Does My Website Have to Be ADA Compliant?

It can be challenging to understand exactly how the Americans with Disabilities Act(opens in a new tab) (ADA) applies to digital content, given the complex legal jargon and technical standards. Here’s the short answer: All digital content, including websites, web and mobile apps, and downloadable content, must be ADA-compliant.

But does that mean every website is legally required to meet those standards? Below, we’ll break down when the ADA applies, explore potential exceptions, and show what ADA-compliant websites look like in practice. You’ll also learn how the ADA intersects with other accessibility laws and the specific guidelines your websites need to follow to create an accessible experience.

What Does the ADA Say About Websites?

The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life. This includes both direct discrimination, where individuals are treated less favorably because of a disability, and indirect discrimination, where discrimination is less obvious or unintended. 

Although the ADA was written before websites and mobile apps, it has been consistently interpreted to cover digital experiences. Today, websites, web apps, mobile apps, and other online content are considered “places of public accommodation” by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). That means achieving ADA compliance for websites and other digital content isn’t optional. If your content isn’t accessible to people with disabilities, it can be seen as a form of discrimination under the law. 

In other words, if your mobile or web design is not accessible to people with disabilities, it is not compliant with the law.

Stylized web page that shows a number of error messages and the label ADA

Which Websites are Required to Be ADA Compliant?

ADA-compliant websites are required for organizations that fall under two categories:

• Websites for, or funded by, state or local governments: Title II of the ADA requires organizations within this category to ensure their web content is accessible to those with disabilities. 

• Websites for businesses: Businesses that are open to the public (also referred to as public accommodations) must provide full and equal access to all users, as mandated by Title III of the ADA. 

If your organization falls under either of these two categories, your digital must meet ADA requirements.

Are There Any Exceptions or Exemptions?

One of the most common myths about ADA compliance is that small businesses or organizations with low revenue are automatically exempt from ADA compliance. In reality, small business ADA compliance is still required if your website or digital content is accessible to the public. There is no blanket exemption based on size or revenue. 

Limited exceptions, such as undue burden or fundamental alteration, may apply in specific cases, but these are evaluated individually and do not automatically excuse inaccessibility. 

What Does an ADA-Compliant Website Mean in Practice?

The ADA itself does not include specific technical standards for website accessibility. Rather, the ADA requires businesses to follow the accessibility standards included in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines(opens in a new tab) (WCAG). More specifically, organizations should follow the website accessibility requirements included in WCAG 2.2 Level AA, as this level creates a mostly accessible experience for individuals with disabilities. 

Put simply, if your website includes the success criteria outlined in WCAG 2.2 Level AA, it’s likely to be considered ADA-compliant.

Chart that show the three levels of conformance for the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

What is WCAG? 

WCAG is considered the standard for accessibility and includes over 70 success criteria that enhance a website's accessibility. These accessibility features include assistive technology and screen reader compatibility, sufficient color contrast, customizable text size, and more. 

All WCAG success criteria are organized into four categories (commonly known as the POUR principles) and are broken down into three conformance levels:

• Level A: This is the lowest level of conformance, addressing the most severe accessibility issues.

• Level AA: This is considered the standard range of conformance, providing an accessible and usable experience for most users with disabilities. Organizations must also meet this level to be considered ADA-compliant.

• Level AAA: This is the highest level of conformance and includes more sophisticated accessibility features such as sign language interpretation for video and higher color contrast ratios. 

Why ADA Website Compliance Matters

One of the biggest reasons ADA compliance for websites matters is the growing number of people with disabilities. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 1.3 billion people worldwide live with a disability(opens in a new tab) — that’s roughly 16% of the world’s population (or 1 in 6 people). Inaccessible content excludes a huge percentage of users, leaving them unable to access information or participate in online spaces. 

Following accessible website standards also enables organizations to reach a broader audience and tap into a vast — and often overlooked — market. This can lead to increased revenue and growth, resulting in enhanced customer engagement, satisfaction, and sales. 

Additionally, making your website accessible ensures you’re compliant with digital accessibility requirements, keeping your legal risk low and helping you avoid expensive legal fights.

Most importantly, an accessible website is the right thing to do. Website owners who ensure their digital content is usable and accessible to all — particularly those with disabilities — demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusivity. That commitment can help improve your brand reputation and attract more customers.

What Happens if a Website is Not ADA-Compliant?

Non-compliance with website accessibility law introduces numerous risks. Over the past 20 years, numerous ADA lawsuits and DOJ settlements have arisen from website accessibility barriers. According to Seyfarth Shaw, more than 8,800 ADA Title III lawsuits were filed in 2024(opens in a new tab) — a 7% increase from 2023.

These figures don’t include ADA demand letters, which are also on the rise. Demand letters typically outline specific accessibility issues that plaintiffs encountered on a business website and can seek financial restitution, sometimes in the tens of thousands of dollars. 

The takeaway is straightforward: inaccessible websites can lead to legal action, financial liability, and reputational risk. Ensuring ADA compliance for websites helps businesses avoid these consequences while creating a more inclusive experience for all users.

How to Get Started with ADA Website Compliance

The best path towards ADA compliance for websites is by conforming to WCAG 2.2 standards. These guidelines provide a clear framework for creating digital experiences that are accessible to all users, and are the standard most often referenced in ADA settlements or consent decrees. 

To get started, familiarize yourself with the WCAG guidelines, integrate them into your design and content processes, and regularly review and test your site to identify and address accessibility barriers. 

Over time, these steps help ensure your digital presence is not only legally compliant but genuinely accessible.