Three types of laws (civil, procurement, industry-specific), major U.S. laws (ADA, Section 508, Tech Act), international laws (Canada, Europe, UN), and how they impact individuals, organizations, and government.
| Type | What It Does / Examples |
|---|---|
| Civil | Protects equal rights. Makes discrimination illegal. Example: ADA 1990 |
| Procurement | Requires accessibility when buying or contracting tech/services. Example: Section 508 (federal agencies) |
| Industry-Specific | Critical sectors must be accessible. Examples: telecom (CVAA), air travel |
| Who | Impact |
|---|---|
| Individuals | Legal protections against discrimination. Right to accessible government services, employment, transportation, education. |
| Organizations | Must make products, services, hiring, and facilities accessible or face lawsuits, fines, and enforcement actions. |
| Government Agencies | Subject to Section 508, ADA Title II, and national equivalents. Must buy and maintain accessible tech (ICT). 2024 update: websites and apps must meet WCAG 2.1. |
The next two pages break down the specific laws in detail — U.S. first, then international. Know the names, dates, and one key fact for each.
ADA — Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) | ICT — Information and Communication Technology | WCAG — Web Content Accessibility Guidelines | DOJ — Dept. of Justice (enforces ADA Title II) | EEOC — Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (enforces ADA Title I)