The ADA Title II web accessibility rule
Source-backed explanations and practical guidance. Educational information, not a legal determination.
A specific web standard within existing civil-rights duties
The Department of Justice (DOJ) published its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II web rule on April 24, 2024. It addresses web content and mobile applications provided or made available by state and local government entities, including through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements. DOJ’s fact sheet explains the rule and examples.
The adopted standard and this site’s target
The rule adopts Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA: the applicable Level A and AA success criteria and conformance requirements. This reference voluntarily targets WCAG 2.2 AA. These are distinct versions; the site’s design target does not change the federal rule.
W3C’s WCAG overview distinguishes the standard from its supporting techniques and explanations.
Dates and entity classification
The April 20, 2026 interim final rule extended compliance dates: April 26, 2027 for public entities, other than special district governments, with a total population of 50,000 or more; April 26, 2028 for smaller public entities and special district governments. The population definition is not simply enrollment, staffing, or website audience. Review the deadline guide.
Scope and exceptions need separate review
Public services behind a login can be covered. A login is not a general exception. Do not automatically treat every employee-only system or every email as covered web content under this particular provision; other legal or institutional requirements may apply. Read the scope distinctions.
Section 35.201 has five specific content exceptions. Sections 35.202–35.205 address other defined provisions; they are not interchangeable with those exceptions. Review the exceptions and continuing obligations.
What this reference does not decide
The rule does not erase effective-communication or nondiscrimination duties. It does not replace every state law, employment requirement, contract, settlement, or court order. Read an entity-specific instrument on its own terms; this site does not predict a litigation outcome or offer a legal determination. Read Subpart H.