Section 508

Definition

Section 508 refers to a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that requires federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. This includes ensuring that digital content, such as websites and software applications, is usable by individuals with various disabilities, thereby promoting inclusivity and equal access to information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Section 508 was amended in 1998 to strengthen accessibility requirements for federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding.
2. The guidelines under Section 508 align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide detailed standards for web accessibility.
3. Section 508 applies not only to websites but also to software applications, mobile apps, and electronic documents, expanding the scope of accessible technology.
4. Compliance with Section 508 is mandatory for federal agencies; failure to comply can result in legal action and loss of funding.
5. Section 508 has influenced accessibility standards beyond the federal sector, encouraging private organizations to adopt similar practices in their digital content.

Review Questions

• How does Section 508 impact the creation and management of digital archives?
  • Section 508 significantly impacts digital archives by mandating that all electronic information be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This means that archives must ensure their websites and digital content adhere to accessibility standards, allowing all users, regardless of their abilities, to access historical documents and resources. Compliance fosters an inclusive environment where everyone can participate in the preservation and exploration of lost stories.
• Evaluate the relationship between Section 508 and Universal Design principles in digital archive projects.
  • Section 508 aligns closely with Universal Design principles as both advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in digital content. While Section 508 sets specific legal requirements for federal entities, Universal Design emphasizes creating products usable by everyone from the outset. By applying Universal Design principles in digital archive projects, organizations can go beyond mere compliance with Section 508, resulting in more intuitive and user-friendly experiences that benefit all users.
• Critique the effectiveness of Section 508 in addressing the challenges posed by the Digital Divide among users accessing digital archives.
  • While Section 508 serves as a critical framework for making digital content accessible, its effectiveness in bridging the Digital Divide is mixed. Although it mandates accessibility for federal resources, it does not address broader socioeconomic factors that prevent some individuals from accessing technology altogether. To truly overcome the Digital Divide in the context of digital archives, additional efforts are needed, such as increasing internet access and providing necessary technology to underserved communities. Therefore, while Section 508 lays important groundwork for accessibility, it must be part of a larger strategy that addresses underlying disparities.

Related terms

Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities, ensuring they can use them effectively.

Digital Divide: The gap between individuals who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not, often due to socioeconomic factors.

Universal Design: The concept of designing products and environments to be usable by all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.