Website ADA Compliance (ADA Title III) for Businesses
Website ADA compliance ensures that individuals with disabilities can access and use your website effectively. Under ADA Title III, businesses open to the public must provide equal access to goods and services online. Today, this means aligning with WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards.
Failing to meet these requirements doesn’t just risk lawsuits; it limits your audience, damages brand trust, and blocks millions of potential customers.
What ADA web compliance means today (and why it matters)
ADA web compliance means building websites that people with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities can use without limitations. This includes adding alt text for images, captions for videos, proper color contrast, and ensuring websites work with assistive technologies like screen readers.
Why it matters:
- The DOJ has confirmed that the ADA applies to both websites and mobile apps, making accessibility a legal obligation.
- More than 4,600 ADA-related lawsuits were filed in the U.S. in 2023, with e-commerce, retail, and service-based websites being the most frequent targets.
- Over 61 million Americans live with a disability, representing a massive market segment businesses risk ignoring if their websites remain inaccessible.
- Accessibility is also tied to SEO and user experience, meaning compliant websites often rank higher and convert better.
In short, ADA compliance and websites are not optional; it’s a business growth strategy, legal shield, and brand trust builder.
Does the ADA Cover Websites? What the DOJ and Courts Say
The DOJ’s 2022 guidance made it clear: businesses covered under ADA Title III must ensure their websites and mobile apps are accessible to people with disabilities.
Since then, the legal landscape has only tightened:
- Court Rulings: In multiple cases through 2023–2024, U.S. courts have reaffirmed that websites are considered “places of public accommodation” under the ADA. This means inaccessible digital services are treated the same as physical barriers in stores.
- Domino’s Precedent: The well-known Domino’s Pizza lawsuit remains a benchmark example, demonstrating that businesses of all sizes are held accountable.
- Latest Update: The DOJ is preparing a formal rulemaking to provide clearer technical standards for website ADA compliance. While the final rule is expected to align with WCAG 2.2 AA, businesses are strongly encouraged to adopt these standards now to avoid risk.
- Growing Lawsuits: ADA web accessibility lawsuits surpassed 5,000 filings in 2024, a record high, with eCommerce, healthcare, and education websites leading the list.
Core Website ADA Compliance Requirements
The foundation of ADA-compliant website requirements comes from the POUR principles outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These principles ensure that digital content is usable by people with different abilities and across multiple devices.
Perceivable – Content must be available in ways all users can perceive.
- Alt text for images so screen readers can describe visuals.
- Captions and transcripts for videos to support deaf and hard-of-hearing users.
- High-contrast text, buttons, and backgrounds for users with low vision.
- Resizable text and adaptable layouts for different screen sizes.
Operable – Users must be able to navigate and interact.
- Full keyboard accessibility for those who cannot use a mouse.
- Clear focus indicators so users know where they are on a page.
- Avoiding time limits, blinking elements, or inaccessible dropdown menus.
- Logical tab order for smoother navigation.
Understandable – Content and navigation must be predictable and clear.
- Consistent navigation menus across all pages.
- Simple, well-labeled forms that reduce input errors.
- Error messages that not only flag mistakes but also explain how to fix them.
- Plain, easy-to-read language instead of overly complex terms.
Robust – Websites must work across assistive technologies and devices.
- Clean, valid HTML and CSS for compatibility.
- Use of ARIA roles to support screen readers where necessary.
- Regular testing with tools like NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver.
- Mobile responsiveness that meets accessibility needs.
Following these website ADA compliance requirements not only reduces legal risks but also improves user experience for everyone, creating a site that is inclusive, future-proof, and aligned with WCAG 2.2 AA standards.
WCAG 2.2 AA Standards and ADA Website Compliance
n October 2023, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) officially released WCAG 2.2, the latest accessibility standard that builds on WCAG 2.1. These guidelines are widely recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. courts as the benchmark for ADA site compliance.
Key WCAG 2.2 AA Updates Impacting ADA Web Compliance:
- Focus Not Obscured (2.4.11): Keyboard focus indicators must stay visible, even with sticky headers or pop-ups.
- Dragging Movements (2.5.7): Alternatives must be provided for drag-and-drop actions, supporting users with motor disabilities.
- Target Size (2.5.8): Touch targets (like buttons or links) must be at least 24×24 CSS pixels for mobile accessibility.
- Redundant Entry (3.3.7): Forms must minimize repeated inputs, reducing barriers for users with memory or cognitive disabilities.
- Accessible Authentication (3.3.8): Logins should not rely only on tests like CAPTCHA; accessible alternatives must exist.
Why It Matters:
- Legal Alignment: Courts in the U.S. now commonly reference WCAG 2.2 AA when judging ADA compliance cases.
- Future-Proofing: By adopting WCAG 2.2 AA now, your site will stay compliant as regulators move toward more formal digital accessibility rules.
