New ADA Web-Accessibility Rule: What You Need to Know

May 2, 2025

In April 2024, the DOJ published a final rule under Title II of the ADA that establishes clear, mandatory accessibility standards for websites and mobile apps used by state and local governments. This means that digital services from applying for permits to obtaining public benefits, viewing public records, or registering to vote must now be available to people with disabilities in an accessible format, just like physical public-facing services.

Under the rule, the technical standard that public entities must meet is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA. That includes making sure web content such as text, images, documents, videos, navigation menus, and interactive elements is accessible to people who rely on assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers), and that mobile apps deliver an equivalent level of accessibility.

The new rule applies broadly. All state and local government entities including offices, public schools and universities, health departments, public hospitals, courts, transit agencies, libraries, parks departments, and any government-contracted services provided to the public are required to comply.

That said, the rule allows limited exceptions. For example, some older archived content, secure password-protected personal documents, or third-party content not provided under contract may not need to meet full WCAG compliance, depending on factors like when the content was published and whether it is actively used. Still, even if a document or page is exempt from technical compliance, the public entity must still honor core ADA obligations such as effective communication, reasonable modifications, and equal access when a person with a disability requests accommodations.

For many public entities, the rule does not take effect immediately: compliance deadlines vary depending on population size and resources. But from now on, digital accessibility is clearly part of ADA compliance and government agencies will need to plan, audit, and update their websites and apps to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.