Understanding ADA and Web Accessibility
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Courts have increasingly interpreted websites as places of public accommodation.
The Legal Landscape
Key Court Cases
Robles v. Domino's Pizza (2019) affirmed that websites can fall under ADA requirements.The Current Standard
Courts commonly reference WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the de facto standard.
Who Must Comply?
Under ADA Title III, businesses classified as "places of public accommodation" include retail, hotels, healthcare, education, banking, entertainment, and transportation.
Common Accessibility Violations
Compliance Strategy
Step 1: Conduct an Audit
Use automated tools plus manual and screen reader testing.Step 2: Remediate Issues
Prioritize by user impact and legal risk.Step 3: Publish an Accessibility Statement
Include your commitment, standards followed, known limitations, and contact information.Step 4: Establish Ongoing Processes
Include accessibility in QA, train content creators, conduct regular audits.Best Practices Checklist
Conclusion
ADA web accessibility is not optional for US businesses. Proactive compliance reduces legal risk and creates better experiences for all users.
