Sections 504 & 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. Section 504 applies to employers and organizations that receive financial assistance from any Federal department or agency, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

However, Section 508 was enacted as an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act and such was a pioneering piece of legislation in disability discrimination prevention. Section 508 mandates federal agencies to ensure the accessibility of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for individuals with disabilities. Section 508’s purview extends to digital accessibility and electronic communication, encompassing various aspects. 

Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act

In the year 2010, the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) emerged as a pivotal piece of legislation reshaping the landscape of digital accessibility. The impetus behind this legislative action was the realization that the original Communications Act of 1934, despite its historical significance, had become increasingly inadequate in addressing the evolving technological advancements of the twenty-first century.