Strengthening Digital Accessibility and the Management of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

This memorandum provides guidance to help agencies advance digital accessibility by maintaining an accessible Federal technology environment, promoting accessible digital experiences, and continuing the implementation of accessibility standards in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Members of the public and Federal employees should have equitable access to government, regardless of ability. The prevalence of information technology and the growing necessity of it in daily life make digital accessibility a continuing imperative for Federal agencies. As used in this memorandum, “digital accessibility” refers to those practices related to the development, procurement, maintenance, and use of information and communication technology that ensure functionality is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities as provided by law, either directly or by supporting the use of a person’s assistive technology. This memorandum provides requirements and recommendations to support agency integration of digital accessibility into their missions and operations, with the end goal of helping government technology and information resources better serve a diverse public and Federal workforce.