Accessibility Support
Accessibility Commitment
Updated:We the Social Security Administration, are dedicated to ensuring that our services and information technology systems are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Accessibility is essential for providing an inclusive and user-friendly experience.
As described in Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act, SSA aspires to be a model employer of people with disabilities. We understand that an essential part of being a model employer is having a robust Information Technology (IT) accessibility program and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals.
Our commitment to accessibility extends to all content and online services provided through our publicly available technology. Section 504 extends this accessibility commitment to programs and services.
Our Commitment to Inclusivity and Reasonable Accommodations
SSA is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access our programs, activities, and facilities, regardless of disability, in accordance with Section 504. The Social Security Administration is committed to maintaining and improving our service to individuals with disabilities.
Our Section 504 Compliance staff provides guidance to our offices to ensure that we provide meaningful access to our programs and services to otherwise qualified customers who have disabilities. Individuals with disabilities may request accommodations that will enable them to participate in or derive the benefits of our programs and services.
In addition to assisting our offices, our Section 504 Compliance staff is available to assist advocates, the public, and other agencies through section.504.public.inquiry@ssa.gov or our Toll-Free Number, 1-844-881-9061. Our business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (except Federal holidays).
Our Commitment to Accessible Information Technology
Our comprehensive approach to Section 508 compliance helps people with disabilities use agency Information Technology (IT). Our IT accessibility test method aligns with the Section 508 ICT Testing Baseline. We surpass Section 508 requirements by incorporating AAA guidelines from WCAG 2.0, as well as multiple WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2 guidelines. Our accessibility test method is further informed by Usability Studies conducted with individuals who have disabilities, as well as best practices recommended by oversight agencies and the Federal CIO Council.
- We include Section 508 standards and requirements in our procurement processes, including:
- how we conduct market research
- how we create solicitations
- how we evaluate and validate contractor Section 508 compliance claims
- how we decide to make purchase awards to contractors
- We include Section 508 standards and requirements in our development, implementation and maintenance processes.
- We design using standards based on universal design principles.
- We include people with disabilities in usability testing.
- We develop technology using accessibility coding best practices.
- We perform Section 508 compliance testing using automated tools, code reviews, and manual user testing with assistive technologies.
- We develop and provide technical guidance, tools and resources to assist with Section 508 compliance throughout the agency.
- We provide training to employees on the Section 508 standards, and how to develop and buy accessible technology.
- We conduct communications and awareness initiatives throughout the agency.
- Section 508 Program Manager: Pierce Crowell (Pierce.Crowell@ssa.gov)
Contact Us About Information Technology Accessibility
Email us your accessibility feedback, questions, or concerns. Please include the web address and a description of the problems you have encountered. If you would like to file a Section 508 related complaint, refer to the Notice of Rights section below for instructions.
Laws and Regulations
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d)
- Section 508 Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
- Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973, As Amended
- Section 504 Regulation 45 C.F.R. Part 85
Other Section 504 Resources
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Special Notice Option (SNO)
- Reasonable Accommodation Procedures - Employment
Notice of Rights
If you believe that the information and communications technology used by the Social Security Administration does not comply with the Section 508 law, you may file a complaint or have a representative file a complaint on your behalf.
- SSA-437 Complaint Form for Allegations of Discrimination in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Social Security Administration
- SSA-437 (Spanish Version) - Complaint Form for Allegations of Discrimination in Programs or Activities Conducted by the Social Security Administration
Links to Third Party Websites
Some pages on this website may contain links to third party sites not operated by the Social Security Administration. These sites may not adhere to the Section 508 standards. The Social Security Administration is not responsible for the content and accessibility of those sites, their partners, or advertisers.