and functionality.</li> <li>Harmonizes accessibility requirements with international standards such as <a href="http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/">Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0</a>.</li> <li>Clarifies how guidelines apply to public facing and non-public facing websites, web applications, multimedia, software, electronic documents and operating systems.</li> <li>Clarifies how software and operating systems need to work with assistive technology.</li> <li>Addresses access for people with cognitive, language, and learning disabilities.</li> <li>Provides accessibility requirements for modern hardware, software, and authoring tools.</li> <li>Clarifies guidance on allowed exceptions.</li> </ul> <p>See the <a href="/manage/program-roadmap">Revised 508 Standards Roadmap</a> to learn more.</p> <h2 id="policies"> Task 1 - Update Agency Policies </h2> <p>Update your agency policies to address the the Revised 508 Standards</p> <h3 id="whats-changing">What’s Changing?</h3> <p>Compliance with the standards is required as of January 18, 2018, except where information and communication technology (ICT) is subject to safe harbor provisions. When agencies procure, develop, maintain or use ICT, they must</p> <ul> <li>Identify needs of people with disabilities when beginning ICT efforts. (NEW)</li> <li>Ensure authoring tools support the creation of accessible content. (NEW)</li> <li>Ensure categories of internal facing electronic content are accessible. (NEW)</li> <li>Address new technical standards for electronic content, including WCAG 2.0. (Updated)</li> <li>Meet revised criteria and address new requirements when claiming exceptions. (Updated)</li> <li>Provide an alternative means of access for people with disabilities when claiming exceptions for undue burden, fundamental alteration, and best meets. (Updated)</li> <li>Address new functional performance criteria (Updated)</li> </ul> <h3 id="tools--technical-assistance">Tools & Technical Assistance</h3> <ul> <li><a href="/manage/laws-and-policies/update-agency-policies">How to Update Agency Accessibility Policies</a> - Learn which policy documents need to be updated (NEW)</li> <li><a href="/manage/identify-user-needs">How to Identify User Needs</a> - Learn how to identify user needs for ICT (NEW)</li> <li><a href="/manage/support-accessible-content">Build Organizational Support for Accessible Electronic Content</a> - Ensure your agency staff have the tools and training they need to produce accessible electronic content</li> <li><a href="/art">Accessibility Requirements Tool</a> - Automates the Revised 508 Standards Applicability Checklist; generates an accessibility reporting requirements template and customizable accessibility solicitation language. (NEW)</li> <li><a href="https://assets.section508.gov/files/508-standards-applicability-checklist.docx">Revised 508 Standards Applicability Checklist</a> (MS-Word, April 2018) - Use this checklist to document your accessibility requirements for ICT items</li> <li><a href="/buy/determine-508-standards-exceptions">Determine 508 Standards and Exceptions</a> - Step-by-step guidance on how to complete the Standards Applicability Checklist</li> </ul> <h2 id="requirements"> Task 2 - Define Accessibility Requirements </h2> <p>Prepare accessibility requirements for in-house procurement of customized and off-the-shelf ICT items.</p> <h3 id="whats-changing-1">What’s Changing?</h3> <ul> <li>All the existing 508 requirements have been revised. (Updated)</li> <li>There are new standards for electronic content, software, hardware and support services (aligned with WCAG 2.0). (Updated)</li> <li>The exceptions have been revised, as have the functional performance criteria. (Updated)</li> </ul> <h3 id="tools--technical-assistance-1">Tools & Technical Assistance</h3> <ul> <li>Cross Reference Tables - Compares the original and revised standards related to electronic content, software, and hardware. (NEW) <ul> <li><a href="https://www.access-board.gov/ict/wcag2ict.html">WCAG 2.0 Level A and Level AA Success Criteria</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/buy/request-accessibility-information">How to Request Accessibility Information from Vendors and Contractors</a> (NEW) - Learn how to communicate accessibility requirements and contract provisions to vendors (NEW); includes guidance on the <a href="https://www.itic.org/dotAsset/db71ce67-c44a-4925-8d46-f8a76c3a1db2.doc">Voluntary Product Accessibility Template 2.1</a> (MS Word), which is used by vendors to create Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) (Updated)</li> <li><a href="/buy/define-accessibility-criteria">How to Define Accessibility, Clauses, and Acceptance Criteria</a> (NEW) - Learn how to prepare solicitations, statements of work, or other procurement documents (NEW)</li> <li><a href="/art">Accessibility Requirements Tool</a> - Automates the Revised 508 Standards Applicability Checklist; generates an accessibility reporting requirements template and customizable accessibility solicitation language. (NEW)</li> <li><a href="https://assets.section508.gov/files/standards-exceptions-chart.docx" aria-label=" Downloads applicability documensts"> Revised 508 Standards Applicability Checklist</a> (MS-Word, April 2018) - Use this checklist to document your accessibility requirements for ICT items</li> <li><a href="/buy/determine-508-standards-exceptions">Determine 508 Standards and Exceptions</a> - Step-by-step guidance on how to complete the Standards Applicability Checklist</li> </ul> <h3 id="online-training">Online Training</h3> <ul> <li><a href="/training/online-course/accessible-for-executives/">Accessibility of ICT: An Overview for Government Executives</a> - A brief, high-level overview of the Revised 508 Standards, including roles and responsibilities of key Federal agency officials</li> <li><a href="/training/online-course/micro-purchases/">Micro-Purchases and Section 508 Requirements</a> - How to make micro-purchases that conform with the Revised 508 Standards</li> <li><a href="/training/online-course/procuring-section-508-conformant-ict/">Procuring Section 508 Conformant ICT Products and Services</a> – Basic overview of the Federal acquisition process with regard to procuring ICT products and services that are Section 508 conformant</li> </ul> <h2 id="language"> Task 3 - Update Solicitation Language </h2> <p>Validate that accessibility requirements and contract language are developed based on the Revised 508 Standards, for inclusion in Statements of Work and other solicitation documents.