Federal hardware Information and Communication Technology (ICT) refers to physical technology products such as computers, mobile devices, and peripheral equipment, information kiosks and transaction machines, telecommunications equipment, customer premises equipment such as servers, and multifunction office machines such as printers. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires hardware ICT be usable by people with disabilities including features like tactile controls, adjustable displays, accessible ports, and compatibility with assistive technologies. Chapter 4: Hardware applies if the ICT is a tangible device or if it has a physical component.
Definitions
The Section 508 Standards define “hardware” as “A tangible device, equipment, or physical component of ICT, such as telephones, computers, multifunction copy machines, and keyboards.”
EXCEPTION: Hardware that is assistive technology shall not be required to conform to the requirements of Chapter 4.
Applicability
Hardware ICT that is developed, used, maintained, or procured are subject to the Section 508 Standards.
Chapter 4 applies to ICT that is hardware as required by Chapter 2 of Section 508and Chapter 2 of Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act.
Note:
- Hardware ICT includes hardware for public access as well as hardware used by federal employees.
- Some ICT may combine both hardware and software; multiple test methodologies may be necessary to fully test ICT.
What Is Not Considered ICT Hardware?
Some devices and components fall outside the scope of Chapter 4: Hardware of the Section 508 Standards, even if they connect to ICT systems. Such items include:
- Assistive technology (AT) used only by individuals with disabilities such as screen readers, augmentative communication devices, and specialty switches.
- Non-electronic tools and office furniture, such as filing cabinets or analog signage.
- Cables, power supplies, and passive adapters unless part of a bundled ICT product.
Examples
- Self Service kiosks for checking in at the Social Security Administration
- Employee laptops as furnished by the federal government
- Printers available for professional use in Federal government buildings
- Personal Identification Verification (PIV) cards used for access to government buildings
- A National Park ticketing kiosk used to obtain access permits, make camping reservations or purchase admission tickets
- A handheld Veteran’s Affairs hospital check in tablet
Related Resources:
- Social Security Administration’s Hardware Kiosk Test Method
- VA Section 508 Platform Hardware Standards Checklist (PDF)
Reviewed/Updated: August 2025
