In an important step forward for accessibility, the U.S. Department of Justice has published new regulations to help state and local governments ensure that their digital content—websites and mobile apps—are accessible to people with disabilities. Officially announced with modifications to come, the new rule sets technical standards that will take effect between 2026 and 2027, depending on the government entity's district population size and updated ADA deadlines. This blog post outlines key actions and resources to help organizations begin preparing for compliance.
Why Compliance Matters
Web and mobile accessibility is about more than just meeting legal requirements—it’s about providing equitable access to critical services. For many individuals with disabilities, inaccessible forms or content can create significant barriers to:
- Registering to vote
- Accessing public education
- Applying for government benefits
- Reporting issues such as road maintenance
Inaccessible services can also hinder government operations. For example, when a tax form fails to meet accessibility compliance, the individual suffers, and tax collection efficiency suffers, hindering government agencies in the long term. Ensuring accessibility under the new rule will improve service delivery and foster a more inclusive community.
Key Steps to Prepare for the New Rule
1. Learn About the Rule
The Department of Justice has released several resources to aid public entities in understanding the new requirements. Here’s where to start:
- Small Entity Compliance Guide: Detailed guidance tailored for smaller entities
- Full Rule with Appendix: Comprehensive legal test
- Fact Sheet: A beginner-friendly overview
2. Know Your Compliance Deadline
The deadlines for full compliance depend on population size:
- April 24, 2026 : for entities with populations of 50,000 or more.
- April 26, 2027 : for smaller entities and special district governments.
3. Identify Key Staff and Roles
Accessibility planning involves more than IT teams. Consider roles across procurement, content creation, and public communication. Setting clear responsibilities will prevent gaps and create a culture of accessibility.
4. Staff Training
Training should be comprehensive and role-specific:
- General Training: Teach all staff the basics of accessibility.
- Specialized Training: Web developers, content authors, and designers need in-depth guidance tailored to their responsibilities.
- The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) offers tutorials and curricula for web accessibility.
5. Inventory Your Digital Content
Take stock of your web content and mobile apps:
- How many websites and apps do you operate?
- What content formats do you use (HTML, PDFs, images)?
- What third-party content do you link to or embed?
6. Understand Rule Exceptions
Some content, such as preexisting social media posts or archived content, may be exempt. However, even exempt content may require reasonable accommodations. Review the ADA's full list of exceptions to plan accordingly.
7. Evaluate Accessibility Gaps
Conduct a thorough assessment of your digital content. Automated tools can provide a starting point, but manual testing remains essential for comprehensive evaluations. Prioritize:
- High-traffic pages
- Services critical to public access
- Content flagged by users as inaccessible
8. Set Priorities for Fixes
Accessibility remediation can be complex. Start with:
- Content that supports essential services (e.g., application forms)
- Navigation menus and templates affecting multiple pages
9. Review Contracts with Vendors
If vendors manage your digital platforms, ensure they comply with accessibility standards. Consider including accessibility clauses, warranties, and indemnification terms in contracts to protect yourself and your organization from the legal ramifications of inaccessible digital resources.
10. Develop Accessibility Policies
Create or update operational policies to guide long-term compliance. The W3C’s resources on developing organizational policies can create a structure for this process.
Moving Forward
The new ADA Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule represents a significant shift toward digital inclusivity. By starting preparations early, state and local governments can meet compliance deadlines while improving their services for all citizens. Use the resources provided by the Department of Justice and the W3C to ensure a seamless transition to accessible digital content.
