The Department of Justice (DOJ) mandates that state and local government websites comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards to align with ADA Title II requirements. Deadlines for compliance are April 24, 2026, for larger jurisdictions, and April 26, 2027, for smaller ones, requiring accessible web design, screen reader compatibility, and captioned media to ensure equal access to services.
An ADA-compliant website is one that is accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring equal access to digital information and services, primarily achieved by following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), especially Level AA, which involves features like alt text for images, keyboard navigation, sufficient color contrast, clear headings, and captions for media, preventing potential legal issues and broadening audience reach.
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Information must be presented in ways users can perceive, like adding alt text for images (describing visuals for screen readers) and providing transcripts/captions for audio/video.
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Users must be able to operate the interface, meaning full keyboard navigation is essential, and users aren’t trapped in sections.
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Content and operation should be clear, using appropriate headings, readable fonts, and consistent navigation.
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Content must be reliable enough to be interpreted by various user agents, including assistive technologies like screen readers.
Common Accessibility Features:
- Alt Text: Descriptive text for all non-text content (images, charts).
- Color Contrast: Sufficient contrast between text and background.
- Keyboard Accessibility: All functionality accessible via keyboard.
- Clear Headings: Logical structure using H1, H2, etc., for navigation.
- Captions & Transcripts: For audio and video content.
- Skip Links: Allow keyboard users to bypass repetitive navigation.
- Legal Requirement: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires equal access, and the courts often look to WCAG as the standard.
- Avoid Lawsuits: Non-compliance can lead to legal challenges and penalties.
- Broader Audience: Makes your site usable for a wider range of people, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities