Section 508 is an integral part of VA’s business processes, and the Section 508 Office supports this initiative by developing policies, delivering training, interpreting new requirements, auditing, and consulting on projects and with personnel across VA. We aim to assist VA personnel with complying with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and implementing policy contained in VA Directive 6221, Accessible ICT.
This website contains procedures and guidelines to ensure VA’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities. VA personnel will also find guidance for managing administrative complaints and responding to reporting requirements. Implementing procedures will ensure all VA personnel with disabilities have access to and use of ICT to perform assigned functions consistent with Section 508.
Overview
Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology (IT), make new opportunities available for people with disabilities, and encourage technology development to help achieve these goals. VA considers ICT accessibility a priority for all customers—internal and external.
The original Section 508 standards served as VA’s accessibility compliance guideline. Consequently, VA, along with all other federal government agencies, moved to ensure any ICT developed, procured, maintained, or used on or after June 21, 2001, conformed to Section 508 standards. The federal government’s “Revised 508 Standards,” commonly called “Section 508 Refresh” or simply “the Refresh,” updated the original standards and took effect March 21, 2017. VA standards align with the 2017 update.
Section 508 — The Law
Summary of the law
- Chapter 2 of the law offers an overview of Section 508 compliance standards and enforcement processes, including historical background information.
- On August 7, 1998, President Clinton signed into law the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-220), which includes the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1973 U.S.C.794 (d). Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to ensure employees with disabilities have access to, and use of, information and data comparable to that by employees without disabilities when agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use ICT (unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency).
- This law directed the United States Access Board (Access Board) to develop ICT Accessibility Standards, which were published in the Federal Register on December 21, 2000. The law also provides an administrative compliance process to enforce accessibility standards for ICT products procured by a federal entity on or after the effective date.
- In July 2010, the Access Board began refreshing Section 508 standards to reflect current, multifunctional technology. The Access Board adopted Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 success criteria and conformance core requirements in the revised Section 508 standards. These standards apply to web content, forms, applications, non-web software, hardware, telecommunications equipment user interfaces, electronic documents, and other content. These core requirements are supplemented with other consensus standards and guidelines that address specific ICT areas, including those applicable to telecommunications equipment and PDF accessibility. Other consensus standards and guidelines may be found on the VA Web Governance website. Additional standards and guidelines will be added as they are developed.
Enforcement and Effective Date
- Section 508 established an administrative process where individuals with disabilities, both internal and external, can file a complaint alleging a federal agency has not complied with Section 508 standards. This process uses the same administrative complaint procedures that cover access to federally funded programs and services. It provides injunctive relief to the prevailing party but does not provide compensatory or punitive damages. Individuals may also file a civil action against an agency. Section 508 enforcement provisions took effect June 21, 2001.
- The Section 508 Refresh was finalized and published in the Federal Register on January 18, 2017. The compliance date for the newly published Section 508 standards was January 18, 2018.
- The Refresh provides that a limited number of “legacy ICT technologies” do not have to meet the new standards if they were compliant on January 18, 2018, and not altered after that date. Specifically, any ICT that has not been altered after January 18, 2018, does not have to meet the Refresh standards. Note: Legacy when referencing ICT carries a different meaning than when used to reference VA software projects.
- Any ICT currently under active development or modified on or after January 18, 2018, must meet the Refresh standards.
VA Section 508 Training
VA’s Section 508 Office provides Section 508 training for individual job functions and provides specific guidance on addressing standards. Formats include web-based training, interactive webinars, and individualized instruction.
Section 508 training courses are detailed on VA’s Section 508 Office intranet ()VA Staff only.
