Section 508, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 508 Compliance and the web, Americans with Disabilities Act - what are these things? You hear these terms volleyed about, but what are people referring to?

Let’s start with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by Federal agencies, programs receiving Federal financial assistance, in Federal employment, and in the employment practices of Federal contractors. In 1998, the Rehabilitation Act was revised to require Federal agencies to ensure that all electronic and information technology that is developed, maintained, procured or used by the Federal government must be accessible to people with disabilities. Therefore, Federal agencies must ensure that disabled citizens have comparable access to technology as those without disabilities. This is known as Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Section 508 provides criteria specific to each of the various types of technologies, including:

• software applications and operating systems
• web-based information or applications
• telecommunication products
• video and multimedia products
• self-contained, closed products (e.g., information kiosks, calculators, and fax machines)
• desktop and portable computers

Basically, if it is an electronic medium, it has to be accessible for those with disabilities.

Where to go for information

If you are a web designer or developer creating a site for the Federal government, you are required to ensure that the site is 508 compliant. In my research I have found that even developers not creating sites for the Federal government are still commited to ensuring 508 compliance as best practice habits.

There are several places to go for information on this topic. Two of the best resources I have found are:

• the Section 508 website - this website provides the details to Section 508, as well as Frequently Asked Questions, a listing of Tech Tools that are available, some tips on evaluating your own software, and more.
• the W3 Consortium - The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is an international community that develops standards to ensure the long-term growth of the Web. More specifically, the W3C is known for its Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). Its mission is to provide strategies, guidelines, and resources to make the Web accessible to people with disabilities The WAI is known for: guidelines widely regarded as the international standard for Web accessibility, support materials to help understand and implement Web accessibility, and resources through international collaboration.

Tools That Support 508 Compliance

The W3 Consortium provides an extensive list of tools that support Section 508 and a description of these tools. This is a must see list for anyone interested in 508 compliance.

Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act at any of the above mentioned websites.