Which U.S. States Have Digital Accessibility Laws? A Comprehensive List
Federal laws like the ADA and Section 508 set the baseline for accessibility —but many U.S. states are raising the bar with their own requirements. Below, we'll break down which states have additional laws, so you can stay ahead of compliance and avoid unexpected risks.
Author: Missy Jensen, Senior SEO Copywriter
Published: 07/02/2025
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Slightly unbalanced scale in front of a stylized web browser. The heavier side of the scale is holding the accessibility symbol.
Digital accessibility is no longer just a best practice — it’s a legal requirement in many parts of the United States. As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms to engage with customers, ensuring that websites and online content are accessible to all, including people with disabilities, is essential. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act have provided a federal framework (among other federal laws), several states have enacted their own laws or policies to support digital accessibility.
Below, we provide a brief overview of U.S. federal digital accessibility law, along with a list of digital accessibility laws and policies in each state.
Federal Overview: The ADA and Section 508
Before diving into state-specific laws, it’s important to understand the federal landscape. Two of the major laws that directly impact digital accessibility are the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA, particularly Titles II and III, is the primary federal law that mandates accessibility for people with disabilities. Although the ADA does not explicitly mention websites, courts have increasingly interpreted it to apply to online platforms, particularly for public accommodations and government websites.
The ADA, enacted in 1990, is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. While the ADA was established before the internet became integral to daily life, its impact on digital accessibility has grown significantly as the online world has evolved.
Title II and Title III of the ADA are particularly relevant to digital accessibility:
Title II applies to state and local government entities, requiring them to ensure that all public services, including websites, are accessible to people with disabilities.
Title III applies to public accommodations, such as businesses and nonprofits, mandating that they provide equal access to goods, services, and information—this includes websites and mobile apps.
Although the ADA does not explicitly mention websites, courts have increasingly interpreted it to include digital spaces. This means that websites and online services must be designed or updated to be accessible to people with disabilities, following guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Non-compliance can result in legal actions, fines, and a mandate to make the necessary changes to ensure accessibility.
The ADA’s influence on digital accessibility emphasizes the need for inclusive design and the elimination of barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in the digital world.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, originally enacted in 1973 and significantly amended in 1998, is a crucial law that impacts digital accessibility. It mandates that all federal agencies ensure that their electronic and information technology (EIT) is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes websites, software, online documents, and other digital resources.
Under Section 508, federal agencies must develop, procure, maintain, and use EIT that is accessible to employees and members of the public with disabilities, providing them with comparable access to information and data as those without disabilities. The law applies to a wide range of digital content, including websites, multimedia, and software applications.
The accessibility standards under Section 508 are aligned with the WCAG 2.0, particularly Level AA criteria, which cover essential aspects of web and digital content accessibility, such as alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and ensuring that content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (POUR) for all users.
Section 508 has a broad impact, not only ensuring accessibility within federal agencies but also influencing vendors and contractors who work with these agencies to comply with digital accessibility standards. As a result, Section 508 has driven significant improvements in the accessibility of government websites and digital services, serving as a model for other organizations to follow.
Digital Accessibility Policies and Laws by State
Below is a list of all 50 U.S. states and their applicable digital accessibility laws and policies. Links to additional information are also included.
The above list highlights the importance of digital accessibility across the U.S. For businesses and organizations operating online, understanding and adhering to these laws is crucial. While some U.S. states may not have specific state-level regulations, federal laws such as the ADA and Section 508 apply to them all.
Please Note: Laws and regulations are subject to change. We recommend regularly consulting with legal counsel or an accessibility expert to ensure compliance with the most current standards. The above list is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice in any way.
Need Help Reaching Compliance?
Laws get tweaked and updated over time, and digital accessibility law is no exception. AudioEye can help you navigate and meet these laws with ease.
With our three-pronged approach to accessibility, which combines powerful automation and human-assisted AI technology, you can achieve industry-leading compliance with accessibility laws both in and out of the U.S.
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