As of April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice has issued a final rule updating its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II regulations, introducing new accessibility requirements for state and local governments' websites and mobile applications. This significant development aims to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to government services, programs, and activities online.
The rise of digital government services has created a gap in opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Without accessible websites and mobile apps, they may struggle to navigate through information and participate in various processes. For instance, a person with a hearing disability might not be able to fully comprehend the content of an uncaptioned video on a government website. Similarly, those relying on keyboard navigation instead of mouse control may face difficulties accessing certain features.
The updated rule sets specific deadlines for compliance: April 24, 2026, for state and local governments serving populations of 50,000 or more, and April 26, 2027, for those with smaller populations (0-49,999) and special district governments. Until then, these entities must continue to meet their current Title II requirements, ensuring equal access to services, programs, and activities.
To stay informed about the new rule and its implications, refer to the U.S. Department of Justice's Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments or the official version of the full rule in the Federal Register.
The Pacific ADA Center is a valuable resource for understanding and applying the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal disability rights laws, providing support to communities seeking to create inclusive environments.