Accessibility Laws and Standards

Bridging policy and practice in digital accessibility

Did you know?

In the United States, digital accessibility isn’t optional—it’s required. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 establish the legal foundation for equal access, including websites and digital services.

To meet these obligations, organizations look to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which define the technical standards—like providing text alternatives for images, ensuring sufficient color contrast, and designing accessible forms—that make digital content usable for everyone.

Key US Digital Accessibility Laws

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

  • Who it applies to: State and local governments (Title II) and private businesses considered public accommodations (Title III).
  • What it requires: Websites, mobile apps, and other digital services must be accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring equal access and effective communication.
  • Enforcement: Enforceable through private lawsuits and DOJ actions.

NOTE: New regulations for Title II (state and local governments) take effect in April 2026, requiring conformance with WCAG 2.1 AA. Most public entities are using this time to update websites, apps, and digital content to meet these standards.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 508)

  • Who it applies to: Federal agencies and organizations that contract with them.
  • What it requires: Information and communication technology (ICT), including websites, documents, and digital tools, must be accessible.
  • Standards: Aligns with WCAG 2.0 AA and incorporates accessibility into federal procurement requirements.

NOTE: While Section 508 officially references WCAG 2.0 AA, most agencies adopt WCAG 2.1 AA or higher to ensure accessibility meets modern standards and user needs.

What This Means for You

Businesses: Ensure websites, applications, and digital content follow WCAG standards to reduce legal risk and reach more customers.

Government Agencies: Required to make programs, services, and public information accessible under the ADA.

Federal Contractors: Must ensure ICT products and services meet Section 508 standards as part of doing business with federal agencies.