The standard for online accessibility in the United States

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Guidelines

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What is ADA compliance for websites?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a U.S. law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, including online. ADA website compliance means meeting the relevant regulations, typically by following WCAG guidelines. In 2023, over 4,600 website accessibility lawsuits were filed in U.S. federal courts due to the failure of businesses to ensure their websites comply with ADA guidelines.

While the ADA applies to public-facing businesses, 508 compliance for websites is required for federal agencies and contractors, following similar WCAG standards.

Who has to comply with ADA requirements?

ADA web accessibility compliance applies to any business classified as a “place of public accommodation,” which includes most public-facing websites across industries like retail, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Whether your company operates fully online or has a physical location, your digital content must be accessible to people with disabilities under ADA Title III.

  • ADA web accessibility standards follow WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 Level AA, which are developed by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). 
  • The Department of Justice reaffirmed in 2022 that websites are subject to the ADA.
  • No formal certification exists as compliance is measured by accessibility, not paperwork.

There are no exemptions for small businesses. ADA web compliance is expected from any business or organization serving the public through the web, regardless of whether they’re major corporations or SMEs.

Key Areas of Focus

  • Accessibility & ADA compliance

    ADA guidelines require businesses to make their websites, apps, and digital content accessible to people with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities. This includes screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, text alternatives, and color contrast requirements.

  • Who it applies to

    The law applies to a wide range of public-facing sites, including retailers, service providers, banks, educational platforms, and healthcare portals. ADA compliance for websites means meeting WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA standards to ensure equal access across all user interactions. Related laws like Section 504 accessibility also apply to federally funded organizations, reinforcing the broader need for accessible digital services.

  • Compliance checks

    While the ADA doesn’t specify technical rules, courts and the Department of Justice treat WCAG guidelines as the accepted legal standard. Businesses that fail to maintain an ADA-compliant website risk lawsuits, demand letters, and reputational harm.

ADA and its impact

  • 01

    Increased legal exposure for non-compliant websites

    Businesses that fail to meet ADA website compliance requirements are more vulnerable to lawsuits, demand letters, and regulatory complaints. With thousands of cases filed annually, digital inaccessibility is no longer being overlooked.

  • 02

    Operational changes to meet compliance expectations

    Meeting most ADA compliance levels often requires auditing and modifying your website’s structure, content, and interactive elements. This can affect how teams build, manage, and maintain websites and online experiences for their customers moving forward.

  • 03

    Growing emphasis on brand trust and inclusion

    Adhering to ADA website compliance standards signals a commitment to inclusivity, which resonates with users and improves brand perception. Accessibility is a legal necessity, but is increasingly becoming an important customer expectation.

Frequently
Asked
Questions

What does ADA-compliant mean for websites? 

For websites, ADA compliance regulations refer to making digital content accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments. This typically involves aligning your website with recognized accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA.

Key features include screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and proper use of alt text and semantic HTML. While not certified by the government, compliance can be demonstrated through audits, remediation, and accessibility statements. Failing to meet these regulations may expose your business to legal risks.

What happens if a website is not ADA compliant? 

Websites that fail to meet ADA compliance laws may face legal consequences under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This can include lawsuits, demand letters, financial settlements, and reputational damage.

In recent years, thousands of businesses, both large and small, have been sued for having inaccessible websites. The Department of Justice has also made it clear that websites are considered places of public accommodation and must be accessible to users with disabilities.

How to determine if a website is ADA compliant? 

ADA web accessibility compliance means that a website can be used effectively by individuals with disabilities, meeting the standards set under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is typically measured against the WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 Level AA guidelines, which outline how digital content should function for users with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.

While there’s no formal ADA compliance website certification, maintaining an audit record and publishing an accessibility statement can help show good-faith effort and legal awareness. We offer the tools and expert support you need to assess your site and take meaningful steps toward full compliance.

Do personal websites have to be ADA compliant? 

No, ADA web compliance is required for websites that offer goods, services, or public-facing content, regardless of whether the operator is an individual or business. Personal websites such as blogs or hobby pages may not fall under ADA enforcement, unless they operate commercially or serve as part of a business entity. However, if a personal site collects user data, sells products, or promotes services, it may be considered a place of public accommodation under Title III.

Which company can help my business meet ADA website compliance standards? 

Are you growing your business online or expanding into the U.S. market? Don’t let accessibility gaps jeopardize your reputation or open the door to legal action. At includeUs, we help ensure your website is inclusive, functional, and legally prepared with tools and expert support tailored to your needs. Don’t wait for a complaint – make accessibility an integral part of your digital marketing strategy!