Federal Regulation Section 508 Accessibility Requirements

Section 508 is a federal regulation that establishes general guidelines for IT products and services which federal agencies and departments develop, procure, maintain or use. Federal agencies were required to be in full compliance with the regulation by June 21, 2001.

Section 508 establishes general technical standards for the following:

- Computer hardware
- Software
- Peripherals/Printers
- Telecom devices
- Web sites
- Documentation

Ace Computers' statement of Section 508 support:
- Ace desktop and portable products appear to satisfy Section 508 requirements
- Section 508 applies to end-user systems such as desktops and portables; server and storage products are exempt from the regulation
- Set-up and service functions are outside normal and routine end-user operation and are also exempt from the regulation

For PC hardware, the following Section 508 criteria appear to be most applicable:
- One-handed operation of controls and keys
- Twisting, pinching, grasping require less than 5 pounds pressure
- Controls and keys visually and tactilely discernible, including locking status
- Industry standard ports and connectors