New ADA Title II Web Content and Mobile Accessibility Deadlines

The US Department of Justice has issued a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requiring state and local governments to ensure that their web content and mobile applications are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

The deadlines apply to state and local governments, including:

• State and local government offices that provide benefits and or social services, like food assistance, health insurance, or employment services
• Public schools, community colleges, and public universities
• State and local police departments
• State and local courts
• State and local elections offices
• Public hospitals and public healthcare clinics
• Public parks and recreation programs
• Public libraries
• Public transit agencies

Except for special district governments who have until April 26, 2027 to comply, the following compliance deadlines are based on the total population size of the state and local government:

• 50,000 or more persons: April 24, 2026
• 0 to 49,999 persons: April 26, 2027

After the deadline, state and local governments must keep their websites and mobile applications compliant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA. WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance requires websites and mobile applications to be accessible to people with disabilities, including users of assistive technologies. This includes, for example, providing text alternatives, captions for live videos, ensuring sufficient color contrast, ensuring accessible keyboard navigation, and making content readable.

State and local governments should begin evaluating their websites and mobile applications now to identify accessibility gaps and plan for timely compliance.

Additional information is available on the US Department of Justice ADA website at:
https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/