Building a great website isn’t just about design or speed; it’s about making sure everyone can actually use it. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.3 billion people roughly 16% of the world’s population, live with some form of disability. In the U.S., that’s nearly 1 in 4 adults who may face barriers when browsing online.

So, what happens when a website isn’t built for everyone? Many users are left unable to access information, make purchases, or complete basic actions not because they don’t want to, but because the site isn’t designed to work with tools like screen readers, voice commands, or keyboard navigation.

Web accessibility bridges that gap. And more than just about inclusion it’s also a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and international standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

In this guide, you’ll learn what web accessibility really means, how ADA and WCAG standards apply to your website, and the practical steps you can take to make your online presence compliant, user-friendly, and optimized for search engines.

What Is Website Accessibility?

Website accessibility means designing and developing websites that everyone can use, no matter their abilities, devices, or limitations.

For example:

• Someone who’s blind may use a screen reader to navigate your website.
• A person with limited hand mobility might browse using a keyboard instead of a mouse.
• A visitor with hearing loss might depend on captions to understand video content.

When your site supports these needs, it’s considered accessible.

Why Accessibility Is Important?

Making your website accessible benefits more than just a small group of users. It improves the online experience for all visitors and brings measurable advantages for your business:

• Avoid legal risk: The ADA and many state laws require accessible websites. Ignoring them can lead to lawsuits or complaints.
• Expand your audience: About 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. live with some form of disability. Accessibility opens your brand to millions of potential customers.
• Improve SEO: Many accessibility practices, like writing descriptive alt text, improving page structure, and adding captions, also boost your visibility on search engines.
• Enhance usability: Clearer navigation, readable content, and better contrast make your site easier for everyone to use, not just people with disabilities.

Understanding ADA Website Compliance

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a U.S. civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. While it was written before the internet became essential, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that websites are covered under the ADA.

In simple terms, your website must be accessible to people with disabilities, just as a physical business must provide wheelchair ramps or accessible restrooms.

The ADA has several sections (called titles), but when it comes to websites, two are most relevant: Title II and Title III.

ADA Title II: Public Sector Websites

Title II applies to state and local government websites and digital services. That includes:

• City or county websites
• School district portals
• Transportation apps and systems
• Utility payment sites
• Government service forms and mobile apps

Key requirements:

• Conformance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards
• Compliance deadlines:
  
  • April 24, 2026 – for entities serving 50,000+ residents
  • April 26, 2027 – for smaller governments or special districts

While federal agencies follow Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the accessibility principles are similar.

ADA Title III: Private Businesses and Public Accommodations

Title III applies to private-sector businesses considered “public accommodations,” such as:

• Retail stores, restaurants, and hotels
• Healthcare providers and pharmacies
• Banks and financial institutions
• Theaters, gyms, and entertainment venues
• Private schools, daycares, and museums

Even though the ADA doesn’t specify a single website standard, the DOJ and courts usually refer to WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the benchmark. Meeting this standard helps businesses demonstrate compliance and avoid costly lawsuits.

What Are WCAG Standards?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are global standards created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). They outline how to make websites accessible to people with various disabilities, visual, auditory, cognitive, and physical.

The Four WCAG Principles

WCAG is built around four main ideas—often remembered by the acronym POUR:

• Perceivable: Content must be visible and understandable to all senses (e.g., text alternatives for images, proper color contrast).
• Operable: Users must be able to navigate your site using a keyboard, voice command, or other input methods.
• Understandable: Information and instructions should be simple and predictable.
• Robust: The site’s code must work well with assistive technologies and future browsers.

The most common goal for compliance is WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which balances accessibility with practicality for most websites.

What Are Some Practical Steps to Improve Website Accessibility

You don’t need to rebuild your website from scratch to make it accessible. Start with small steps:

• Add alt text to meaningful images and graphics.
• Use proper heading structure (H1, H2, etc.) for readability and navigation.
• Check color contrast between text and backgrounds.
• Provide captions and transcripts for videos and audio.
• Ensure keyboard navigation works on all interactive elements.
• Avoid flashing or moving elements that could trigger seizures or discomfort.
• Write clear, simple content that’s easy to read and understand.
• Test your site with accessibility tools like WAVE or AXE.
• Include skip navigation links for users who navigate via keyboard.
• Review WCAG checklists or work with an accessibility expert to identify deeper issues.

