If you're responsible for a government website, April 24, 2026, should be circled in red on your calendar. That's the day the Department of Justice's new ADA Title II rules take full effect, requiring all state and local government websites serving populations over 50,000 to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
⚠️ Important: This isn't a suggestion or best practice—it's federal law. Non-compliance could result in lawsuits, settlements averaging $100,000+, and most importantly, denying equal access to citizens with disabilities.
Who Must Comply by April 2026?
• State government websites
• Counties with 50,000+ residents
• Cities with 50,000+ residents
• Special districts serving 50,000+ people
• Public universities and colleges
• Large school districts
Smaller entities (under 50,000 population) have until April 26, 2027.
What Exactly Is Required?
• All images must have alt text
• Videos need captions and transcripts
• Color contrast ratios must be at least 4.5:1
• All functionality must work with keyboard only
• Forms must have proper labels
• PDFs must be accessible
• Content must work with screen readers
These aren't just technical requirements—they ensure citizens with visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive disabilities can access government services online.
The Real Cost of Non-Compliance
Financial Impact:
• Average ADA lawsuit settlement: $92,000-$175,000
• Legal fees: $50,000-$150,000
• Emergency remediation costs: 2-3x normal rates
• Potential federal funding loss
Reputational Damage:
• Negative media coverage
• Loss of public trust
• Political consequences
Legal Liability:
• DOJ enforcement actions
• Private lawsuits (happening now, not waiting for 2026)
• Ongoing monitoring requirements
Test Your Compliance Now
Don't wait to find out if your site is compliant. Our free scanner provides an instant accessibility assessment based on WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
Scan Your Site FreeYour Compliance Roadmap
Q1 2025 (Now):
• Conduct initial accessibility audit
• Identify critical issues
• Allocate budget
Q2 2025:
• Begin remediation of critical issues
• Train content creators
• Update procurement policies
Q3 2025:
• Complete major fixes
• Test with actual users with disabilities
• Document compliance efforts
Q4 2025:
• Final testing and adjustments
• Implement monitoring system
• Prepare compliance documentation
Q1 2026:
• Final review before deadline
• Ensure ongoing compliance process
Common Misconceptions
"We're too small to be sued" Lawyers are targeting entities of all sizes. Small towns have faced $50,000+ settlements.
"Our vendor handles this" You're still liable. Many government entities have been sued despite vendor assurances.
"We just need an overlay widget" Overlays don't achieve full compliance and some have led to additional lawsuits.
Funding Options
• ARPA funds - Many entities are using COVID relief funds for digital accessibility
• IT modernization grants - Frame as infrastructure improvement
• DOJ grants - Specifically for ADA compliance
• State technology funds - Check your state's programs
• Risk management budget - Position as lawsuit prevention
Take Action Today
1. Scan your website to understand your current compliance level 2. Document all issues for your remediation plan 3. Get stakeholder buy-in by sharing this article 4. Allocate budget before fiscal year planning 5. Start fixing the easiest issues immediately
The 2026 ADA deadline isn't just another compliance requirement—it's about ensuring equal access to government services for all citizens. With proper planning and action starting now, you can meet the deadline, avoid lawsuits, and serve your entire community effectively.