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Section 508 Resources

SAMHSA's Section 508 Resources

What is Section 508?

"Section 508" is an amendment to the Workforce Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that was signed into law in 1998. The law requires that all electronic and information technology (EIT) that is developed or purchased by Federal Agencies be accessible to people with disabilities provided that it does not create an undue burden on the agency. Sample EIT consists of hardware, software, World Wide Web sites, etc. Section 508 provides accessibility standards that must be followed for all EIT. The enforcement of Section 508 began in June of 2001.

Who does it apply to?

Section 508 applies to all Federal Agencies that develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Under Section 508, Federal Agencies must give employees and members of the public with disabilities access to information that is comparable to the access available to others without disabilities.

Note: No electronic and information technology will be purchased or posted to the Web if it is not Section 508-compliant.

Latest Updates

Last Update: 09/30/2009