What You Need to Know About the Upcoming DOJ ADA Compliance Changes

Digital accessibility is no longer a future goal. DOJ ADA compliance changes start this spring as the DOJ’s sweeping updates to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) take effect.

What does this mean for your organization and the communities you serve? Let’s break down the details of this ruling, its implications, and how public entities can prepare for what’s ahead.

What Is the DOJ’s Accessibility Rule for 2026 and Beyond?

The DOJ’s ADA compliance changes establish updated rules for public entities to meet modern digital accessibility requirements. These rules ensure that digital content is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes websites, PDFs, and mobile apps.

Upcoming compliance deadlines in 2026 and 2027 make early preparation your best strategy.

How Do Public Entities Comply?

While the full rules provide more detail, compliance boils down to aligning digital content to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA.

“Digital content” refers to web content and mobile apps that entities provide or make available. This includes:

• Websites (text, images, and audio)
• Videos
• PDFs
• Mobile apps

Essentially, if your entity offers it digitally, it needs to meet the Title II law by following WCAG 2.1, Level AA guidelines.

There are some exceptions, such as some archived web content and preexisting social media posts, but these are limited situations. To be considered exempt, web content and mobile apps must meet specific definitions and criteria.

Who Has to Comply and When?

All U.S. state and local governments, including special districts, school districts, and public universities (regardless of population size), must meet Title II of the ADA. This includes:

• State and local government offices that provide benefits and/or social services, like food assistance, health insurance, or employment services
• Public schools, including K-12, community colleges, and public universities
• State and local police departments
• State and local courts
• State and local election offices
• Public hospitals and public healthcare clinics
• Public parks and recreation programs
• Public libraries
• Amtrak and public transit agencies/commuter authorities

ADA Title II Deadlines

State and local governments with a population of 50,000 or more must comply by April 24, 2026.

Special districts and entities with a population of under 50,000 have until April 26, 2027, to comply.

Keep in mind, web accessibility requirements don’t stop after the deadlines. State and local governments will need to keep their current and future digital content accessible by continually aligning with WCAG 2.1, Level AA guidelines.

Related: Grab our free infographic for a step-by-step plan to help you meet the DOJ accessibility deadlines.

Why Do the DOJ’s Web Accessibility Rules Matter?

The most obvious reason: It’s the law, and it protects civil rights. The ADA, enacted in 1990, prohibits discrimination and ensures equal access for people with disabilities. So, compliance keeps agencies within the law, helping avoid costly lawsuits and fines.

Equal access also enhances everyone’s experience, including local government staff. It can help:

• Build public trust
• Reduce calls and in-person visits
• Boost your SEO (search engine optimization)
• Protect your organization’s reputation

Related: See how digital interactions impact residents’ trust and views on local leaders.

How Can CivicPlus Help State and Local Governments Meet the DOJ’s Rule on Web Accessibility?

We understand that the idea of achieving alignment with WCAG standards and maintaining ongoing compliance can feel overwhelming.

We can help. CivicPlus^® supports local governments across the nation in meeting ADA requirements.

If you’re unsure how your digital content stacks up to Title II or where to start with web accessibility compliance, get a free web accessibility scan. You’ll get a tailored report and insights from a CivicPlus web accessibility specialist with actionable strategies to improve your website or documents and support WCAG 2.1 AA compliance.

Even if you haven’t gotten started yet, there’s still time to address noncompliance before the deadline.

Disclaimer:
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. CivicPlus makes no guarantees as to the accuracy or suitability of this material and disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on it. Use of this content does not create any attorney-client or advisory relationship. You should consult your own legal counsel before adopting or implementing any policies. CivicPlus may update or withdraw this material at any time without notice.