Oregon ADA Website Compliance Guide

🌲 OREGON ADA REQUIREMENTS: PACIFIC NORTHWEST ENFORCEMENT SURGE

Oregon ADA requirements for government websites: 1,424 state and local entities serving 4.2 million residents must achieve WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance by April 24, 2026. Portland metro concentration drives majority of litigation activity.

📊 2024-2025 Lawsuit Explosion: • 35+ Portland area businesses sued since September 2024 • Attorneys demanding $10,000+ in fees with 2-week settlement deadlines • 26 federal ADA cases filed in Oregon (2023) - up sharply from prior years • Settlement amounts averaging $25,000+ for businesses and organizations

⚖️ Oregon ADA Requirements - ORS 659A.142: Oregon Revised Statutes prohibit discrimination by places of public accommodation and state government against individuals with disabilities. While website accessibility isn't explicitly defined in ORS 659A, courts apply these anti-discrimination protections to digital services under federal ADA Title II interpretation.

🎯 Portland Metro Risk Profile: Over 60% of Oregon's population lives in Portland metro area (Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington counties). Strong disability rights advocacy presence creates elevated enforcement pressure. Disability Rights Oregon actively monitors government accessibility compliance.

💻 Tech Sector Influence: Portland's growing tech industry (Intel, Nike digital operations, numerous startups) creates sophisticated accessibility awareness. Government website users expect private-sector level digital accessibility standards.

🌊 California Spillover Effect: Oregon shares border with California (3,252 ADA lawsuits in 2024). Plaintiff attorneys expanding northward into underserved Pacific Northwest markets. Oregon's 26 documented cases in 2023 represent potential leading indicator of future growth.

🏫 Education & Government Vulnerability: 197 school districts, 36 counties, and 241 cities face Title II compliance requirements. Universities (U of O, OSU, PSU) and K-12 districts particularly vulnerable given high public usage and visibility.

⏰ Strategic Urgency: With lawsuit activity accelerating (35+ cases in recent months) and California-based plaintiff firms expanding territory, Oregon government entities must prioritize early compliance. Remediation costs 3-4x higher under emergency timelines after lawsuit filing.