Section 508: Accessibility for US Federal Agencies and Their Vendors

The Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act is the key legal requirement for accessibility of information and communication technology (ICT) within the US federal government. It requires federal agencies to make their digital offerings accessible to both employees and the public. In 2026, compliance with these standards is mandatory for any company supplying software, web services, or IT solutions to the US government.

Who Must Comply with Section 508?

Federal Agencies and Government Institutions

Primarily, the law applies to all departments and agencies of the US federal government. The goal is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same access to information and data as everyone else. This is a critical component of digital inclusion in the United States.

Private Companies as Vendors

If you are a private company providing products or services to a US agency, these must be Section 508-compliant. Proof of compliance is often required via a VPAT document (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) as part of the procurement process. Companies that cannot demonstrate accessibility are excluded from lucrative government contracts.

Technical Standards and Harmonization

Alignment with WCAG

Since the “Section 508 Refresh,” the standard has been closely aligned with international guidelines. Meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements covers the main technical demands of Section 508 for web content. This ensures global comparability and simplifies implementation for the US market.

Accessible Software and Interfaces

Section 508 goes beyond web content. It also covers software interfaces, documents, and hardware. For WordPress projects, this means that the entire user interface (UI) must be designed to be fully operable via keyboard, among other accessibility requirements.

MH-Accessibility Pro: Supporting Section 508 Compliance

Our plugin provides the tools necessary to efficiently integrate strict Section 508 requirements into your WordPress site while improving the user experience:

• Precise Keyboard Navigation: Meet operability requirements without a mouse using a clearly visible focus outline that indicates the active element.
• Visual Perception: Use High Contrast to ensure text and controls are clearly visible for visually impaired users.
• Cognitive Support: Features like the Reading Mask help users focus on information, as discussed in our article ADHD on the Web – How to Stop Visual Distractions.
• Inclusive Design: Tools such as Dyslexia Mode reduce reading barriers. More details in our guide Dyslexia and Digital Accessibility.
• Documented Legal Compliance: Use the Statement Generator to professionally document your website’s accessibility status for US agencies.

Conclusion: The Standard for Government Contracts in 2026

Section 508 sets the benchmark for the US government market. A fully accessible digital infrastructure is not a bonus but a business-critical requirement for B2G companies. With MH-Accessibility Pro, you secure access to this market while meeting the highest international accessibility standards.

Planning to work with US federal agencies? Legally protect your web projects and adopt proven Section 508 standards. View Pricing