USA Accessibility Laws

Overview

In the United States, digital accessibility is governed primarily by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. These regulations ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to websites, digital services, and electronic information.

Although the ADA does not explicitly list technical standards, WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is widely recognized by courts and federal agencies as the accepted benchmark for ADA compliance.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including digital spaces.

ADA and Websites

• Applies to public-facing websites and online services

• Covers businesses, nonprofits, and public entities

• Enforced through lawsuits, settlements, and DOJ guidance

• WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Level AA is commonly used to measure compliance

Failure to provide accessible digital content may result in:

• Legal action and financial penalties

• Reputational damage

• Loss of customers and users

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Section 508 requires that federal agencies and organizations receiving federal funding ensure their electronic and information technology (EIT) is accessible to people with disabilities.

Key Section 508 Requirements

• Applies to government websites, software, documents, and digital tools

• Directly references WCAG 2.0 Level AA as the technical standard

• Enforced through federal compliance audits and procurement rules

Any vendor or contractor working with U.S. federal agencies must meet Section 508 accessibility standards.

How ADA and Section 508 Align with WCAG

Both ADA and Section 508 rely on WCAG as the technical framework for accessibility:

• ADA → WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Level AA (best practice)

• Section 508 → WCAG 2.0 Level AA (legally mandated)

WCAG provides measurable success criteria that help organizations demonstrate accessibility compliance and reduce legal risk.

Who Must Comply?

• Businesses and e-commerce websites

• Educational institutions

• Nonprofit organizations

• Federal agencies and government contractors

• Public sector and service providers

Accessibility is not optional—it is a legal and ethical responsibility.

Our Accessibility Compliance Approach

We help organizations identify ADA and Section 508 accessibility issues through automated testing, manual audits, and WCAG-aligned reporting. Our tools support:

• Accessibility issue detection

• Prioritized remediation guidance

• Ongoing compliance monitoring

• Legal risk reduction

By aligning with ADA and Section 508 requirements, organizations can create inclusive digital experiences while meeting U.S. accessibility obligations.