</p> <h3 id="whats-changing-2">What’s Changing?</h3> <ul> <li>Accessibility requirements definitions and related contract language must be updated to reflect the new standards. (Updated)</li> </ul> <h3 id="tools--technical-assistance-2">Tools & Technical Assistance</h3> <ul> <li><a href="/art">Accessibility Requirements Tool</a> - Automates the Revised 508 Standards Applicability Checklist; generates an accessibility reporting requirements template and customizable accessibility solicitation language. (NEW)</li> <li><a href="https://assets.section508.gov/files/standards-exceptions-chart.docx" aria-label=" Downloads word chart document"> Revised 508 Standards Applicability Checklist</a> (MS-Word, April 2018) - Use this checklist to document your accessibility requirements for ICT items</li> <li><a href="/buy/determine-508-standards-exceptions">Determine 508 Standards and Exceptions</a> - Step-by-step guidance on how to complete the Standards Applicability Checklist</li> <li><a href="/buy/request-accessibility-information">How to Request Accessibility Information from Vendors and Contractors</a> - Learn how to communicate accessibility requirements and contract provisions to vendors (NEW); includes guidance on the <a href="https://www.itic.org/dotAsset/db71ce67-c44a-4925-8d46-f8a76c3a1db2.doc">Voluntary Product Accessibility Template 2.1</a> (MS Word), which is used by vendors to create Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) (Updated)</li> <li><a href="/buy/define-accessibility-criteria">How to Define Accessibility Provisions, Clauses, and Acceptance Criteria</a> - Learn how to prepare solicitations, statements of work, or other procurement documents (NEW)</li> </ul> <h3 id="training">Training</h3> <ul> <li><a href="/training/online-course/micro-purchases/">Micro-Purchases and Section 508 Requirements</a> - How to make micro-purchases that conform with the Revised 508 Standards</li> <li><a href="/training/online-course/procuring-section-508-conformant-ict/">Procuring Section 508 Conformant ICT Products and Services</a> – Basic overview of the Federal acquisition process with regard to procuring ICT products and services that are Section 508 conformant</li> </ul> <h2 id="develop"> Task 4 - Develop & Test for Conformance </h2> <p>Incorporate the standards into agency life-cycle development activities for electronic content (including websites, software, multimedia, and electronic documents); address how your agency:</p> <ul> <li>Designs accessible electronic content;</li> <li>Authors accessible content; and</li> <li>Tests and validates content for conformance to the standards.</li> </ul> <h3 id="whats-changing-3">What’s Changing?</h3> <ul> <li>Developers and testers must conform to new technical provisions. (Updated)</li> <li>Because more types of electronic content are now covered, the universe of content creators who need to be trained on their responsibilities under the Revised 508 Standards has increased. (Updated)</li> <li>US Government 508 Testing Methodologies (Updated)</li> </ul> <h3 id="tools--technical-assistance-3">Tools & Technical Assistance</h3> <ul> <li><a href="/create/software-websites">Accessibility Resources for Developers and Authors</a> - Technical guidance and training resources for developers and content authors</li> <li>508 Trusted Tester Methodology V5.0 (Updated - coming in Spring 2018)</li> <li>Revised DHS Section 508 Trusted Tester Certification Exam top support Version 5.0 (Updated - coming in Spring 2018)</li> <li><a href="/test/documents">Accessibility Testing for Electronic Content</a> - Tools to test for conformance with the revised standards (Updated)</li> <li><a href="/manage/support-accessible-content">Build Organizational Support for Accessible Electronic Content</a> - Ensure your agency staff have the tools and training they need to produce accessible electronic content</li> <li>GSA’s Pulse Accessibility Module (.gov only) (Updated)</li> </ul> <h3 id="training-1">Training</h3> <ul> <li><a href="/training/online-course/section-508-what-is-it/">Section 508: What Is It and Why Is It Important?</a> - Introduction to Section 508 and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)</li> <li>How to Author and Validate Microsoft Word and PDF Documents for Accessibility - AED ACOP Training Video (Updated)</li> </ul> <p>Questions? Email us at <a class="mailto" href="mailto:section.508@gsa.gov">section.508@gsa.gov.</a></p> <p><strong>Page Reviewed/Updated</strong>: October 2024</p> <p> </p> </div> </main> </div> </div> </div> <footer class="usa-footer__primary-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap padding-bottom-4"> <div class="desktop:grid-col-4"> <p class="text-bold">Government-wide Initiatives</p> <ul class="add-list-reset line-height-sans-6"> <li> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/technology/government-it-initiatives/digital-strategy" target="_blank" onclick="return navigate(this)">Digital Strategy</a></li> <li> <a href="https://www.plainlanguage.gov/" target="_blank" onclick="return navigate(this)">Plain Language </a></li> <li> <a href="https://designsystem.digital.gov/" target="_blank" onclick="return navigate(this)"> U.S. Web Design System </a></li> <li> <a href="https://www.cio.gov/about/members-and-leadership/accessibility-cop/" target="_blank" onclick="return navigate(this)"> CIO Council Accessibility Community of Practice (ACOP)</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="desktop:grid-col-2"> <p class="text-bold">Organization</p> <ul class="add-list-reset line-height-sans-6"> <li> <a href="/about-us/" aria-label="About Us in Organization" onclick="return navigate(this)"> About Us</a></li> <li> <a aria-label="Contact Us details" href="/contact-us/" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Contact Us</a></li> <li><a href="/contributors/" aria-label="Section508.gov site Contributors" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Contributors</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="desktop:grid-col-3"> <p class="text-bold">Tools</p> <ul class="add-list-reset line-height-sans-6"> <li> <a href="/art/" aria-label="Accessibility Requirements Tool" onclick="return navigate(this)"> ART</a></li> <li> <a href="/buy/solicitation-review-tool" aria-label="Solicitation Review Tool" onclick="return navigate(this)"> SRT</a></li> <li> <a href="/content/guide-accessible-web-design-development" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Developer Guide</a></li> <li> <a href="https://digitaldashboard.gov/" target="_blank" onclick="return navigate(this)"> DigitalDashboard.gov</a></li> <li> <a href="https://analytics.usa.gov/" target="_blank" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Analytics.usa.gov</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="desktop:grid-col-3"> <p class="text-bold">Resources</p> <ul class="add-list-reset line-height-sans-6"> <li> <a href="/content/glossary" aria-label="Glossary for Section508" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Glossary</a></li> <li> <a href="/website-policies" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Website Policies</a></li> <li> <a href="/tools/program-manager-listing/" onclick="return navigate(this)"> Find Your Section 508 Program Manager</a></li> <li><a href="/manage/join-the-508-community/" onclick="return navigate(this)">Join the Community(Listserv)</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </footer> <div class="usa-identifier"> <section class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--masthead" aria-label="Agency identifier," > <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <div class="usa-identifier__logos"> <a href="https://gsa.gov" class="usa-identifier__logo" onclick="return navigate(this)"> <img class="usa-identifier__logo-img" alt="General Services Administration Logo" src="/assets/images/logos/gsa-logo.png"> </a> </div> <div class="usa-identifier__identity"> <p class="usa-identifier__identity-domain">Section508.gov</p> <p class="usa-identifier__identity-disclaimer"> An official website of the <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/" onclick="return navigate(this)">General Services Administration</a> </p> </div> </div> </section> <nav class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--required-links" aria-label="Important links,," > <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <ul class="usa-identifier__required-links-list"> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/about-us" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">About GSA</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/website-information/accessibility-aids" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Accessibility statement</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/reference/freedom-of-information-act-foia" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">FOIA requests</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/reference/civil-rights-programs/notification-and-federal-employee-antidiscrimination-and-retaliation-act-of-2002" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">No FEAR Act data</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsaig.gov/" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Office of the Inspector General</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/reference/reports/budget-performance" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Performance reports</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/website-information/website-policies" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Privacy policy</a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a href="/website-policies/#reuse-and-copyright" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Reuse and Copyright</a> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> <section class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--usagov" aria-label="U.S. government information and services,," > <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <div class="usa-identifier__usagov-description"> Looking for U.S. government information and services? </div> <a href="https://www.usa.gov/" class="usa-link" onclick="return navigate(this)">Visit USA.gov</a> </div> </section> </div>  <script id="_fed_an_ua_tag" src="https://dap.digitalgov.gov/Universal-Federated-Analytics-Min.js?agency=GSA"></script> <script src="/assets/js/uswds.min.js?1732224641581990839"></script> <script src="/assets/js/app.js?1732224641581990839"></script> <script> $(document).ready(function(){ // Check if the user already dismissed alert banner if (window.localStorage.getItem('dismiss_alert')) { $('#alert_banner').hide(); } $("#dismiss_alert").click(function(){ // Save on LocalStorage window.localStorage.setItem('dismiss_alert', true); $('#alert_banner').hide(); }); }); </script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Laws and Policy Quick Reference Guide | Section508.gov