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1-786-885-5165Ensuring equal access to digital and physical spaces for people with disabilities in the U.S.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a U.S. civil rights law passed in 1990 to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination. It ensures equal access to employment, government services, transportation, public accommodations, and now digital spaces.
Although the ADA was enacted before the Internet became a daily necessity, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has since made it clear: the ADA applies to websites and mobile apps that offer goods, services, or information to the public.
The ADA protects anyone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This includes both permanent and temporary disabilities such as:
In short, the ADA ensures that digital barriers are treated the same as physical ones.
The ADA is divided into five sections (Titles), each addressing different areas of accessibility:
Prevents disability discrimination in the workplace, covering job application processes, hiring, and employee benefits.
Requires accessible public services, including digital content and communication from government entities and public transit.
Applies to private businesses offering goods and services, which courts interpret to include commercial websites and e-commerce platforms.
Ensures equal access to phone and communication systems, including requirements for closed captioning and relay services.
For website owners and online businesses, **Title II and Title III are the most critical** as they directly mandate digital accessibility.
Courts and the DOJ interpret Title III to include web-based services. This means that if your business operates online — whether selling products, booking appointments, or sharing information — your website must be accessible to people with disabilities.
The DOJ officially references WCAG 2.1 A/AA standards as the technical benchmark for ADA compliance.
In April 2024, the DOJ released a new federal rule requiring state and local governments (and their vendors) to meet WCAG 2.1 A/AA standards within two years — setting a precedent that’s rapidly influencing the private sector as well.
Failing to make your website ADA compliant can lead to:
According to law firm Seyfarth Shaw, more than 11,400 ADA Title III lawsuits were filed in 2021 — a 320% increase since 2013. Most of these lawsuits targeted websites in industries like retail, healthcare, finance, and education.
👉 Learn more about ADA Compliance Audits and Accessibility Lawsuits to see how the ADA applies in legal enforcement.
To reduce legal risk and ensure accessibility for all users, follow these steps:
ADA compliance is more than a legal obligation — it’s about equal opportunity and inclusive design. Accessible websites perform better in search results, improve user experience, and build stronger brand trust.
In today’s digital world, accessibility isn’t optional — it’s a business essential.
👉 Learn how to protect your business from legal exposure with our Industry Accessibility Solutions.
This page explains the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), detailing its purpose as a U.S. civil rights law and how it applies to digital spaces under Title II and Title III. It outlines the legal risks of non-compliance, citing WCAG 2.1 A/AA as the technical standard, and provides a clear five-step plan for achieving and maintaining ADA website compliance.
Learn how the ADA applies specifically to your sector.
Complying with the ADA isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits — it’s about building a digitally inclusive brand.
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