What is considered a disability under the ADA?

The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This includes conditions affecting mobility, vision, hearing, cognition, and other vital functions. Temporary and chronic conditions may both qualify, depending on the impact on daily life.

Is ADA compliance required for mobile apps?

Yes, mobile applications are expected to meet the same accessibility standards as websites. Businesses offering services through mobile platforms should ensure their apps are compatible with screen readers, voice control, and other assistive technologies to comply with ADA expectations.

How does ADA compliance affect e-commerce websites?

E-commerce sites must be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This includes ensuring product descriptions are screen reader-friendly, navigation is keyboard accessible, and forms (such as checkout or registration) are easy to complete for all users.

Can small businesses be held liable for ADA website violations?

Yes, even small businesses can face legal consequences for failing to meet digital accessibility requirements. While the ADA specifically mandates compliance for businesses with 15 or more employees, website accessibility lawsuits have been filed against businesses of all sizes.

Are third-party tools and plugins on a website subject to ADA compliance?

Yes. If your website uses third-party plugins, widgets, or embedded content, you are still responsible for ensuring that those components are accessible. This includes elements like chat tools, calendars, or embedded maps that must function correctly with assistive technologies.

Does compliance with WCAG automatically mean ADA compliance?

While WCAG guidelines are not legally mandated, they are widely accepted as the technical standard used to measure ADA compliance. Meeting WCAG 2.1 AA standards is considered the best approach to achieving compliance under the ADA for digital content.

How often should websites be tested for ADA compliance?

Websites should be reviewed regularly—especially after content updates, feature releases, or redesigns. Ongoing accessibility testing ensures continued compliance and helps catch new issues before they affect users.

What industries are most commonly targeted for ADA web accessibility lawsuits?

Industries with high public visibility—such as retail, hospitality, banking, education, and healthcare—are frequently subject to legal action related to digital accessibility. However, any business with an online presence can be at risk if accessibility is not prioritized.

Is there a tax credit for making a website ADA compliant?

Yes. The IRS offers a Disabled Access Credit (<a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8826">Form 8826</a>) that may apply to small businesses making accessibility improvements, including digital updates. Eligibility and reimbursement amounts vary, so businesses should consult a tax professional for details.

Can ADA compliance improve my website’s conversion rate?

Absolutely. By removing usability barriers, ADA-compliant websites create smoother paths to conversion for all users. Improved accessibility often leads to better engagement, reduced bounce rates, and higher conversion rates across devices and user demographics

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a pivotal civil rights law in the United States designed to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Passed in 1990, the ADA ensures equal access to jobs, public services, transportation, and—more recently—digital content and online experiences.

As websites and digital tools have become essential to everyday life, businesses and organizations are expected to ensure their online platforms are usable by everyone, including people who rely on assistive technologies.

Understanding the Five Titles of the ADA

The ADA is divided into five sections, or Titles, each focused on a different area of public and private life.

Title I: Employment

Title I protects individuals with disabilities in the workplace. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees and covers hiring, job assignments, training, and other employment-related activities. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations and ensure fair access to opportunities.

Title II: State and Local Government Services

This title ensures that state and local governments make their programs and services accessible to people with disabilities. This includes schools, public transportation, voting locations, and government websites.

Title III: Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities

Title III applies to private businesses and nonprofits that are open to the public. It requires physical spaces and digital platforms—such as websites and apps—to be accessible to all users. This is the section most commonly associated with website accessibility and legal obligations for businesses.

Title IV: Telecommunications

This section addresses access to communication services for people with hearing or speech disabilities. It requires telephone and internet service providers to offer options like text relay and captioned services.

Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions

Title V includes definitions, technical guidance, and enforcement details that support the ADA as a whole. It ensures that the law is applied consistently across various use cases.

Do Websites Need to Be ADA Compliant?

Yes, websites are expected to comply with ADA standards under Title III, which covers public accommodations provided by private businesses. This means that if your business has a website or digital product that serves the public, it must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Compliance is typically evaluated using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which outline the technical standards for accessibility.

Who Is Required to Follow ADA Guidelines?

ADA compliance is mandatory for a range of organizations and businesses, including:

Private companies with 15 or more full-time employees
Employment agencies and labor unions, regardless of size
State and local government entities
Public-facing businesses such as hotels, restaurants, e-commerce sites, banks, and educational institutions

Why ADA Compliance Matters for Digital Content

Beyond legal obligations, ADA compliance delivers widespread benefits to your users and your business.

Making your website accessible expands your reach to millions of users who rely on assistive technologies. It improves usability for everyone by streamlining navigation, structure, and functionality across devices. Accessible design also supports users in challenging environments, such as those experiencing temporary impairments or using mobile devices in bright light.

Committing to accessibility helps reinforce your brand’s values and demonstrates a clear dedication to equity and inclusion. It also minimizes your risk of legal action related to digital accessibility and helps protect your business from potential fines, lawsuits, or reputational harm.

How Accessibility Supports SEO and User Experience

Many of the practices recommended for accessibility—such as using descriptive alt text, semantic HTML, and proper heading structure—also improve search engine optimization (SEO). These enhancements can help your site rank higher in search results, drive more organic traffic, and create a smoother, more engaging experience for all users.

How to Assess and Achieve ADA Website Compliance

Reaching compliance starts with evaluating your current website against WCAG standards using a mix of automated tools and manual accessibility testing. This includes reviewing your site’s layout, content structure, forms, media, and navigation to identify and fix usability barriers.

The ADA compliance process typically includes the following steps:

1. Accessibility Scan – Run an automated scan to quickly identify common issues that may be affecting usability for screen readers or keyboard users.

2. Comprehensive Audit – Perform a detailed manual review to assess your site’s full accessibility against WCAG criteria, including mobile responsiveness and assistive tech compatibility.

3. Remediation – Address all issues found in the audit through code changes, design updates, or content adjustments.

4. Accessibility Training – Provide your design, development, and content teams with training on best practices for digital accessibility.

5. Ongoing Monitoring – Regularly test and maintain your website’s accessibility to ensure it remains compliant as content and technologies evolve.

Why Work with A11Y Pros?

A11Y Pros helps businesses and organizations create inclusive, accessible digital experiences by aligning with ADA and WCAG requirements. Our team provides expert audits, code-level remediation, and training for internal teams to help ensure long-term compliance and usability.

Whether you’re building a new site or bringing an existing one into alignment, we offer the tools and guidance you need to achieve full ADA compliance with confidence.

Get Started Today

If you’re ready to ensure your website or digital platform is ADA-compliant, we’re here to help. Contact A11Y Pros to learn more about our accessibility services and how we can support your compliance goals while building a more inclusive digital presence.