Millions of U.S. citizens must use assistive technology (AT) in order to read electronic content.
To meet their needs and to ensure equal access to information, the U.S. Congress enacted legislation in 1998 to require U.S. Federal agencies and contractors to produce accessible electronic documents.
In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, open new opportunities for people with disabilities, and encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals. The law applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain or use electronic and information technology. At least nineteen states have also passed legislation requiring electronic and information technology accessibility.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act does not place requirements on vendors. However, a vendor must design and manufacture products or services that meet the application Access Board’s technical provisions if it wishes to sell those products or services to the Federal government. Similar guidelines are in effect for vendors that deal with states that support Section 508.
Currently available software is not capable of automatically tagging any PDF file for Section 508 compliance and certification.
For organizations needing to deliver Section 508 or otherwise certifiably accessible PDF documents, our service bureau is ready and waiting to serve you. To get started, email your files to section508@appligent.com, and we will respond with a comprehensive quotation within 24 hours. If you have questions and would like to speak to someone, you can reach our Section 508 Coordinator at 610-284-4006.