Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities
What Is This Law About?
This law, issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requires state and local governments to make their websites and mobile apps accessible to people with disabilities. The goal is to ensure that everyone, including those with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities, can access government services online just as easily as others 12.
Key Requirements in Simple Terms
1. Follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA Standards
- Government websites and mobile apps must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, an international standard for digital accessibility.
- This includes features like:
- Text alternatives for images (for screen readers).
- Keyboard navigation (for people who can’t use a mouse).
- Captions for videos (for deaf or hard-of-hearing users).
- Clear contrast and readable fonts (for low-vision users) 17.
2. Who Must Comply?
- All state and local governments, including:
- Public schools, universities, and libraries.
- Police departments, courts, and election offices.
- Public hospitals, transit agencies, and parks 17.
- Even third-party contractors providing digital services for governments must follow these rules 8.
3. Compliance Deadlines
- April 24, 2026: Governments serving 50,000+ people.
- April 26, 2027: Governments serving fewer than 50,000 people and special districts (like water or transit agencies) 27.
4. Exceptions (But with Limits)
Some content doesn’t need to meet WCAG standards, such as:
- Archived content (old documents no longer in use).
- Preexisting documents (unless needed for current services).
- Third-party posts (unless under a government contract).
- Password-protected documents (like individual utility bills).
- Older social media posts (before the compliance date) 67.
- Even with exceptions, governments must still provide accessible versions upon request 1.
5. Why This Matters
- Inaccessible websites can block people with disabilities from voting, paying taxes, accessing health info, or using public transit.
- This law ensures fairness and independence for millions of Americans 18.
Important Dates
- Enacted: April 24, 2024 (published in the Federal Register).
- Compliance Deadlines: 2026 (large governments) or 2027 (small governments/special districts) 27.
This explanation is based on the official U.S. Department of Justice document.
Reference: Full Rule on FederalRegister.gov