Section 508 Program Managers (PM) play a critical role in ensuring that their agency’s information and communication technology (ICT) is accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. This page provides guidance, best practices, and resources to help PMs lead an effective Section 508 program and ensure compliance with the Rehabilitation Act.
For a comprehensive, step-by-step approach, PMs are encouraged to reference the Technology Accessibility Playbook, which offers detailed strategies, templates, and practical guidance for managing ICT accessibility across the agency.
Understand Your Role and Responsibilities
- Understand your duties as a Section 508 Program Manager within the agency.
- Identify the stakeholders, teams, and offices you collaborate with on accessibility efforts.
- Clarify decision-making authority for ICT accessibility procurement, testing, and remediation.
- Ensure your responsibilities align with agency policies, governance structures, and compliance requirements.
- Stay informed about updates to Section 508 standards and best practices, available on this website, to maintain effective oversight.
Program Governance and Leadership
- Define roles and responsibilities for Section 508 compliance across the agency.
- Establish policies, procedures, and standards for ICT accessibility.
- Align Section 508 program goals with agency strategic objectives.
- Engage executive leadership to secure support and resources.
Planning and Risk Management
- Develop a structured Section 508 program plan with clear goals and milestones.
- Identify and assess accessibility risks across ICT initiatives.
- Implement risk mitigation strategies and track progress over time.
- Monitor changes in law, standards, and best practices to update program plans.
ICT Evaluation, Testing, and Validation
- Evaluate technology for Section 508 compliance before procurement.
- Test and validate ICT using approved methodologies, such as DHS Trusted Tester Process & Certification.
- Track remediation efforts and measure progress toward compliance.
- Maintain documentation to demonstrate compliance for audits, reviews and annual reporting.
Training and Workforce Development
- Develop and training plan for both eneral awareness and specialised trainging
- Provide accessibility training for IT staff, procurement teams, developers, and content creators.
- Develop a community of practice to share knowledge and lessons learned.
- Encourage certification or formal training programs for accessibility expertise.
- Promote awareness of ICT accessibility requirements and benefits across the agency.
- Develop or provide self-paced and instructor-led training courses on your agency’s Learning Management System (LMS). Consider adding GSA’s Section 508 training courses to your LMS.
Monitoring, Metrics, and Continuous Improvement
- Define Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to measure program effectiveness and ICT accessibility performance.
- Continuously monitor ICT systems for accessibility gaps.
- Use audits, feedback, and data-driven insights to improve compliance.
- Update policies, procedures, and tools based on lessons learned and evolving standards.
Reviewed/Updated: September 2025
