The ADA has an enormous impact on any product out in the market today. Section 508 specifically addresses the IT Industry, advising that all electronic and Information Technology is accessible to people with disabilities. It is important for developers to have a clear understanding of the ADA and section 508 policies and guidelines so that all technologies are usable by all parties, including those with disabilities. Without that understanding, a lot of time, money, and efforts could be wasted on a product that may never hit the shelves!
“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodation, communications, and governmental activities.” (Perez, T., no date) Section 508 states that the Federal Government must “ensure that the electronic and information technology that it develops, procures, maintains, or uses is accessible to persons with disabilities.” (SECTION 508 SURVEYS and REPORTS, no date.) Section 508 also requires each Federal department or agency to provide the Department of Justice with information to prepare reports for compliance to the Attorney General, who then submits it to the President and Congress.
While all businesses, Government or non are required by law to adhere to the ADA’s policies and guidelines, based on my research only Federal Organizations are required to uphold section 508. That being said, this impacted anyone who did business with the Federal Government because it required agencies to give disabled employees and members of the public access to the same information that non-disabled users had. Most businesses or organizations hols the same standards by osmosis usually are in compliance as well. Businesses do not only do this to stay in compliance with the requirements, but also because it’s the “socially acceptable” thing to do.