Unlike Section 508, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to a broader segment of society, with its application reaching beyond federal agencies and their business partners.
More specifically, the ADA requires local and state governments, businesses, and nonprofits to ensure equal access for people with disabilities. Title I of the ADA covers discrimination in the workplace, Title II applies to state and local government entities, and Title III ensures that public places and commercial facilities—such as restaurants, movie theaters, and doctors’ offices—are accessible.
ADA does not directly apply to the federal government, which is where Section 508 comes into play.
Taken together, the ADA and Section 508 cover the full range of businesses and entities represented across all government levels.