ADA compliance means designing digital experiences—like websites, apps, and tools—that are accessible to people with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While the ADA was originally focused on physical spaces, it’s increasingly applied to digital environments, especially for businesses and public-facing organizations.
Accessibility compliance more broadly refers to building websites and content that everyone can use—including people with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments. The most widely accepted standard for this is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which offer a technical and practical framework for inclusive digital design.
Inaccessible websites may be subject to legal action, especially if tied to a physical location or offering public services. Courts have increasingly recognized digital accessibility as a factor under ADA enforcement.
Many accessibility practices—like clear navigation, labeled buttons, and good contrast—improve the user experience for everyone, not just those with disabilities.
Accessible sites allow people using assistive technologies like screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, or voice commands to fully engage with your content and services.
While accessibility doesn’t guarantee better search rankings, practices like using descriptive alt text, semantic HTML, and fast-loading content might contribute positively to SEO performance.
The ADA was signed into law in 1990, before the internet became essential for business and daily life. As digital platforms grew, legal questions emerged about whether the ADA applied to websites.
The National Federation of the Blind sued Target, claiming its website was inaccessible to blind users. A judge ruled the case could proceed, establishing that websites connected to physical stores could fall under ADA requirements.
The National Association of the Deaf sued Netflix over lack of captions on streaming content. The court ruled that digital-only platforms could also be held accountable under the ADA.
A blind user sued Domino’s for being unable to order from its site and app. The courts ruled in favor of the plaintiff, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Domino’s appeal—signaling broader support for applying ADA to digital tools.
In 2022, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued guidance confirming that the ADA applies to websites and digital content. While it didn’t lay out formal rules, it recommended that businesses follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards to reduce risk and improve accessibility.
Accessible websites remove common barriers for users with disabilities, enabling fuller, more independent access to digital content. Examples include:
