What Is ADA Title II? A Simple Guide for Government Websites
If you work for a government entity and have heard about “ADA Title II” but aren’t sure what it means for your website, you’re not alone. Many government employees are just learning about these important new requirements.
Let’s break down what ADA Title II is and why it matters for your government website.
What Is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. You might be familiar with ADA requirements for physical buildings—like wheelchair ramps and accessible parking spaces.
The ADA has different sections, called “Titles,” that cover different areas:
- Title I: Employment
- Title II: State and local government services
- Title III: Public accommodations (private businesses)
What Is ADA Title II?
ADA Title II specifically covers state and local government entities. It requires that people with disabilities have equal access to all government services, programs, and activities.
This includes:
- City and county governments
- State agencies
- Public schools and universities
- Libraries
- Parks and recreation departments
- Transit authorities
- And many other government organizations
Why Are We Talking About This Now?
For years, it wasn’t clear exactly how ADA Title II applied to government websites. Some government entities made their websites accessible, but many didn’t know what was required.
That changed on April 24, 2024, when the Department of Justice published a new rule that provides specific requirements for government websites and mobile apps.
What Does This Mean for Government Websites?
The new rule is simple: All government websites and mobile apps must be accessible to people with disabilities.
This means your website needs to work for people who:
- Are blind or have low vision (and use screen readers)
- Are deaf or hard of hearing
- Have difficulty using a mouse or keyboard
- Have cognitive disabilities
- Have other disabilities that affect how they use websites
What Are the Requirements?
The government must follow something called WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Don’t worry about the technical name—it’s basically a set of guidelines that make websites accessible.
Some examples of what this means:
- Images need descriptions so screen readers can tell blind users what’s in the picture
- Videos need captions so deaf users can understand the content
- Text needs good contrast so people with low vision can read it
- Everything needs to work with a keyboard for people who can’t use a mouse
When Do We Need to Comply?
The deadline depends on how many people your government entity serves:
April 26, 2026: If you serve 50,000 or more people April 26, 2027: If you serve fewer than 50,000 people
What Happens If We Don’t Comply?
Non-compliance can lead to:
- Lawsuits from citizens with disabilities
- Department of Justice investigations
- Costly legal settlements
- Negative publicity
- Most importantly: citizens with disabilities can’t access government services
What Should We Do?
Here are the basic steps:
- Learn what you have: Look at your current website and digital content
- Understand what’s required: Learn about accessibility requirements
- Make a plan: Figure out what needs to be fixed and when
- Get help: Most government entities need expert assistance
- Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute
Common Questions
Q: Does this apply to our small town website? A: Yes, all government entities must comply, regardless of size.
Q: What about our social media posts? A: New posts after your compliance deadline must be accessible.
Q: Do our PDF documents need to be accessible? A: Yes, if they’re posted on your website for public use.
Q: What about third-party services we use? A: Those need to be accessible too. You’re responsible for everything you provide to the public.
Getting Started
If this seems overwhelming, you’re not alone. Most government entities will need help to achieve compliance. The important thing is to start learning and planning now.
Consider:
- Taking an accessibility training course
- Having your website evaluated by an expert
- Talking to other government entities about their approach
- Starting to include accessibility in your budget planning
The Bottom Line
ADA Title II isn’t just about following the law—it’s about making sure all citizens can access the government services they need. When done right, accessible websites work better for everyone.
The deadlines are firm, but there’s still time to get ready if you start planning now.
Need Help Getting Started?
ArcStone has been helping government entities with digital accessibility for over 25 years. We understand the unique challenges government organizations face and can help you navigate the compliance process.
Contact us for:
- Free website accessibility evaluation
- Guidance on compliance requirements
- Help with implementation planning
- Training for your team
Get in touch: accessibility@arcstone.com | www.arcstone.com
About ArcStone: Since 1997, ArcStone has been helping mission-driven organizations create digital experiences that serve everyone in their communities. As a certified B Corp, we’re committed to helping government entities achieve ADA Title II compliance while advancing their mission of inclusive public service.
This article is current as of July 2025. ADA Title II requirements may evolve. Consult with qualified accessibility experts and legal counsel for the most current compliance guidance.
