What is the ADA?
The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, is a landmark U.S. law enacted in 1990 that protects people with disabilities from discrimination in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and digital services like websites and mobile apps.
When it comes to the web, the ADA requires that digital content be accessible to everyone, including users with visual, hearing, cognitive, and mobility impairments. For example, a public university’s website that lacks keyboard navigation or alt text could be considered non-compliant under the ADA.
Why is the ADA Important for Digital Accessibility?
Although the ADA was passed before the digital age took off, U.S. courts have repeatedly interpreted websites and apps as “places of public accommodation.” That means digital platforms must follow accessibility standards to ensure equal access for users with disabilities.
Compliance with the ADA is not just about avoiding lawsuits, it’s about civil rights.
It aligns with international standards like the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and complements laws such as the BFSG in Germany or the EN 301 549 in the EU.
Bottom line: If your business serves U.S. customers, ADA compliance isn’t optional—it’s expected.
How to Comply With the ADA Online
If you’re a web developer, designer, or site owner working with CMS platforms like TYPO3 or WordPress, here’s how you can align your digital products with ADA requirements:
- Follow WCAG 2.1 guidelines – Use semantic HTML, accessible form labels, logical heading structures, and maintain strong color contrast.
- Use accessibility-ready themes/plugins – TYPO3’s Accesstive Extension or WordPress’s WP Accessibility plugin can help enforce ADA-aligned patterns.
- Enable keyboard navigation and screen reader support – All functions on your site should work without a mouse.
- Provide text alternatives for media – Captions, transcripts, and alt tags support screen readers and improve SEO.
- Regular audits – Use tools like Axe, WAVE, or the T3AA Analyzer for ADA compliance checks.
Common Misconceptions About the ADA
Let’s clear up some confusion:
❌ “The ADA doesn’t apply to websites.”
✔️ Wrong. U.S. courts have ruled otherwise, and many businesses have faced legal action over inaccessible websites.
❌ “Accessibility is only for government or public institutions.”
✔️ False. If you run a private business that offers goods or services online, you’re subject to ADA rules.
❌ “Using a plugin alone ensures compliance.”
✔️ Incomplete. Plugins help, but manual testing and thoughtful design are necessary for full compliance.
See related entries: Web Accessibility, WCAG, Accessibility Audit
Key Takeaway
ADA compliance isn’t just legal, it’s ethical, strategic, and smart.
By building accessible websites, you’re opening your business to millions of users and ensuring equal digital access for all.
Start early. Design inclusively. Test continuously.
Want to Ensure ADA Compliance?
Use our ADA Compliance Checklist or try the T3AA Accessibility Analyzer to test your site.
Ready to make your TYPO3 or WordPress site ADA-compliant? Let’s make the web accessible for everyone.