Section 508 ‘Bobby’ Compliance and Accessible Web Design
Section 508 compliance is becoming very important both for users with disabilities as well as those without disabilities. Well for those with disabilities the government has passed laws which protect their internet experience and give them equal opportunities as there non-disabled friends. Government web sites such as the USPO must adhere to these guidelines. So from a liability angle it is important for webmasters to ensure compliance.
Also Google has an index of accessible pages which most users with disabilities use to perform searches. 508 compliance may impact your sites rankings as well. I believe quality pages that enhance the value of the web to all visitors alike and strongly believe in this government policy and would strongly encourage web designers and SEO webmasters to support these standards.
There are free section 508 compliance tools that allow for compliance testing located at Webxact Watchfire.