Developing a Budget for a Section 508 Program

A successful Section 508 program requires a well-defined budget that reflects the full scope of resources needed for the agency to comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and to develop information and communication technology (ICT) that meets the Section 508 Standards for ICT. Budget planning should account for all necessary costs, including personnel, tools and software licenses, contracts and external support, research, training and professional development, outreach and communications, IT infrastructure, and system upgrades. To develop a comprehensive budget, agencies must consider both Section 508-specific resources—those dedicated exclusively to Section 508 compliance—and enterprise-wide resources that contribute indirectly to accessibility outcomes. By evaluating resources within and across these categories, agencies can allocate funds effectively, ensuring their ICT efforts are accessible and strategically aligned with broader agency missions, goals, and discrete programs and initiatives. Furthermore, integrating Section 508 early reduces costly remediation efforts, optimizes resources, and enhances overall efficiency. This best practice guide provides recommended budget categories and allocations for a Section 508 program; however, agencies are encouraged to tailor their budgets based on specific needs, organizational priorities, and available resources. The categories outlined below serve as a guideline, not a requirement, and should be adapted to align with your agency’s structure, mission, and operational context.

Federal Personnel

A dedicated and staffed Section 508 program plays a vital role in ensuring compliance and advancing accessibility across the agency. The Section 508 Program Manager manages the program on behalf of the agency Chief Information Officer (CIO) or equivalent, by developing and maintaining agency policies and guidebooks, disseminating best practices, and managing the overall program strategy. For more details on the general and technical skills targeted for Section 508 Program Managers within the federal government, please visit the Government-wide Section 508 Program Manager Competency Guide.

Additional federal personnel roles may include:

• Section 508 or ICT Accessibility Subject Matter Expert, with specialized knowledge of accessibility standards, ICT procurement requirements, and integration of digital accessibility throughout the technology development lifecycle
• Web and Software Accessibility Testing Specialist
• Accessible Electronic Content Specialist
• Policy and Compliance Analyst
• Training and Outreach Coordinator

Tools and Software Licenses

Investing in assistive technology and ICT accessibility testing tools is essential for early identification and remediation of Section 508 non-conformance.

• Automated Accessibility Testing Tools help detect non-conformance during development, including Software as a Service (SaaS) code validators and color contrast analyzers. For more information on testing methods and tools used to evaluate Section 508 conformance, refer to Test for Accessibility.
• Development Platforms, including those in web, mobile, low-code or no-code, and cloud-based environments can support Section 508 conformance during content creation and software development via built-in accessibility features.
• Agencies typically rely on existing infrastructure and development platforms, though Section 508 Programs may need to consider separate licensing requirements if the agency does not already provide the needed resources more broadly across the agency and the program requires platforms/resources to provide accessibility development and remediation support.
• Assistive Technology Tools validate usability for users who rely on assistive technology, such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, and speech recognition software.

Contracts and External Support

Agencies may use contracts and external support to supplement internal Section 508 program capabilities and enterprise-wide accessibility needs. Contracted services can include:

• Subject matter expertise and management guidance
• Accessibility testing and remediation (web, software, and document accessibility)
• Accessible design support
• Strategic communications and outreach materials
• Enterprise-level services, including system-wide audits, accessible acquisitions training, and technical support for IT platforms and tools
• Enterprise software licenses that support accessibility compliance and usability
• When budgeting for contracts and external support, agencies should distinguish between services that meet program-specific needs and those that strengthen accessibility across the organization. Both are important for building sustainable Section 508 compliance.

Training and Professional Development

Section 508 Program-Specific Resources

Investments in ongoing education help staff remain current on ICT accessibility standards and best practices.

• Certifications for Accessibility Professionals establish a foundation of expertise, help staff remain up-to-date on Section 508 best practices, and promote efficiencies through shared standards and common approaches.
• Conferences and Workshops offer opportunities for professional development, knowledge-sharing, and engagement with emerging trends in digital accessibility.

Enterprise-Wide Resources

In addition to program-specific training, agencies can leverage enterprise-wide learning platforms to expand accessibility awareness and promote organization-wide compliance.

• Self-Paced Learning Courses on the Learning Management System (LMS) establish a foundation of expertise, help staff remain up-to-date on Section 508 best provide flexible, on-demand training accessible to all staff across the agency. These courses help embed Section 508 and digital accessibility awareness into everyday operations by covering foundational topics, technical standards, and practical implementation strategies. For information on no-cost training available to your federal agency, visit Add GSA’s Section 508 Training Courses to Your LMS.
• Annual or Recurring Training informs staff about Section 508 standards, reinforces knowledge retention, ensures new staff are onboarded with essential digital accessibility principles, and supports ongoing compliance efforts.

Outreach and Communication

Section 508 Program-Specific Resources

Promoting Section 508 conformance both within and beyond the agency fosters a culture that leverages Section 508 to drive IT modernization and improve the government’s digital presence.

• Communication Materials such as guides and newsletters promote awareness of Section 508 requirements, available resources, and best practices.

Enterprise-Wide Resources

While Section 508-specific communications focus on compliance and awareness, broader agency-wide communication platforms and initiatives indirectly support accessibility outcomes.

• Agency-Wide Communication Channels include enterprise-level systems such as intranet portals and internal newsletters to promote digital accessibility resources and updates across all departments.
• Integrated Social Media Strategies include outreach initiatives through official agency social media channels to promote accessibility awareness alongside other organizational priorities.

IT Infrastructure and System Upgrades

Upgrading infrastructure ensures that systems can support accessibility standards agency-wide.

• An Accessible Content Management System (CMS) improves the agency’s ability to create and manage accessible web content.
• Procurement Systems Enhancements integrate accessibility checkpoints and documentation into acquisition workflows to ensure that new technology purchases align with Section 508 standards.
• System Compatibility Upgrades enhance interoperability between enterprise IT and assistive technology, further promoting an accessible digital environment.

Research

Investments in research help agencies stay ahead of technological developments in accessibility.

• Pilot Programs test new assistive technologies and innovative solutions to assess their impact on digital accessibility. For additional information, see Conformance of ICT Prototypes and Pilots.
• Collaborations with industry and research institutions drive digital accessibility innovation by leveraging cutting-edge solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce resource strain.

Example Budget Categories

This guide identifies categories of costs agencies should consider. It does not prescribe specific dollar amounts or percentages. Each agency should use its own staffing data, contract history, and program priorities to inform budget formulation. Tables 1-6 below show example budget categories that include both Section 508-specific and general enterprise-wide resources. As agencies often fund federal personnel costs through a different budget mechanism than specific program expenses, this guide presents federal personnel costs separate from program budget categories.