ADA Website Compliance Explained

The internet should be accessible to everyone but for millions of people with disabilities, poorly designed websites create barriers to equal access. That's where ADA website compliance comes in. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that websites, especially those run by businesses and public entities, are accessible to people with disabilities.

In this guide, we'll break down ADA website compliance. You'll learn what the law requires, how it relates to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), and practical steps to make your website compliant.

What is ADA Website Compliance?

The ADA Standards for Accessible Design, updated by the Department of Justice, make it clear: websites and digital services must be just as accessible as physical spaces.

While the ADA originally focused on physical buildings, today it also applies to online spaces. If your website is not accessible to people with disabilities, you could face legal challenges and miss out on serving a large audience.

Why ADA Compliance Matters

Legal Requirements – Under Title II of the ADA, state and local governments must ensure that all digital services are accessible. Businesses covered by Title III also must comply.
Inclusivity – Making websites usable for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind, or those using assistive technology is the right thing to do.
Business Growth – An accessible website improves SEO, user experience, and customer trust.
Avoiding Penalties – Non-compliance can lead to lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage.

What Laws and Standards Apply?

1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including online.

2. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Section 508 requires federal agencies and contractors to make their digital content accessible. If your business serves government contracts, you must comply.

3. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are internationally recognized standards that outline how to make websites usable for everyone. They cover:

Text alternatives (alt text) for images.
Background color and contrast ratios for readability.
Keyboard navigation for users who cannot use a mouse.
Captions and transcripts for audio and video content.

Common Accessibility Barriers on Websites

Not sure if your website is ADA-compliant? Here are frequent issues:

Missing alt text for images.
Poor background color contrast making text hard to read.
Videos without captions for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Forms that can't be navigated with assistive technology.
Links and buttons without descriptive labels.

How to Make Your Website ADA Compliant

1. Follow WCAG Guidelines

Start with WCAG 2.1 AA standards, the benchmark most often referenced in ADA compliance cases.

2. Add Alternative Text (Alt Text)

Every image should have alt text so screen readers can describe them to users.

3. Use Accessible Design Elements

Choose background colors with strong contrast.
Ensure readable fonts.
Avoid flashing elements that could trigger seizures.

4. Provide Transcripts and Captions

If you have video or audio content, provide captions for the deaf and transcripts for screen reader users.

5. Test with Assistive Technology

Use tools like NVDA screen reader or VoiceOver to see how accessible your website truly is.

The Role of State and Local Governments

Under Title II of the ADA, state and local governments must ensure websites and online services are fully accessible. This includes government portals, education systems, and public-facing platforms. Non-compliance here has been one of the biggest drivers of lawsuits and DOJ actions.

The DOJ and Enforcement

The Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces ADA compliance. Over the years, DOJ has made it clear that:

Businesses and governments alike must ensure digital accessibility.
Lawsuits and settlements can be costly.
Voluntary compliance is always better than waiting for enforcement.

Practical Checklist for ADA Compliance

Here's a quick website accessibility checklist:

Add alt text to all images.
Use high-contrast background colors.
Caption all videos for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Make all forms and buttons accessible via keyboard.
Provide descriptive labels for links.
Test using assistive technology.

Partnering with Experts

Ensuring ADA compliance can feel overwhelming. That's where expert partners can help. At Dojo IT Solutions, businesses find the tools, strategies, and support needed to create websites that meet ADA accessibility standards while improving user experience.

Conclusion

ADA website compliance isn't just about avoiding lawsuits it's about creating a digital space that welcomes everyone. By following WCAG guidelines, applying ADA standards for accessible design, and using assistive technology testing, you can build a website that's inclusive, legally compliant, and better for your business.