Section 508 is a cornerstone of web accessibility legislation in the United States. It is a federal law that requires all federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. The scope of Section 508 is broad: it covers not only public-facing websites but also internal systems, software, and documents used by federal employees. While Section 508 is a US law, it is closely related to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide the technical standard for accessibility. In fact, the most recent updates to Section 508 directly reference WCAG, requiring compliance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA as the minimum standard for federal websites and digital content. This alignment ensures that federal digital resources are usable by people with a wide range of disabilities, including those who use assistive technologies.

Beyond Section 508, many other regions have established their own accessibility laws and policies that shape how organizations approach web accessibility. In Europe, the EN 301 549 standard sets requirements for the accessibility of information and communications technology (ICT), including websites, mobile applications, and software. EN 301 549 is mandated for public sector bodies by the European Union Web Accessibility Directive, making it a critical standard for government and public service providers across EU member states. In Canada, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is a leading example of regional legislation. AODA establishes clear accessibility requirements for organizations in Ontario, including phased deadlines for making web content accessible, often by referencing WCAG standards. These laws not only protect the rights of people with disabilities but also influence global best practices, as organizations serving international audiences must often comply with multiple regional standards.