How to Create ADA Compliant Web Design

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Digital accessibility is just as critical a consideration for website functionality as software updates, security patches, and SEO improvements. However, it’s often overlooked, even though it’s mandated by law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Maintaining an ADA-compliant web design ensures that everyone can access and use your website. By accounting for the needs of individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those using assistive technologies, you improve usability and reduce legal risk simultaneously.

In this guide, we’ll explain how the ADA applies to websites and outline the key standards and best practices that define an ADA-compliant website.

What is the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act is a US civil rights law enacted to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It requires equal access to public services, employment, transportation, and places of public accommodation.

Why does the ADA apply to website design??

While originally focused on physical environments, US courts have consistently ruled that websites, mobile applications, and digital platforms qualify as places of public accommodation under Title III of the ADA. As a result, organizations are expected to ensure their digital platforms are accessible to people with disabilities and do not create barriers to access, information, or participation.

“The power of the Web is in its universality… It is fundamentally designed to work for all people, whatever their hardware, software, language, location, or ability. When the Web meets this goal, it is accessible to people with a diverse range of hearing, movement, sight, and cognitive ability. Thus the impact of disability is radically changed because the Web removes barriers to communication and interaction that many people face in the physical world."

Sir Tim Berners-Lee

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Want to make sure your website is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act? Then unlock the ADA compliance checklist now. Discover actionable steps to ensure ADA compliance, helping you avoid lawsuits and any other negative consequences of non-compliance.

WCAG: The gold standard for ADA-compliant web design

The ADA does not define its own technical accessibility requirements. Instead, compliance is measured against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), widely recognized as the leading technical standard for digital accessibility.

Published by the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C), WCAG provides clear, testable success criteria for making digital content accessible to people with visual, auditory, motor, cognitive, and neurological disabilities.

Historically, WCAG 2.0 Level AA has been the baseline for ADA compliance. However, a 2024 DOJ update formalized WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the accessibility standard for ADA Title II compliance. Furthermore, a growing number of enforcement actions already reference WCAG 2.2, the most recent version of the guidelines. Therefore, organizations are encouraged to align with WCAG 2.2 to ensure stronger coverage, support long-term maintenance, and future-proof your accessibility efforts.

Which businesses are affected by ADA website accessibility legislation?

The ADA applies differently depending on the type of organization.

Under Title II, public entities must ensure that digital services are accessible. This includes:

Federal and state bodies
Local government offices
Public agencies and institutions

Under Title III, businesses classified as places of public accommodation must provide accessible digital experiences. This requirement applies to companies of all sizes. Examples of organizations commonly covered include, but are not limited to:

Banks and financial institutions
Hospitals and healthcare providers
Colleges and universities
Retail stores and eCommerce businesses
Restaurants, cafés, and hospitality brands
Hotels and guest accommodations
Entertainment venues such as theaters, stadiums, and concert halls
Transportation services, including airlines, railways, and bus operators
Fitness centers and recreational facilities
Cultural institutions such as museums and galleries
Professional services, including law firms, accounting firms, and consulting agencies

How to design an ADA-compliant website

ADA-compliant web design focuses on removing online barriers that prevent users from accessing content or completing tasks. The following areas of design and development align with the WCAG 2.2 principles of making content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

1. Keyboard accessibility

All functionality is operable using keyboard navigation.
Tab order follows a logical, intuitive layout.
Focus indicators are clearly visible at all times.
Skip navigation links allow users to bypass repetitive content.

2. Responsive design

Content functions consistently across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Page layouts reflow correctly across screen sizes and orientations.
No content or functionality is lost when users scale text or adjust display settings.
Interactive elements remain usable at increased zoom levels.

3. Readability

Written content uses clear, legible fonts that support readability.
Text maintains a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for standard text and 3:1 for large text.
Color is not used as the sole method of conveying information.
Backgrounds, overlays, and visual effects do not reduce text clarity.

4. Accessible forms

Online form fields have clearly associated labels and instructions.
Required fields and errors are programmatically identifiable.
Error messages explain what went wrong and how to make corrections.
Forms can be completed without unnecessary time limits.

5. Alt text for images

All meaningful images include descriptive alternative text.
Decorative images are hidden from assistive technologies.
Alt text conveys purpose and context, not just visual appearance.
Image file names are descriptive and avoid generic defaults (e.g., “image123”).

6. Multimedia accessibility

Video content includes accurate captions.
Audio content is supported by text transcripts.
Users can pause, stop, or control playback using a keyboard.
Content avoids flashing or motion that could trigger seizures.
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7. Consistent navigation and structure

Navigation remains consistent and predictable across pages.
Headings follow a logical hierarchy to communicate structure.
Semantic HTML elements support assistive technologies.
Links and buttons use clear, descriptive labels.

Supporting resources for an ADA-compliant website build

Implementing an ADA-compliant website requires clear standards and reliable guidance. The following resources provide clear, practical guidance to help your team move from awareness to action:

The Benefits of an ADA compliant website

Adopting an ADA-compliant web design isn’t simply a regulatory obligation. When implemented effectively, accessibility strengthens usability, resilience, and long-term digital performance. Here’s a summary of key benefits.

1. Reduced legal and financial risk

Lowers exposure to ADA demand letters, lawsuits, and settlements.
Demonstrates documented efforts to meet recognized accessibility standards.
Reduces the likelihood of costly retroactive remediation under legal pressure.
Supports defensibility if accessibility is ever challenged.

2. Broader audience reach

Improves access for people with disabilities who rely on assistive technologies.
Supports older adults who may experience vision, hearing, or mobility changes.
Reduces abandonment caused by usability barriers.
Expands the pool of potential customers and users.

3. Stronger brand trust and reputation

Signals a commitment to inclusion and equal access.
Aligns with growing consumer expectations around corporate responsibility.
Builds trust with users who value accessible, usable digital experiences.
Helps differentiate organizations in competitive markets.

4. Improved usability and performance

Enhances navigation, readability, and task completion for all users.
Aligns with search engine best practices around structure and clarity.
Supports cleaner code, clearer content hierarchy, and better user engagement.
Improves overall site performance and user satisfaction.

The risks of non-compliance?

The benefits listed above make the risks of inaction relatively easy to identify. Left unaddressed, accessibility barriers can weaken organizational resilience and restrict growth in ways that are difficult to reverse:

Costly fines, settlements, legal battles, or judgments against the company.
Reduced employee morale and internal confidence.
Loss of shareholder or stakeholder trust.
Difficulty attracting investors or partners.
Ineligibility for government-funded grants, contracts, or procurement opportunities.

These impacts may not appear all at once, but they can compound over time, making early action essential.

Free ADA Compliance Audit of your Website

Get a free automated ADA compliance audit of your website. This audit will highlight compliance violations and provide the recommendations needed to meet ADA compliance standards.

Make ADA compliance part of your digital strategy today

There’s much more to an ADA-compliant website than meeting the current WCAG criteria and moving on. It requires ongoing commitment to build a digital presence that works reliably for everyone as expectations and standards continue to evolve.

Not sure where to begin? Download your free accessibility check today to determine where your site stands now and prioritize your next steps.

ADA compliant web design – FAQs

Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions about building ADA-compliant websites.

Need more help becoming ADA compliant?

The following resources are packed full of actionable tips and expert advice for making your digital content compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act: