With more than 1 in 4 U.S. adults having some type of disability, it’s more important than ever to ensure your website can be interacted with regardless of ability. Not only does it empower individuals, but the reduced digital friction can help your bottom line. Individuals with disabilities control $1.2 trillion in annual disposable income, $6.9 billion of which is lost annually due to inaccessible websites.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has strict guidelines regarding website and mobile app accessibility, especially with respect to compliance requirements under Title II for state and local governments, including some implications for private businesses.
Websites and mobile apps must follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA. This means making digital content usable for people with different disabilities, including those with vision, hearing, mobility, or cognitive challenges. The goal is to ensure websites are:
- Easy to see and hear (for example, adding text descriptions for images).
- Easy to navigate (like making sure a website works with only a keyboard).
- Easy to understand (using clear instructions and logical layouts).
- Reliable across different browsers and assistive technologies (so screen readers and other tools work properly).
Who Needs to Comply?
- Government Websites: State and local government sites must meet these requirements under Title II of the ADA.
- Businesses & Public Services: Companies that serve the public—like retailers, restaurants, banks, hospitals, and hotels—must also follow accessibility rules under Title III of the ADA.
- Online-Only Businesses: Courts have ruled that some online-only companies must also meet accessibility standards, especially in states like California and New York, which have stricter laws.
Deadlines to Meet Compliance
- Large public entities (serving 50,000+ people): Must comply by April 24, 2026.
- Smaller public entities and special districts: Have until April 26, 2027.
Are There Any Exemptions?
Some content doesn’t have to be updated, such as archived documents or pages marked as archived before the deadline, third-party content, or older PDFs and documents (unless someone requests them in an accessible format).
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
While the ADA doesn’t impose automatic fines, businesses that don’t follow these rules can be sued. Many companies settle these cases for $5,000 to $20,000 to avoid costly legal battles.
How to Stay Compliant
Ensuring ADA compliance involves conducting regular audits and testing with assistive technology to identify and fix accessibility barriers. Plugins can also help. The plugin we are currently using for websites we develop allows users to customize their options for the best experience.
Why It Matters
Following these guidelines doesn’t just help you avoid legal trouble—it also makes your website more user-friendly for everyone. A more accessible site means better usability, wider audience reach, and an overall better experience for all visitors.
Download our ADA Website Compliance Checklist and Ensure Your Website Is Accessible to All Users
Worried about facing a lawsuit for ADA non-compliance of your website?
Find out if your website is ADA Compliant along with many other issues that may affect your website’s performance with a Website Audit. Email Leigh Farrior to discuss or schedule a free 15-minute conversation.