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1. What is the purpose of this directive?
2. Does this Order cancel an existing Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) directive?
3. What are the authorities governing this directive?
4. What is the FHWA policy regarding Section 508?
5. What does Section 508 require?
6. What standards apply under Section 508?
7. What is electronic and information technology (EIT) and information and communication technology (ICT)?
8. Why is Section 508 important?
9. What is FHWA’s role and responsibility for implementing Section 508?
10. Where can I get more information?

1. What is the purpose of this directive?

   This directive issues guidance on compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Section 508) explains the various roles and responsibilities of the FHWA under Section 508 and provides resources for additional information.

2. Does this Order cancel an existing FHWA directive?

   Yes. This directive cancels FHWA Order 1370.13, Compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

3. What are the authorities governing this directive?

   1. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 United States Code (U.S.C.) 794d.
   2. Information and Standards and Guidelines 36 CFR Parts 1193 and 1194.
   3. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): Section 508-Based Standards in Information and Communication Technology, 48 Federal Register 44229 (August 11, 2021).
   4. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Policy, Access to Programs Services Information and Technology Statement March 29, 2021.
   5. 48 CFR Part 39, Subpart 39.2 of the FAR.
   6. Executive Order 14035 on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce (June 25, 2021).
   7. Office of Management and Budget Memorandum, M-24-08 Strengthening Digital Accessibility, and the Management of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (December 21, 2023).
   8. DOT Order 1351.23 Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility Policy (September 11, 2013).

4. What is the FHWA policy regarding Section 508?

   It is the policy of FHWA that the Agency will comply with the requirements of Section 508.

5. What are the Section 508 require?

   Section 508 requires that when developing, procuring, maintaining, or using EIT, each Federal Agency shall ensure that EIT allows Federal employees with disabilities to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access to and use of information and data by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the Federal Agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal Agency, have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to members of the public without disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the Federal Agency.

6. What standards apply under Section 508?

   Section 508 directs the United States Access Board to develop standards necessary to implement Section 508 and requires such standards to be adopted into the FAR and into each Federal Agency’s procurement policies and directives. The United States Access Board issued the initial Section 508 Standards in December 2000 and issued revised Section 508 Standards in January 2017. The revised Section 508 Standards, which use the term Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to encompass EIT, have been adopted into the FAR.

7. What is Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

   1. Electronic and Information Technology (EIT). The United States Access Board’s initial Section 508 standards defined EIT as including information technology and any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the creation, conversion, or duplication of data or information. EIT includes, but is not limited to, telecommunications products (such as telephones), information kiosks and transaction machines, World Wide Websites, multimedia, and office equipment such as copiers and fax machines.
   2. Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The United States Access Board’s Revised Section 508 Standards define ICT as information technology and other equipment, systems, technologies, or processes, for which the principal function is the creation, manipulation, storage, display, receipt, or transmission of electronic data and information, as well as any associated content. Examples of ICT include but are not limited to computers and peripheral equipment; information kiosks and transaction machines; telecommunications equipment; customer premises equipment; multifunction office machines; software; applications; Websites; videos; and electronic documents.

8. Why is Section 508 important?

   Section 508 is considered a major piece of civil rights legislation that benefits people with disabilities. Successful implementation of Section 508 will ensure that the Federal Government continues to be a model employer of people with disabilities as well as ensure that members of the public with disabilities have access to Federal information and data.

9. What is FHWA's role and responsibility for implementing Section 508?

   The roles and responsibilities of DOT’s Operating Administrations for complying with Section 508 are detailed in DOT Order 1351.23 Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility Policy.

10. Where can I get more information?

See FHWA’s Section 508 Website at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/508. If you have further questions about the Section 508 requirements, contact the FHWA Section 508 Program Manager at FHWASection508@dot.gov.