Section 508: The Gatekeeper for Government Contracts
If you sell digital products to the US Federal Government, accessibility is not optional—it is a contractual mandate. Without compliance, you cannot bid.
The "Buy Accessible" Mandate
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires all federal agencies to ensure their electronic and information technology (ICT) is accessible to people with disabilities.
The Business Impact: This law applies to the agency, but the responsibility is pushed down to the vendor. If your product isn't 508 compliant, the agency is legally barred from buying it if an accessible alternative exists.
No compliance, no contract.
The Ticket to Entry: What is a VPAT?
Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)
The VPAT is the industry-standard template used to document how your product meets Section 508 standards.
The Reality: Procurement officers do not check your code; they check your VPAT. A missing or dishonest VPAT is the fastest way to lose a bid.
Actionable Tip: An Accessibility Statement is your first step toward a full VPAT. It shows intent and awareness.
Section 508 Applies to Mobile Apps
Many vendors mistakenly believe Section 508 applies only to websites.
The Reality: The law explicitly covers "Software." Native iOS and Android apps used by federal employees or the public must be accessible.
The Risk: If your SaaS platform has a companion mobile app that isn't compliant, your entire contract could be at risk.
The Technical Standard: WCAG 2.0 vs. 2.1
While the ADA moves toward WCAG 2.1, Section 508 officially harmonizes with WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
Note: However, most modern contracts now reference "equivalent facilitation," meaning complying with the newer WCAG 2.1 AA is the safest future-proof strategy.
Implementation Roadmap
Step 1: The Pre-Audit Declaration
Before paying for a full VPAT (which can cost thousands), generate a free Accessibility Statement to signal your roadmap to buyers.
Do not have a compliance budget?
You can still protect your business. Generate a legally compliant Accessibility Statement in under 2 minutes. It is free and acts as your first line of defense.
Learn about Accessibility StatementsStep 2: The Automated Scan
Catch the 30% of syntax errors that flag you immediately. Run automated accessibility scanners across your web and mobile properties to identify obvious violations (missing alt text, color contrast failures, missing labels).
Step 3: The VPAT Audit
Engage a manual auditor to verify your status and produce the ACR (Accessibility Conformance Report) needed for your bid. This is the formal document that procurement officers require.
Don't Let Accessibility Block Your Bid
Start by documenting your current posture. A clear policy is better than a blank stare.
Sign up to Generate Free Statement