Authored by: Terry Chaudhuri
Accessibility has always mattered, but new regulations are creating a renewed sense of urgency for government agencies. Last year, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division issued a final rule that revised Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The rule requires state and local governments to make their websites and mobile applications accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Larger agencies with 50,000 or more employees have until April 24, 2026, to comply. Smaller agencies, defined as those with fewer than 50,000 employees, have until April 24, 2027. With the deadlines quickly approaching, agencies that haven’t started early may find themselves scrambling to meet the requirements.
But what does being ADA compliant mean in practice? We’ve broken down the key details and the best next steps to help you stay ahead of the deadline.
ADA Compliance and What Accessibility Actually Means
If you’ve read the DOJ’s final rule, you’ve probably noticed it’s long—about 77 pages. But at its core, the focus is on creating websites and mobile applications that everyone, regardless of their ability, can use. Making your site accessible means going beyond traditional design to include tools and features that support a wide range of users. Here are a few examples of what that looks like in practice:
- Providing text alternatives for images
- Making websites fully navigable using a keyboard (for users who can’t use a mouse)
- Ensuring strong color contrast between text and backgrounds
- Supporting screen readers by structuring content clearly
- Labeling forms, menus, and buttons clearly and confirming they function properly
And while these areas have always been important, many organizations haven’t built them into their technologies or strategies. As a result, many people who rely on specific tools or design features can’t always access website or application information.
Where Organizations Often Fall Short
Confusion about the law is one of the biggest barriers to compliance. Many teams don’t fully understand what’s required or how to get started. The guidelines are often lengthy, technical, and tough to interpret. They don’t lay out a clear checklist, such as “Do these 10 things and you’re in good shape.”
Resource constraints can also get in the way. Teams are often stretched thin, and assigning someone to focus on ADA website compliance isn’t always an easy task. Fortunately, there are practical steps agencies can take right away.
One common starting point is using a web accessibility overlay. This can be added to existing sites and helps with basic compliance. It gives users tools to adjust contrast, increase font size, and access other features without changing their individual browser or computer settings.
Overlays won’t solve everything, but they can get you about 30% of the way there with minimal effort. From there, you can explore the fact sheet and supporting resources that offer an introduction to accessibility and legal requirements and help you understand key details of the ADA compliance rule.
Over the long term, organizations should also evaluate how accessibility fits into their broader technology strategy. That includes asking the right questions when choosing new platforms or partners. Just as teams routinely ask about security, they should also ask about accessibility and ensure that new solutions support an inclusive design approach from the start.
Looking to the Future
ADA compliance will only become more important in the future. The accessibility that results from meeting new regulations will support individuals with disabilities while also aligning with the next wave of digital interaction, including AI-driven interfaces.
AI is expected to change how people use websites. Instead of typing or scrolling, users will increasingly engage through voice commands, requesting specific information and receiving spoken responses. This shift will be especially helpful for individuals who struggle with traditional computer interfaces, but only if the underlying content is accessible and properly structured.
That’s why preparing for accessibility now sets organizations up for long-term success while ensuring access for everyone who wants or needs information.
Do you have questions about ADA compliance and how accessibility fits into your technology strategy? We can help your team take the best next step.