Accessibility isn’t just for physical spaces — it’s essential online too.
If your website or app isn’t compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), you could be excluding users and missing opportunities to connect.
The good news?
Accessibility standards like WCAG 2.2 AA provide a clear path to create inclusive, user-friendly experiences.
In this guide, we’ll break down what ADA and WCAG compliance mean and share actionable steps to meet requirements, and more.
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What ADA Compliance Means for Websites and Apps
To achieve ADA website compliance, your site or app needs to be accessible to people with disabilities, including those who rely on any assistive technology like screen readers.
Here’s a quick break down:
- State and local governments (Title II): As of June 2024, the DOJ requires public sector websites and apps to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Larger entities (serving 50,000+ people) must comply by April 24, 2026. Smaller entities and special districts have until April 26, 2027. Limited exceptions apply for older documents and some third-party content. Agencies can also choose WCAG 2.2 if it provides equal or better accessibility.
- Private businesses (Title III): The ADA applies to any business open to the public. While there’s no formal DOJ standard for websites, WCAG remains the recognized best practice.
- Federal agencies (Section 508): Federal government websites and digital content must already meet WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA.
In short: if you’re a government agency, you have firm deadlines. If you’re a business, following WCAG is still the safest way to promote equal access and reduce legal risk.
WCAG Explained: The Standards Behind Compliance
If ADA compliance is the “why,” WCAG is the “how.”
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are international standards from the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) that tell you exactly how to make web content accessible.
Over the years, WCAG has evolved to keep pace with technology and user needs:
But WCAG also sets levels of conformance. They’re basically benchmarks that show how thoroughly a website meets accessibility requirements:
Pro tip: Even though Title II regulations cite WCAG 2.1 AA, aiming for 2.2 AA is smarter because it’s the most current and future-proof standard.
5 Practical Steps to Make Your Website ADA & WCAG Compliant
Meeting ADA requirements means more than just running an automated scan. Here’s a clear, standards-based process to get your website and apps up to WCAG 2.2 AA:
1. Define Your Scope
Start by identifying everything that needs review:
- Websites and apps
- PDFs, slide decks, and office documents
- Videos and live streams
- Core user journeys like checkout, login, and forms
2. Audit With Automation and Human Testing
Automated tools like axe or WAVE catch obvious code-level issues, but they’re not enough. The DOJ makes it clear: automation alone can’t guarantee compliance.
Always pair automation with must-do manual checks:
- Keyboard-only navigation
- Screen reader smoke tests (NVDA on Windows, VoiceOver on Mac)
- Zoom/reflow at 200–400%
- Manual color and contrast review
3. Use Official W3C Resources to Fix Issues
The W3C Quick Reference and WAI Tutorials give step-by-step guidance for common website accessibility fixes, from alt text and captions to ARIA roles.
These resources help you apply the technical standards correctly and avoid “quick fixes” that don’t hold up in real-world testing.
4. Prioritize Semantic HTML and Smart ARIA Use
Where possible, use semantic HTML elements like <button> or <nav> instead of divs with ARIA roles.
When ARIA is needed, follow the ARIA Authoring Practices Guide (APG) to avoid introducing barriers.
5. Involve Real Users
If feasible, test your site with individuals with disabilities.
Real-world feedback often reveals usability issues that automated tools can’t detect.
Accessibility Checklist: Key WCAG AA Requirements
If you’re aiming for WCAG 2.2 Level AA (or 2.1 AA where required), these are the success criteria (SC) you can’t skip:
How to Demonstrate and Document Compliance
Digital accessibility isn’t just about making fixes — you need a clear way to show your compliance efforts.
Here’s how to document and demonstrate progress:
- Keep detailed records: Log accessibility issues, fixes, and testing results. Track design patterns, color tokens, and component behavior in your design system.
- Publish an Accessibility Statement: Use the W3C’s Accessibility Statement Generator to clearly outline your conformance level, WCAG version, scope, and date.
- Self-declare compliance responsibly: The W3C does not certify sites. If you claim conformance, be specific about the version, level (A/AA), and what content is covered.
This transparency shows good faith, makes accessibility easier to maintain, and helps your organization meet regulatory expectations.
Title II Exceptions and Alternatives You Should Know
The DOJ’s Title II rule for state and local governments recognizes that not every piece of digital content can meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards immediately.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Exceptions:
- Archived content that is not actively used
- Some pre-existing electronic documents
- Certain third-party content (like social media embeds)
- These items are exempt from strict conformance, but agencies must still provide access upon request.
- Equivalent Facilitation: Title II allows organizations to meet or exceed requirements in other ways. For example, conforming to WCAG 2.2 AA is considered an acceptable alternative if it offers equal or better accessibility.
Even with exceptions, the ADA emphasizes effective communication. If a user requests an accessible version of content, agencies must provide it in a timely and reasonable way.
10 Best Practices for Ongoing Accessibility
Accessibility isn’t a one-time project. To stay compliant and provide a better experience for everyone, make these practices part of your ongoing process:
- Train your team: Educate developers, designers, and content authors on WCAG basics and accessibility best practices.
- Integrate checks early: Add accessibility reviews to design sign-offs, code reviews, and continuous integration (CI) pipelines.
- Re-test after updates: Every new feature, content change, or redesign should include a fresh accessibility review.
- Check third-party tools: Evaluate plugins, widgets, and embedded content, which can introduce accessibility barriers.
- Balance automation with manual testing: Automated scans are useful but can’t catch everything; always include manual checks.
- Don’t rely only on overlays: Widgets and “quick fix” tools may look helpful but don’t guarantee compliance and can create new issues.
- Include mobile and apps: ADA rules cover mobile apps, so give them the same attention as your website.
- Be specific in compliance claims: If you declare compliance, always note the WCAG version, level (A/AA), scope, and date.
- Document everything: Keep records of issues, fixes, and test results to show good faith and make maintenance easier.
- Build a culture of accessibility: Treat accessibility as an ongoing responsibility, not a box to check once.
Quick Reference: Key Standards and Deadlines
Here’s a quick reference for ADA and WCAG requirements across sectors:
Let Designity Help You Meet ADA & WCAG Standards
Making your site ADA and WCAG compliant isn’t just a legal checkbox — it’s about creating a digital space that’s truly usable for everyone.
Following WCAG 2.2 AA gives you a clear plan, helps you meet upcoming deadlines, and shows your audience that accessibility is part of your brand’s values.
At Designity, we’ve seen firsthand how small accessibility improvements can make a big impact.
As a subscription-based Creative-as-a-Service (CaaS) platform, our top 3% of vetted creatives, guided by expert Creative Directors, design and build websites that look amazing while meeting accessibility standards.
Whether you’re a government agency working toward 2026–2027 compliance or a business wanting to stay ahead of the curve, now is the perfect time to start.
Book a demo call today to see how Designity can help you create a more inclusive, user-friendly web experience.