- Global Recognition: The same WCAG 2.2 AA standards are also used under the European Accessibility Act (EAA), helping businesses align across regions.
How to Make a Website ADA Compliant: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Run an Accessibility Audit
- Start with an automated scan using tools like WAVE or axe DevTools to catch common issues.
- Follow up with manual testing, since automated tools only detect about 30% of accessibility barriers.
- Look for missing alt text, poor color contrast, broken keyboard navigation, and inaccessible forms.
If you have a website on Shopify, WordPress, Wix, or any other platform, the Accessibility Assistant App makes this step faster by running scans directly on your store and flagging issues that break ADA compliance.
Step 2: Fix High-Priority Issues
- Add alt text for product images and ensure meaningful descriptions.
- Provide captions and transcripts for all videos and audio content.
- Improve color contrast for text, buttons, and calls-to-action.
- Correct heading structure (H1, H2, H3) for screen reader-friendly navigation.
Step 3: Validate with Assistive Technologies
- Test your site with screen readers like NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver.
- Navigate the site without a mouse, ensuring full keyboard access.
- Confirm that forms, menus, and pop-ups work with assistive devices.
This ensures real-world usability, not just technical compliance.
Step 4: Publish an Accessibility Statement
- Add a dedicated Accessibility Statement page outlining your commitment.
- Share contact details so users can report issues or request alternatives.
- This shows regulators and customers that you take ADA compliance seriously.
Step 5: Monitor and Maintain Accessibility
- Add accessibility checks to your CI/CD workflow so new updates don’t break compliance.
- Schedule quarterly audits with experts or tools.
- Keep up with changes in WCAG standards and ADA enforcement trends.
Free & Manual ADA Website Testing Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Accessibility Assistant App (Multi-Platform, incl. Shopify) |
Automates key fixes like alt text, color contrast, form labels, and continuous monitoring | Best for businesses & eCommerce stores needing quick ADA compliance |
WAVE Evaluation Tool |
Automated scan to detect accessibility errors |
Quick website audits |
Axe DevTools |
Developer-friendly testing inside browser DevTools |
Identifying WCAG compliance issues during coding |
Color Contrast Analyzer |
Checks text and button readability |
Designers ensuring color accessibility |
NVDA / VoiceOver |
Free screen readers for manual testing |
Real-world testing with assistive technology |
Accessibility Pitfalls That Risk ADA Violations
Common ADA compliance failures include:
- Missing alt text on product images – Screen readers can’t describe visuals, leaving users with no context.
- Low color contrast in branding – Makes text hard to read for users with low vision.
- Menus or modals that fail keyboard tests – If navigation doesn’t work with a keyboard, many users are excluded.
- Videos without captions or transcripts – Excludes people with hearing disabilities.
- Inaccessible PDF documents – Unlabeled sections or images create major usability issues.
- Forms with unclear labels or no error feedback – Prevents users from completing purchases, signups, or applications.
A quick ADA-compliant website test using tools like Accessibility Assistant (multi-platform app) can help catch these issues early, ensuring your site stays compliant and accessible.
Real-World ADA-Compliant Website Examples
- Clear headings and navigation landmarks – A logical structure that screen readers can follow.
- High-contrast buttons and readable text – Improves visibility for users with low vision.
- Alt text on all product/media images – Ensures visual content is described for screen reader users.
- Accessible checkout with labeled form fields – Helps people with cognitive and motor disabilities complete purchases.
- Videos with captions and transcripts – Supports users with hearing impairments.
- Keyboard-friendly navigation – Every element works without a mouse.
Real Example: Accessibility Assistant in Action
- Before: A fashion retailer had images without alt text, checkout forms missing labels, and color contrast issues.
- After using Accessibility Assistant, the app automatically added alt text, improved contrast ratios, and flagged missing form labels.
- The store passed an ADA compliance test and reduced bounce rates by 15%.
This shows that with the right tools, achieving website ADA compliance requirements is not just possible, it’s a business advantage.
Let’s Build an ADA-Compliant Website Together
Don’t wait for a lawsuit to expose your gaps. Start your ADA compliance journey today. Run your first ADA-compliant website test with Accessibility Assistant and keep your site accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions about website ADA compliance
ADA compliance means making your website accessible to people with disabilities, following WCAG guidelines and legal standards.
No website is ever “perfect,” but tools like Accessibility Assistant help you meet WCAG 2.2 AA and stay legally safe.
There’s no official certification, but you can prove compliance with audits, accessibility statements, and tools like Accessibility Assistant.
Run automated scans (Accessibility Assistant, WAVE, axe) and manual screen reader tests to spot and fix accessibility gaps.
WCAG sets the technical rules for accessibility, while ADA enforces them legally. Meeting WCAG means you’re aligned with ADA compliance.
