Section 508 is a significant legislation that enforces the equitable use of information and communication technology by individuals with disabilities. This law applies directly to federal agencies, mandating that they provide disabled employees and the public with access to their technology on par with the access provided to others. The law demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can fully participate in our digital society.
This legislation, however, recognizes the potential for undue burden on agencies. The provision of equal access is not absolute, and the law allows exceptions if compliance imposes a significant difficulty or expense on the agency. The determination of what constitutes an ‘undue burden’ is subjective and depends on the resources and circumstances of individual agencies. However, agencies are encouraged to meet as many Section 508 standards as possible, even when an undue burden is declared.
