If a website is being designed for the United States government, ensure that it meets the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Ideally, all websites should strive to be accessible and compliant with Section 508.

Section 508 requires Federal agencies to ensure that their procurement of information technology takes into account the needs of all users - including people with disabilities. About eight percent of the user population has a disability that may make the traditional use of a website very difficult or impossible. About four percent have vision-related disabilities, two percent have movement-related issues, one percent have hearing-related disabilities, and less than one percent have learning-related disabilities.

Compliance with Section 508 enables Federal employees with disabilities to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to others. This also enhances the ability of members of the public with disabilities to access information or services from a Federal agency.

For additional information on Section 508 and accessibility:

• http://www.section508.gov
• http://www.w3.org/WAI/
• http://www.usability.gov/accessibility/index.html