Federal ADA Compliance Deadlines Approaching
Federal ADA Compliance Deadlines Approaching
Public Entities Must Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule
About Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Title II of the ADA requires local governments to make sure that their services, programs, and activities are accessible to people with disabilities.
Title II applies to all services, programs, or activities of local governments, including those offered online and through mobile apps.
In April 2024, the Federal Register published the Department of Justice's final rule updating the regulations for Title II of the ADA. It includes technical requirements for local governments to follow to make sure that their websites and mobile apps are accessible to people with disabilities. It also includes deadlines for compliance.
Who Must Comply with the Final Rule
Like the rest of Title II, the rule applies to all local governments (which includes any agencies or departments of local governments) as well as:
• Special purpose districts
• Local police departments
• Local courts
• Local elections offices
• Public parks and recreation programs
• Public libraries
• Public transit agencies
• Local government offices that provide benefits and/or social services, like food assistance, health insurance, or employment services
What Must Be Done to Comply
The rule sets a specific technical standard that local governments must follow to meet their existing obligations under Title II of the ADA. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA is the technical standard for local governments’ web content and mobile apps.
This does not require a local government to develop a website if they do not currently have one.
Deadlines to Comply
Population of 50,000 or more persons: April 26, 2026
Population of 0 - 49,999 persons: April 26, 2027
Special purpose districts: April 26, 2027
How to Ensure Your Web Content and Mobile Apps are Final Rule Compliant
• Contact your web developer and ask for an ADA web compliance audit.
• If you do not have a web developer, contact a qualified vendor and request an ADA web compliance audit.
• If you have a web developer on staff, ensure your web content and mobile apps meet WCAG 2.
ADA Compliance Deadline
The Risks of Non-Compliance
• Substantial fines
• Costs incurred from federal and/or private lawsuits
• Costs associated with court-ordered remediation to bring website content and apps into compliance
• Insurance claims
• Damaged public trust and credibility
Links to ADA Title II Final Rule Resources
For questions about this rule or the ADA, call the Department’s ADA Information Line.
Another source of information is the ADA National Network. The National Network includes ten regional centers that provide ADA technical assistance to businesses, state and local governments, and individuals with disabilities. One toll-free number connects you to the center in your region: 800-949-4232 (Voice and TTY).