50 years ago, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was signed into law to require access to programs and activities that are funded by federal agencies and to federal employment. Section 502 of the law created the U.S. Access Board (originally named the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board) to ensure access to federal buildings and facilities. Over the years, many amendments to the Rehabilitation Act strengthened requirements for accessibility, such as Section 508 which requires access to information and communication technology (ICT) in the federal sector. 

“Accessible information and communication technology is extremely important and essential to people with disabilities for their daily lives,” remarked Board Executive Director Sachin Pavithran. “The Access Board continues to be committed to ensuring federal agencies apply our Section 508 Standards, and to providing high-quality technical assistance to members of the public and federal agencies on digital accessibility.”