Website Accessibility Is Now a Requirement for Public Entities
We know our clients have always cared about making websites easy for everyone to use. Accessibility isn’t new—it’s something we think about from the very beginning of every project. So, when new rules like the ADA Title II update come along, we’re already in a good spot to help teams meet them.
Last year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a landmark rule updating how state and local governments must deliver accessible digital experiences. For public entities, this isn’t just another compliance box to check. It’s a chance to lead with inclusion and ensure that everyone can access vital services online.
What’s Changing Under ADA Title II
Meeting the digital accessibility standards as defined in WCAG 2.1 Level AA is no longer optional or best practice for public entities. It will now be a required standard and the legal benchmark for web and mobile accessibility.
The new rule sets clear deadlines: entities serving 50,000+ people must comply by April 24, 2026; smaller entities and special districts have until April 26, 2027.
Who’s Affected
This applies to a wide range of organizations: municipal and county websites, public schools and universities, transportation agencies, libraries, courts, health departments, and more. If you serve the public online, these rules matter to you.
Why Digital Accessibility Matters
Accessibility isn’t just about legal risk, though noncompliance can mean costly investigations and lawsuits. It’s about removing barriers so that everyone, regardless of ability, can engage with your content. Accessible websites are easier for everyone to use, improving the experience for all.
Website accessibility cannot be determined solely by visual design. A site may appear clean and modern, but if it lacks proper coding, such as semantic HTML for screen readers or functional keyboard navigation, it won’t meet accessibility standards. Accessibility depends on the underlying structure and implementation rather than appearance, which is why most accessibility work occurs in the backend development process.
What You Can Do Now and Next
Whether you have or haven’t prioritized accessibility before now, this is a critical moment to pause, review the WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements, and identify the gaps and opportunities for your organization.
We’re helping our clients take the first step: completing a digital assets audit as soon as possible. From there, we partner to:
Build actionable strategies and prioritize fixes
Coordinate resources to meet Level AA standards
Develop ongoing policies for sustained compliance
Ready to make accessibility part of your digital strategy? We can help you meet and exceed the new standards.
Diane Swisher, VP Senior Consultant, has more than 15 years of experience helping organizations develop and execute employee communications strategies and campaigns.
