Sample ADA Demand Letter for Websites: What It Looks Like and How to Respond

Picture this: a potential customer tries to navigate your website, but they can’t read the images, videos don’t have captions, and forms are inaccessible to assistive technology users. frustrated, they contact a lawyer — and suddenly, your inbox contains an ADA demand letter.

While this letter is not yet a lawsuit, it is serious. The letter outlines accessibility barriers on your website, cites the Americans with Disabilities Act(opens in a new tab) (ADA), and requests remediation before legal action is taken. 

Understanding the parts of an ADA demand letter is the first step. In the sections below, we’ll break down each component, show what it typically includes, and explain how to respond to each part effectively. 

What is an ADA Demand Letter: Breaking Down the Key Parts

An ADA demand letter is a formal legal notice sent to business or website owners alleging that their website is not accessible to people with disabilities and may violate the ADA. The letter typically outlines specific accessibility barriers, references applicable standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines(opens in a new tab) (WCAG), and requests fixes within a specific timeframe to avoid a lawsuit.

Let’s get into each section.

Sample ADA demand letter with text reading: 'Header/Complainant Information' at the top.

Header and Complainant Information

The header typically includes the name, contact information, and legal representation of the individual attorney sending the letter. This identifies who is raising the accessibility concern.

Text reading: 'Statement of Alleged Violations' with a letter spelling out fictional accessibility violations.

Statement of Alleged Violations

Next, the letter breaks down the specific accessibility issues found on the website that violate the ADA. The most common issues include images without alt text, videos without captions, poor color contrast, and navigation barriers.

Text reading 'Requested Remediation/Action' over an ADA Demand Letter listing out required steps for remediation.

Requested Action

The complainant will then provide a clear list of actions the website owner must take to resolve the accessibility issues. This can include updating website code, adding alt text to images, improving navigation for assistive technologies, or making forms more accessible. 

Text reading: 'Deadline and Next Steps' over an ADA Demand Letter requesting the business fix found issues within 30 days.

Deadline and Next Steps

Most letters will include a timeline for response or for fixes to be implemented (e.g., 30-60 days). Some may also warn of potential consequences if action is not taken, including additional demand letters or a full ADA lawsuit.

Text reading: 'Legal References' over an ADA Demand Letter that has a list of WCAG violations.

Legal References

Finally, some ADA demand letters may include a list of ADA regulations or specific references to which WCAG criteria were violated. Letters will be formally signed and dated, often by the attorney representing the complainant. 

Stylized ADA Demand Letter next to text reading: 'Responding to an ADA Demand Letter.: Acknowledgement of receipt, summary of alleged issues, remediation plan, and request for dialogue/resolution.'

Responding to an ADA Demand Letter

Now that you understand what an ADA demand letter is and how it’s structured, the next step is knowing how to respond. 

For website owners, a response isn’t just a formality — it’s an opportunity to show good-faith effort, reduce legal exposure, and begin resolving accessibility issues before a lawsuit is filed. While the details may vary, responses to ADA demand letters for websites typically follow a clear and repeatable structure. 

Below is a common response framework website owners use when replying to an ADA demand letter.

• Acknowledgement of receipt: Start by confirming that the ADA demand letter was received. This establishes professionalism and shows the complaint is being taken seriously. Responses typically include the date the letter was received and identify which business is being addressed.

• Summary of the alleged accessibility issues: Briefly restate the accessibility issues identified in the demand letter to confirm your understanding. The goal is not to argue, but to demonstrate that you have received, reviewed, and understand the issues brought against you. 

• Fix plan and timeline: Outline the specific steps taken to address the alleged issues. This can include conducting a more in-depth accessibility audit, aligning fixes with WCAG guidelines, or implementing technical and content changes. Including a realistic timeline for accessibility fixes helps demonstrate good-faith compliance efforts and accountability.

• Request for dialogue or resolution: Most responses end by inviting continued communication. Most website owners may request clarification, propose a follow-up discussion, or suggest alternative dispute resolution to avoid formal legal action. This signals willingness to cooperate and resolve the matter efficiently. 

Key Takeaways for ADA Compliance

Receiving an ADA demand letter is a signal that accessibility gaps need immediate attention. Delaying your response or worse, ignoring it altogether, increases the risk of escalation and additional litigation. A timely, thoughtful reply — paired with documented fixes — can often prevent the situation from progressing further. 

Along with a response, take the time to understand ADA requirements and WCAG guidelines better. Most demand letters reference the specific WCAG guidelines that were violated, making it essential to understand where your site falls short and how to address those gaps. 

Finally, accessibility fixes shouldn’t stop once you’ve addressed the ADA demand letter. Resolving only the issues listed in the letter may resolve the current issues, but it often leaves other accessibility barriers untouched — and those gaps can trigger future claims. Treating accessibility as an ongoing process, rather than a one-time fix, helps reduce repeat claims, supports long-term ADA compliance, and ensures your website remains usable as content, features, and technologies evolve.

From Risk to Ready: Make Your Website ADA-Compliant with AudioEye

If your website hasn’t had a full accessibility check recently (or ever), it’s time to act. ADA demand letters often surface hidden barriers, but you don’t have to wait for legal notice to take action — nor should you. 

With AudioEye, you can quickly identify common accessibility issues that can result in an ADA demand letter and take action to fix them. From our free Web Accessibility Checker, which identifies 32 WCAG violations, to our Expert Audits conducted by accessibility experts and members of the disability community, AudioEye ensures your website complies with ADA and WCAG standards while creating a more accessible experience for users. Plus, with Active Monitoring, you’ll have peace of mind that new accessibility issues are found and fixed before they impact your users.

Ongoing accessibility audits aren’t just a safety net; they’re your best defense against legal risk and creating a website that works for everyone. Don’t leave compliance to chance. Run a free accessibility scan with AudioEye and start protecting your website — and your business — immediately.

Want to see how AudioEye can provide up to 400% more legal protection than consulting or automation-only approaches? Schedule a demo today.