The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is enforcing a specific digital accessibility standard under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), effective April 26, 2026. All state and local government websites, mobile apps, and digital content must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
Don’t wait for the DOJ deadline, start your accessibility compliance journey now to reduce risk and ensure equal access.
Understanding ADA Compliance
ADA compliance for websites means providing equal access and opportunity to individuals with disabilities. This includes making your website usable for people with vision, hearing, cognitive, and motor impairments. Compliance requires adherence to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ensuring your site is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users.
Key Points you need to know about the ADA
Websites, PDFs, videos, and all digital content must be accessible to meet ADA requirements
Organizations should target WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the standard for compliance
Public entities serving over 50,000 residents must be ADA compliant by April 2026
Private organizations are also required to comply under Title III of the ADA
ADA digital accessibility lawsuits are rising, with more than 4,000 filed last year
Benefits of being ADA Compliant
Enhance user experience
An accessible website is easier to navigate for everyone, leading to higher engagement and satisfaction.
Reach a broader audience
By ensuring your website is accessible, you open your business to over 61 million Americans with disabilities.
Avoid Legal Risk
Reduce the chance of lawsuits, fines, and DOJ enforcement actions.
Boost your reputation
Show your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, strengthening trust with customers, employees, and stakeholders.
Improve search visibility
Many accessibility best practices align with SEO guidelines, helping your site rank higher in search results.
Future-proof your digital presence
Meeting current standards prepares you for evolving laws, technologies, and user expectations.
Prepare for the DOJ ADA Website Accessibility Deadline
In April 2026, new digital accessibility regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will take effect. These rules establish enforceable technical standards for web and mobile accessibility, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to digital services provided by state and local governments.
This is the first time the DOJ has adopted a specific technical standard for digital accessibility under Title II: the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
What are the risks of ADA Non-compliance?
Failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can lead to significant legal, financial, and reputational consequences. Businesses must ensure their websites and digital content are accessible to avoid these risks.
Legal implications and potential lawsuits.
Negative brand sentiment and potential damage to your organization’s image.
Poor user experience.
Creating barriers to access for users with disabilities.
Negative impact on website performance and SEO.
Free ADA Compliance Resources
Accessibility compliance is essential for your business and its customers. Get started today with any of our free downloadable resources:
Free ADA Compliance Check of your Website
Download a free compliance check of your website. This report will highlight any ADA non-compliance and how to fix it.
Don’t wait to build accessible online environments for your customers. At Recite Me our team of accessibility experts can help you create more inclusive digital spaces.
Reach out through our contact form to see how we can help you.
State Level Legislation
To find out more about accessibility legislations for your state, please explore links below.