Key Compliance Deadlines
State and local government websites and mobile apps must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards according to new ADA Title II rules:
April 24, 2026: Municipalities with 50,000+ residents.
April 26, 2027: Municipalities under 50,000 and all special districts.
Non-compliance risks federal penalties up to $150,000 per violation, lawsuits, and failed public service. Start planning and auditing now to avoid rushed, expensive fixes.
Section 508 Requirements
Government websites must also align with Section 508 standards. These rules:
Apply to any site or app made by, procured by, or receiving funding from federal agencies.
Require web content to meet WCAG 2.1 (or 2.2) Level AA.
WCAG 2.1 AA Technical Standards
WCAG 2.1 AA is the recognized global standard for web accessibility. Key requirements:
All core website features, digital forms, PDFs, and apps must work for users with disabilities.
Success criteria cover vision, hearing, mobility, and cognitive access. Sites must be keyboard-navigable, readable and usable for screen readers, have sufficient color contrast (minimum 4.5:1), and provide captions/transcripts for multimedia.
ADA Compliance Checklist
Assign Ownership: Designate an ADA coordinator to oversee digital compliance across departments.
Inventory Your Digital Footprint: List all websites, apps, PDFs, forms, and key third-party platforms (payment, applications, etc.).
Audit for Accessibility Barriers:
Use automated tools, but recognize they catch only 30-40% of issues.
Conduct manual code reviews and test with assistive technologies (screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, screen magnifiers).
Prioritize "Critical" and "Serious" fixes—these are high-traffic or full-access barriers.
Implement WCAG 2.1 AA Features:
Keyboard navigation: All functionality usable without a mouse.
Alt text: For images, icons, and interactive elements.
Color contrast: Minimum ratios for text and backgrounds.
Video captions/transcripts: All multimedia must be accessible.
Screen reader compatibility: Structured headings and semantic markup.
Accessible forms: Clear labels, instructions, error handling, tab order.
Content zooming: Enable content resizing and browser zoom up to 200%.
Skip navigation: Quick access for screen reader users.
Accessible PDF files: Tag PDFs properly for reading order/navigation.
Update Procurement Language: Require WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility in all vendor contracts, including third-party tools.
Monitor and Educate: Run regular scans, schedule periodic manual reviews, and train staff on accessibility best practices.
Why Accessibility Benefits All Users
Accessibility isn't just about compliance—it's about serving your entire community equitably. Making websites easier to navigate benefits everyone, including seniors, non-native speakers, users with low literacy, and those in low-bandwidth environments.
Better Usability: Design improvements required for people with disabilities help everyone find information faster and complete tasks more easily.
Increased Trust & Participation: Accessible website features empower more residents to self-serve their needs online, increasing engagement and satisfaction.
Reduced Operating Costs: With more residents able to access services online, staff can focus on urgent or complex cases, saving time and resources long-term.
Legal Protection: Compliance lowers risk of lawsuits and protects civil rights for all citizens.
Bottom Line: ADA compliance for government websites is non-negotiable. By acting now—auditing, updating, and educating—municipalities can avoid costly penalties, foster inclusivity, and better serve both disabled and non-disabled residents alike.