[Spoo]

Thermodyne said:
Here is the part that impacts the web. The key words that allows the rule to be applied to every website "or used by federal agencies", have been much abused. I have seen a case where a private site was linked to by a federal worker in an email to a client. The client took exception and filed a complaint. The site owner was found lible.


Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that all "electronic and information technology" (EIT) developed, procured, maintained, or used by federal agencies must be equally accessible to persons with disabilities as it is to those who are not disabled. The statute and the implementing standards help to create an accessible workplace for federal employees with disabilities. When EIT conforms with the requirements of section 508, people who are blind or visually impaired are able to access and use government information and services as independently and effectively as those who are sighted. Through the use of technology, filling out an electronic form, keeping a copy of the form, or accessing information describing a federal program is as accessible for persons with disabilities as it is for those without disabilities. People who are blind or visually impaired can locate, identify and operate the controls, and functions of any information technology used to provide government information, whether it is on the web, or in a kiosk.

Although I couldn't find anything about the specific lawsuit that you mention, from what I can find, section 508 only applies to third-party websites that are under direct contract to the government.

http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/FAQ.htm

4) Does Section 508 apply to the private sector?

No, it does not regulate the private sector and does not apply to recipients of Federal funds.

16) Does this requirement also apply to commercial or private sector Web sites?

No. Section 508 does not apply to a private sector Web site unless such site is provided under contract to a covered entity. For example, a Federal agency might contract with a consulting firm to collect and analyze some demographic data and make that information available to the public on a Web site. In that case, the Web site or portion devoted to fulfilling the contractual obligation would be subject to Section 508. The firm's general Web site, or the portion not devoted to the contracted study, would not be subject to Section 508.