Section 508 requires federal agencies to make ICT accessible when they develop, procure, maintain, or use it, unless undue burden applies.
Summary
What are Section 508 requirements for federal IT products? Section 508 requires federal agencies to make ICT accessible when they develop, procure, maintain, or use it, unless undue burden applies.
According to Section508.gov, Section 508 applies when a federal department or agency, including the United States Postal Service, develops, procures, maintains, or uses electronic and information technology. The statute requires access to information and data that is comparable for federal employees with disabilities and for members of the public seeking information or services, unless the agency would face an undue burden. Section508.gov also states that the Section 508 Standards contain the scoping and technical requirements for ICT purchased, built, maintained, or used by federal agencies. In practice, agencies must determine which standards apply and whether any exception applies before they buy or build technology. If meeting the standards would impose an undue burden, the agency must provide alternative means of access to the information and data involved. For acquisition and development teams, the practical sequence is to inventory the ICT, determine exceptions, and then determine which standards apply.
List the information and communication technology in scope for the project.
Check whether any Section 508 exception applies to the item or project.
Match the applicable Section 508 Standards to the procurement or development effort.
An undue burden does not remove the access obligation. Section 508 says the agency must provide alternative means of access to the information and data involved.