Why Accessibility Is Also Good for SEO and User Experience?

Search engines like Google reward websites that are structured well, fast, and easy to navigate exactly what accessibility promotes.

Some direct SEO benefits of accessible design include:

• Better crawlability through semantic HTML
• Optimized images with alt text
• Faster loading times from simplified code
• Lower bounce rates due to improved readability

In short, accessibility helps your site rank higher, convert more visitors, and build stronger trust with users.

Conclusion

Website accessibility is no longer considered a "nice-to-have," but rather a basic expectation. Whether you run a local business, a government portal, or an eCommerce website, accessibility ensures that all users have equal access to your content.

Following WCAG 2.1 Level AA and ADA standards protects your business, supports inclusion, and improves overall performance. The sooner you start, the easier it becomes to maintain compliance and deliver a better experience for all your visitors.

FAQs

1. What makes a website ADA compliant?

A website is considered ADA compliant when it is designed and developed so that people with disabilities can access and use it without barriers. This usually means following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, which include practices like adding alt text for images, using proper color contrast, ensuring keyboard navigation works, and making all text and multimedia content readable and understandable.

2. How do I make my website ADA compliant?

To make your website ADA compliant, start by reviewing your current design and content through an accessibility audit. You can use tools like WAVE, AXE, or Google Lighthouse to detect common issues such as missing alt text or poor color contrast. Once you identify the gaps, make necessary updates like adding captions to videos, improving navigation for keyboard users, and structuring your headings properly. It’s also helpful to test your site with assistive technologies and regularly review updates to WCAG guidelines to stay current.

3. How can I tell if my website is ADA compliant?

You can tell if your website meets ADA accessibility standards by testing it with accessibility tools, checking it manually with a keyboard, and seeing if users with assistive devices can navigate and understand your content. A professional accessibility audit can provide a more accurate picture, as it reviews both technical elements and real-world usability. The closer your site aligns with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, the more likely it is ADA compliant.

4. What happens if my website is not ADA compliant?

If your website isn’t ADA compliant, you could face legal risks, including lawsuits or enforcement actions from the Department of Justice. Many businesses have been sued for having websites that were not accessible to users with disabilities. Beyond legal issues, a non-compliant website can also lead to a loss of potential customers, harm your brand reputation, and negatively impact your SEO performance.

5. Are website accessibility ADA requirements?

Yes, the ADA requires websites that serve the public to be accessible to people with disabilities. The law applies to both public sector entities (under Title II) and private businesses that are considered “places of public accommodation” (under Title III). While the ADA doesn’t list specific web standards, courts and the Department of Justice consistently reference WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the benchmark for compliance.

6. Can a website be 100% ADA compliant?

Reaching 100% ADA compliance is challenging because websites constantly evolve with new content, plugins, and technologies. Accessibility should be viewed as an ongoing process rather than a one-time project. However, you can achieve a high level of compliance by following WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, regularly testing your website, and updating your content with accessibility in mind. This ensures your site remains as inclusive and compliant as possible.

7. Can I be sued if my website is not ADA compliant?

Yes, you can be sued if your website does not meet ADA accessibility requirements. Over the past few years, thousands of businesses, from small local shops to major brands, have faced lawsuits for websites that were not usable by people with disabilities. The best way to prevent this is to make accessibility a priority and bring your website into alignment with WCAG and ADA standards.

8. Are any websites exempt from ADA compliance?

Most public-facing websites are expected to comply with ADA accessibility standards. However, there are a few exceptions. Personal websites that are not used for business purposes and internal company intranet systems that are not accessible to the general public may not be required to meet ADA guidelines. That said, any website representing a business, school, healthcare provider, or government service should be designed to meet accessibility requirements.

‍