Section 508: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

• Course Description

  

  Introduction to Section 508 and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Explains what Section 508 is and why it’s important, shows how conformance can make ICT more accessible, reviews job-related responsibilities for meeting Section 508 standards, offers resources to help you meet your Section 508 responsibilities. (FAI Course ID: FAC 049)

  Open Course Earn CLPs via FAC 049

Course Details

Audience: Federal Employees and Contracts Duration: 60 minutes
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Version: Version 4.1 (Sep 2024)

What Will I Learn in This Course?

By understanding and implementing Section 508 requirements properly, you can help ensure people with disabilities have equal access to ICT, and that your organization complies with all legal requirements for accessibility.

After completing this training, you will be able to do the following:

1. Explain what Section 508 is, and when and how it applies.
2. Explain the benefits of Section 508 conformance and the risks of non-conformance.
3. Recognize what job-related responsibilities allow you to meet Section 508 standards.
4. Identify and use resources to help you meet your Section 508 responsibilities.

Certificate and Continuing Learning Points (CLPs)

Demonstrate your skills and stand out in your field with a certificate that proves you’ve completed this course. There are two type of certificate offered for this course.

1. By selecting "Open Course" you will earn a downloadable PDF certificate upon completion.
2. By selecting "Search for Course on FAI.gov," then searching for and completing FAC 049, you earn Continuing Learning Points (CLP) and receive a downloadable certificate, supporting your Federal Acquisition Certification (FAC).

Key Terms and References

• Accessibility Requirements Tool (ART)
• Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) and VPAT®
• Assistive Technology (AT)
• Find Your Section 508 Program Manager
• Functional Performance Criteria
• General Exceptions
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. §794(d))
• Revised Section 508 Standards
• Section 508 Roles and Responsibilities
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0

Reviewed/Updated: October 2024