Federal Digital Accessibility Report Shows Ongoing Compliance Issues Amid Font Controversy

On March 2, 2026, the General Services Administration released its third annual assessment of federal compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The report indicates that while there have been some improvements in acquisition and procurement practices, the federal government continues to fall short of its legal obligations to ensure equitable digital access. Compliance remains inconsistent and enforcement is lacking. This assessment follows a December 2025 decision by Marco Rubio directing the State Department to revert from Calibri to Times New Roman for official memos, citing decorum and professionalism. The State Department had originally adopted Calibri in 2023 to improve readability on digital platforms, as sans-serif fonts like Calibri perform better on screens than serif fonts like Times New Roman. This change was intended to benefit individuals with disabilities, non-native English speakers, and those using assistive technologies. The recent reversal has raised concerns among accessibility advocates who argue that typography choices significantly impact information access. Section 508 establishes legal requirements for digital accessibility in federal communications, making usability a mandated right rather than an optional feature. The ongoing debate highlights tensions between traditional aesthetics and functional accessibility in government documentation.