Guide
ADA Title II web deadlines explained
The Department of Justice requires state and local governments to make their websites and apps accessible. The deadline depends on your size and type.
Which deadline applies
| If you are | Deadline |
|---|---|
| A public entity serving a population of 50,000 or more | April 26, 2027 |
| A public entity serving under 50,000, or a special district | April 26, 2028 |
Public K-12 districts, colleges, cities, counties, states, transit agencies, and special districts are all covered. Check how your population is measured with counsel, since the rule uses the population of the jurisdiction you serve.
What the rule requires
Web content and mobile apps must conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA. That covers text alternatives, captions, keyboard access, color contrast, clear forms, and many more criteria.
What "compliance" means in practice
There is no official certificate. Compliance means your content meets the standard, which you show through testing, remediation records, and a published accessibility statement. Plan for ongoing work, because new content published after launch must also conform.
Exceptions
The rule allows narrow exceptions, such as certain archived content and some third-party content under specific conditions. Do not assume an exception applies. Document the basis for any exception you rely on.
A practical timeline for the next six months
- Inventory every website, app, and major PDF library your organization publishes.
- Sort them by audience and traffic, and identify your top 25 pages.
- Commission an audit of those pages and your core templates.
- Fix the highest-impact issues first, such as navigation, forms, and login flows.
- Publish an accessibility statement and a process for reporting barriers.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your obligations with your counsel.