By:
Grace Williamson 
When it comes to web accessibility, it is crucial to understand the basic differences between the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), Section 508 of the Rehab Act, and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
Complying with WCAG 508 compliant guidelines and exploring the differences between WCAG, Section 508, and ADA, we can better understand the standards and requirements for ensuring digital accessibility for all users.
While WCAG is a global standard that applies to all varieties of website content, Section 508 is a US federal law that concerns federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding. Obeying both sets of guidelines helps ensure your website’s WCAG 508 compliance with digital content.
Bonus Read: What is Section 508 Remediation and Means for Your Business
Obeying both sets of guidelines helps ensure your website’s WCAG 508 compliance with digital content.
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WCAG |
Section 508 |
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WCAG is a set of international guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It is widely recognized and followed globally. WCAG applies to all types of web content, including websites, web applications, and mobile applications. |
Section 508 mandates that these agencies and organizations make their electronic and information technology accessible to differently-abled users. It mandates that these agencies and organizations make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. |
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WCAG is not a law, but it is widely recognized and followed as a standard for web accessibility. It sets guidelines and success criteria that web developers and content creators can follow to ensure accessibility. While not legally binding, adherence to WCAG is often considered a best practice. |
Section 508 is a legal requirement for federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding. It was enacted as an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and had specific requirements that federal agencies must meet to comply. |
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WCAG provides a comprehensive set of guidelines that cover a wide range of accessibility issues. It is organized into four principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Each principle has a set of guidelines and success criteria that provide detailed instructions for achieving accessibility. |
Section 508 focuses more on specific technical requirements. It specifies the standards that must be met in areas such as web-based intranet and internet information and applications, software applications, and telecommunications products. Section 508 also provides a list of technical requirements that must be met for different types of disabilities, such as visual, hearing, and motor impairments. |
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WCAG has undergone several updates to meet evolving technologies and accessibility needs. The current version, WCAG 2.1, was published in 2018. WCAG 2.1 audit builds upon the previous version, WCAG 2.0, and includes additional success criteria to address mobile accessibility, low vision, and cognitive and learning disabilities. |
Section 508 was last updated in 2017 to align with WCAG 2.0 Level AA. This update ensures that federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding follow the same accessibility standards outlined in WCAG 2.0. |
Section 508 focuses on ensuring accessibility within the federal government, specifically electronic and information technology. However, ADA has a broader scope and applies to both public and private entities, covering physical spaces, communication, and services. Let us explore this in more detail.
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Section 508 |
ADA |
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Section 508 is specific to the federal government, requiring federal agencies to create electronic and information technology (EIT), such as websites, software, and electronic devices, accessible to individuals with disabilities. |
ADA applies to public and private entities, including businesses, schools, and transportation systems. |
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Section 508 requires federal agencies to meet certain accessibility standards when developing, procuring, maintaining, or using EIT. |
ADA covers broader accessibility requirements, including physical spaces, communication, and services. |
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Section 508 compliance is enforced by the U.S. Access Board, which has the authority to investigate complaints and issue penalties for non-compliance. |
ADA compliance is implemented by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and can also be pursued through private lawsuits. |
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Non-compliance with Section 508 can result in various penalties, including suspending federal funding and legal action. |
ADA violations can lead to lawsuits, monetary damages, and injunctive relief, such as requiring businesses to remove barriers or provide accessible alternatives. |
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Section 508 only applies within the United States; ADA has extraterritorial reach. |
ADA accessibility requirements may also apply to U.S.-based entities operating outside the country, depending on certain factors. |
WCAG and ADA are both important in ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, but they differ in scope, legal framework, level of specificity, and international application. Understanding the distinctions between these two standards is crucial for organizations and individuals working towards creating inclusive digital environments.
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WCAG |
ADA |
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WCAG is a collection of guidelines formed by W3C to make website content more accessible. It focuses on digital accessibility and recommends creating websites and web applications accessible to people with disabilities. |
The ADA is a civil rights law in the United States that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas of public life, including employment, public accommodations, and government services. It covers a wide range of disabilities and applies to both physical and digital environments. |
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WCAG is not a law but rather a globally recognized technical standard. It guides how to meet accessibility requirements and is often used as a reference by organizations and governments when developing their accessibility policies and regulations. |
The ADA is a legal requirement in the US and applies to all public entities, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations with a certain number of employees. It sets forth specific requirements and standards for accessibility, including providing reasonable accommodations. |
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WCAG offers a more detailed and specific set of guidelines. It provides clear criteria and success criteria that websites and web applications need to meet to be considered accessible. WCAG is organized into three conformance levels (A, AA, and AAA), each representing higher accessibility. |
ADA provides a broad framework for accessibility and does not provide detailed technical specifications. It requires organizations to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities but does not prescribe specific design or development guidelines. |
Yes, it is strongly advised to ensure your websites comply with the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), Section 508, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). These recommendations ensure that people with various impairments can use and interact with websites, online services, and digital content. By complying with these guidelines, you help to develop an inclusive online community and prevent potential legal issues about accessibility.
Under Section 508, it is mandatory for electronic and information technology used by federal agencies to be accessible to differently-abled individuals and requires that electronic and information technology used by federal agencies be accessible to differently-abled individuals WCAG provides an extensive collection of guidelines for developing accessible web content. On the other hand, the ADA is an act that guarantees that people with disabilities have access to public facilities on an equal basis, including websites.
To stay ahead of the competition, you can invest in robust remediation services available in the marketplace. These services can help ensure your website is accessible to all users, regardless of their disabilities.
Organizations should strive to comply with WCAG, Section 508, and ADA guidelines to ensure web accessibility for all users. Federal agencies must fulfill Section 508 requirements, while private entities should consider the principles outlined in ADA to avoid potential legal issues.
By understanding the key differences between these guidelines and regulations, businesses and organizations can create Wcag 508-compliant websites for their business and form inclusive digital environments that cater to the needs of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
To better comply with web accessibility, you can use our WCAG compliance solutions. Our professionals in the field are skilled in creating accessible digital assets. You can invest in our robust 508 remediation services for PDF remediation.
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