Which laws primarily govern accessibility in the United States?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act are the primary laws that govern accessibility in the United States. The ADA is a comprehensive civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas, including employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications. It aims to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to all aspects of society.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act specifically addresses the accessibility of electronic and information technology used by federal agencies. This section requires that all electronic and information technology developed, procured, maintained, or used by federal agencies be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Together, the ADA and Section 508 create a strong framework for promoting accessibility across different sectors in the U.S.

The other options, while important in their own rights, do not primarily focus on the same wide-ranging accessibility issues. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) addresses education for children with disabilities, but it does not encompass all areas of public life. The Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act address discrimination but are not specifically tailored to accessibility standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) focuses on workplace safety and health rather than broader accessibility issues. Thus, the combination of ADA and Section 508