When U.S. businesses explore accessibility compliance they doubt if Section 508 compliance standards apply to private businesses or is it only for federal agencies.
Digital accessibility laws in the U.S. can feel confusing. While Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act was originally written for federal agencies but its impact goes much further in 2025.
Keep reading to find out what Section 508 means, who it applies to, and why private businesses should care. You should be considerate about it even if the law doesn’t technically require you to comply.
What Is Section 508 Compliance?
Section 508 is a rule under the Rehabilitation Act that was created back in 1973. It makes sure federal agencies keep their technology accessible to everyone. This means all your digital content is easy to use for all.
Does Section 508 Apply to Private Businesses?
Section 508 technically applies only to federal agencies and organizations that do business with them.
- Yes, it applies if you are a federal agency or a contractor/vendor that provides technology, digital platforms or software to the government.
- No, it does not directly apply if you are a private business that has no federal contracts or partnerships.
However, the catch is that many private businesses still choose to meet Section 508 standards because they want to sell products or services to the federal government in the future.
Section 508 compliance testing is based on WCAG 2.1/2.2 standards. These standards overlap with ADA compliance expectations. So if you want to prevent ADA lawsuits, you should consider 508 compliance for your private business also.
What is the difference between Section 508 compliance requirements and ADA?
Section 508 technically applies to federal agencies and contractors and ADA applies to public and private businesses in the U.S. It covers physical accessibility and digital accessibility.
Both these standards expect digital platforms to be accessible.
Why should private businesses care about Section 508 compliance guidelines?
Even though private companies may not be legally required to follow Section 508, there are several reasons to care:
Preparing for Government Contracts
If you ever want to sell to the federal government, you’ll need to prove your products and services are Section 508 compliant.
ADA Lawsuits Are on the Rise
Between January and June of 2024, 1,467 website accessibility lawsuits were filed under the ADA. Serial litigants target private businesses for inaccessible websites. Following Section 508 standards helps businesses avoid similar legal risks.
Brand Reputation & Inclusivity
Customers pay close attention to how businesses treat accessibility. When a company makes its digital platforms usable, it shows real care and responsibility. This commitment doesn’t go unnoticed. It strengthens trust and improves brand image so you stand out as genuinely customer-first.
How Do I Test My Website for Section 508 Compliance?
Section 508 compliance testing covers both automated scans and manual reviews. Tools can detect common accessibility issues but manual testing by experts is required to catch real-world problems like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, logical reading order
And accessible PDFs and documents.
This is where you need real support from accessibility providers like ADACP. This agency can make your digital products section 508 compliant by offering quick and efficient testing. Their accessibility specialists can identify gaps and provides remediation support.
When you consult an accessibility provider, this is what you can expect to achieve full compliance.
Does Section 508 Testing Guarantee ADA Compliance?
Section 508 and ADA have different scopes, but following 508 standards brings businesses very close to ADA compliance. That is why many private companies use Section 508 testing as a benchmark for accessibility.
- Their team runs a thorough review of your websites and digital documents to spot issues that might cause barriers.
- Instead of long waits, you get a fast turnaround and your projects stay on track.
- Remediation guidance is part of the service. It can help your team actually fix issues and move toward full Section 508 certification.
- The testing also looks at WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 guidelines. These providers ensure you are covered on both federal and international standards.
- The solutions are designed to be budget-friendly so that businesses achieve accessibility confidence without overspending.
Common Section 508 Testing Requirements
During Section 508 testing, experts usually review the text alternatives for images and media. They also check keyboard accessibility, which means all features work without a mouse.
Content must be readable for users with low vision. So color contrast testing is another key aspect of making your product 508 compliance. Apart from this, experts test and ensure that your PDFs and Word files properly tagged and structured. Websites and apps work seamlessly with assistive technology.
Conclusion
Section 508 is not technically required for private businesses. This law targets federal agencies and their contractors but private companies can also benefit from following its standards. Consider 508 requirements and testing services if you want to prevent ADA-related lawsuits.
Consult Section 508 compliance providers like ADACP to identify accessibility barriers but also fix them quickly and effectively. Accessibility testing is an investment for federal contractors or private companies. Thorough testing and expert remediation can protect you business and expands your audience.
