If you've ever asked "does Section 508 apply to private companies?" — you're not alone. The short answer is: Yes, but only in certain circumstances. Section 508 applies to private companies that are federal contractors or vendors providing information and communication technology (ICT) to the federal government. If you don't do business with the federal government, Section 508 does not apply — but ADA Title III likely does.

This comprehensive guide explains when Section 508 applies to private companies, what you need to do to comply, and how it differs from the ADA.

When Does Section 508 Apply to Private Companies?

Section 508 applies to private companies in the following situations:

• Federal Contractors: Any company that does business with the federal government and provides ICT must comply with Section 508
• Federal Vendors: Companies that sell ICT products or services to federal agencies
• Subcontractors: Companies that provide ICT to federal prime contractors
• Recipients of Federal Funds: State and local governments receiving federal funding

Section 508 vs ADA — Which Applies to Your Private Company?

What Private Companies Need to Do for Section 508 Compliance

If you're a federal contractor or vendor, here's what you need to do:

1. Understand Section 508 Requirements

Section 508 requires WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliance for all ICT. This includes websites, software, hardware, and documents.

2. Audit Your ICT with a Compliance Checker

Use AccessiTool's free ADA compliance checker to scan your website against WCAG standards required by Section 508.

3. Fix Critical Violations

Start with the most critical violations: missing alt text, low color contrast, keyboard accessibility issues, and missing form labels.

4. Create VPAT Documentation

A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is mandatory for federal procurement. It documents how your product meets Section 508 requirements.

5. Maintain Compliance

Regularly test and update your ICT to ensure ongoing compliance.

What If Section 508 Doesn't Apply to You?

If you're a private company that doesn't do business with the federal government, Section 508 does not apply. However, ADA Title III likely does:

• ADA Title III applies to any business that serves the public — including e-commerce stores, restaurants, hotels, banks, healthcare providers, and law firms
• ADA requires WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance for websites
• 5,100+ ADA lawsuits were filed in 2025
• Penalties: Fines up to $75,000 (first violation), $150,000 (repeat)

How to Check Compliance for Both Laws

Both Section 508 and ADA require websites to be accessible. The good news is that both laws reference WCAG as the technical standard. By making your website WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliant, you meet both standards.

Step 1: Use a Free WCAG Compliance Checker

Visit AccessiTool's free ADA compliance checker and enter your website URL. The tool scans against WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and provides a detailed report in 60 seconds.

Step 2: Review Your Compliance Report

You'll receive a compliance score (0-100%), a list of violations, warnings, and passed checks — plus specific fix recommendations.

Step 3: Fix Critical Issues First

Start with the most critical violations: missing alt text, low color contrast, keyboard accessibility issues, and missing form labels.

Frequently Asked Questions — Does Section 508 Apply to Private Companies?

Internal Links — Section 508 & ADA Resources