Tackling the new ADA Title II regulations might seem overwhelming. Still, it is a chance to make your digital services more inclusive and accessible. This FAQ aims to clarify some common questions and guide state and local governments in ensuring their digital content meets these crucial standards.
What is ADA Title II, and why does it matter?
Simply put, ADA Title II ensures that state and local governments offer services everyone can access, including people with disabilities. This extends to digital content, ensuring that things like ordering mail-in ballots or accessing tax information are available to all citizens.
Who needs to follow ADA Title II regulations?
ADA Title II covers a wide range of entities, including:
- State legislatures
- Local government programs and services
- Counties, towns, and cities
- Public schools and educational institutions
- Special districts
- Public transportation services
- Third-party vendors working with government agencies
When do we need to be compliant?
The deadlines vary depending on the size of your entity:
- Large entities (population 50,000+): By April 2026
- Smaller entities and special districts: By April 2027
What are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)?
The WCAG standards, created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), are the go-to guidelines for making web content accessible to people with disabilities. Under ADA Title II, your digital content needs to meet WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA standards, which cover text alternatives for images, keyboard accessibility, and ensuring content is easily readable.
How do we start an accessibility audit?
Getting started with an accessibility audit involves the following:
- Educating your team on the basics of accessibility
- Choosing a mix of automated and manual tools for the audit.
- Reviewing websites, mobile apps, and digital documents for accessibility issues.
- Documenting any problems you find.
- Creating a report with clear steps to fix those issues.
How do we create a compliance roadmap?
Building a roadmap for ADA Title II compliance involves:
- Setting clear, actionable goals.
- Identifying the key areas that need attention.
- Allocating the necessary resources and budget.
- Establishing realistic timelines for each step.
- Regularly checking progress and making adjustments as needed.
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What kind of training should our teams receive?
Training might include:
- The WCAG 2.1 A/AA standards
- Best practices in accessible design and development
- Tools and techniques for testing accessibility
- Real-world examples to help them understand the impact of accessibility
How do we integrate accessibility into our design and development process?
To make accessibility a core part of your workflow:
- Start thinking about accessibility from the design phase.
- Use checklists to ensure compliance throughout the project.
- Regularly review and test your designs.
- Get feedback from users with disabilities to refine your approach.
How do we ensure third-party vendors comply with accessibility standards?
When working with third-party vendors:
- Clearly outline your accessibility expectations in contracts.
- Regularly audit their services to ensure compliance.
- Keep communication open to address any issues.
- Collaborate with them to find solutions when problems arise.
How do we keep up with accessibility over time?
To maintain accessibility:
- Set up automated tools for regular checks.
- Perform manual reviews at regular intervals.
- Encourage and act on feedback from users.
- Keep your content and platforms updated to meet current standards.
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What are the benefits of being ADA Title II compliant?
Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about:
- Meeting your legal obligations and reducing the risk of lawsuits
- Contributing to a more inclusive internet for everyone
- Expanding your reach to include the 1.3 billion people worldwide with disabilities
What are the risks of not complying?
Failing to comply can lead to:
- Fines of up to $75,000 for a first violation and $150,000 for additional violations
- Potential legal actions and lawsuits
- Significant damage to your organization’s reputation
Why should we work with accessibility experts?
Accessibility experts can help by:
- Providing detailed audits and actionable insights
- Offering strategic guidance to ensure long-term compliance
- Giving ongoing support and training to keep your teams up-to-date
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How can we raise awareness and engage our community?
To boost awareness and engagement:
- Publicly commit to accessibility efforts.
- Provide channels for community feedback.
- Run educational campaigns to inform the public.
- Involve the community in your accessibility initiatives.
Empowering Inclusive Digital Services
We hope this FAQ has clarified ADA Title II compliance. By making your digital services accessible, you’re meeting legal requirements and creating a more inclusive online environment for everyone.
Take the Next Step Toward ADA Compliance
Ready to learn more about ADA Title II compliance? Download our comprehensive e-book for step-by-step guidance on making digital services accessible and compliant with the latest regulations.