Web Accessibility Requirements for Federal, State, and Local Governments
In the US, Federal agencies must meet Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, ensuring that their electronic and information technology — including government website accessibility — is comparable for people with disabilities and others, and typically aligns with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards to prevent discrimination in access to online public services
State and local governments (such as cities, counties, school districts, and special purpose districts) are now also required under ADA Title II to make their web content and mobile apps accessible by conforming to WCAG 2.1 Level AA, with staggered compliance deadlines (by April 24, 2026 for larger entities and April 26, 2027 for smaller ones).https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule/
These accessibility standards apply to all public-facing information and digital services — from online forms to official documents — and aim to remove barriers that would otherwise prevent individuals with disabilities from accessing important government programs, benefits, and civic participation tools.
Together, ADA compliance for state/local entities and Section 508 compliance for federal agencies establish clear accessibility requirements, promote equal access, and mandate that governments plan, train, and ensure continual accessibility improvements in their digital properties.
Understanding ADA, Section 508 & the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a foundational US federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability and laid the groundwork for later accessibility laws; its amendments strengthened requirements for access to electronic and information technology, ensuring federal tech and websites are usable by people with disabilities
Section 508 is a specific part of the Rehabilitation Act (updated in 1998) that mandates federal agencies make all electronic and information technology (EIT) — including websites, software, and digital tools — accessible to individuals with disabilities; access must be comparable to that enjoyed by others unless undue burden is shown.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a broader civil rights law (enacted in 1990) requiring equal access and nondiscrimination for people with disabilities across public services, jobs, and facilities; courts and federal guidance interpret ADA’s Title II and Title III to include digital accessibility, so websites must be usable by people with disabilities.
Together, ADA compliance and Section 508 standards — often aligned with WCAG accessibility standards — form the legal and technical framework for ensuring that digital content and government technology respect accessibility and nondiscrimination principles.
Accessibility Techniques: WCAG Success Criteria & Government Best Practices
To achieve strong government website accessibility and meet modern accessibility standards for web and mobile digital content, follow key technical requirements from WCAG success criteria and best practices:
Color Contrast Ratio & Visual Presentation
Ensure text and images of text meet minimum contrast ratios (e.g., at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text) to support users with low vision; high-contrast styles or alternate themes can be provided as a conforming alternate version when necessary.
Alternative Text (Alt Text) & Screen Reader Support
Provide meaningful alt text for all non-text content so screen readers can describe images and icons, and include proper labels and structure (headings, lists) so assistive technologies can convey web content logically.
Preexisting Documents (PDF, Word, PPT) & Conforming Alternatives
Make digital documents/services accessible by either converting them into accessible formats or providing conforming alternate versions that meet WCAG principles — avoid inaccessible PDFs when possible or ensure they’re properly tagged and structured for assistive tools.
Operable & Robust Navigation
Design navigation so it is operable via keyboard, avoid content that flashes more than three times per second (which can trigger seizures), and create a logical sequence of elements so people with various abilities can interact with content consistently across devices.
Best Practices for Digital Accessibility Design
Adopt responsive design that supports zoom and reflow without loss of functionality, use clear headings and consistent patterns, and test content with screen readers and mobile devices to ensure compliance with WCAG levels (A/AA) required by government guidelines.
Screen Reader & Keyboard Accessibility Standards
To ensure ICT accessibility for individuals with disabilities, digital content must be fully operable by screen readers and keyboard navigation without reliance on a mouse or other pointing device. Screen readers convert visual and textual content into speech or braille output, enabling people who are blind or have low vision to perceive and interact with information. Likewise, keyboard accessibility — guided by WCAG success criteria such as “Keyboard” (2.1.1) and “No Keyboard Trap” — requires that all interactive elements (links, buttons, forms) are reachable and usable using only a keyboard interface, and users must not get stuck in any component.
These standards are part of broader Section 508 ICT accessibility requirements, which mandate that federal ICT — including websites and digital documents — provide comparable access for people with disabilities, and they align with principles that assistive technologies like screen readers and alternate keyboards must work smoothly with content.
Key Requirements:
- Screen Reader Support — ensure text equivalents and semantic structure so assistive software can present content meaningfully.
- Keyboard Navigation — all functionality accessible via keyboard alone; include visible focus indicators and avoid traps.
- Operable Interfaces for ICT — content must accommodate diverse interaction methods used by individuals with disabilities.
Accessible Documents & Archived Web Content Requirements
Government entities must ensure that preexisting documents (PDF, Word, PPT) that are essential for accessing services, programs, or activity comply with web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA) — meaning they must be structured with proper tags, headings, and alternatives so people using assistive technologies can use them.
Archived web content may be exempt from strict accessibility rules only if it meets specific criteria: it was created before the compliance date, is kept solely for reference/research/recordkeeping, is housed in a designated archive section, and hasn’t changed since archiving; if any condition fails, the content must conform to current accessibility standards.
When older PDFs or other document types don’t meet accessibility standards, governments should provide an **accessible alternative or a conforming alternate version (e.g., an HTML or remediated version) to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.
Mobile-Responsive Design for Government Accessibility
Implementing mobile-responsive design is crucial for government website accessibility, as it ensures that web and mobile content adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and orientations. Responsive layouts improve readability, navigation, and interaction for people with disabilities, including those using screen magnifiers or touch interfaces.
By following WCAG guidelines, governments can provide consistent access to public services and information across smartphones, tablets, and desktop devices, enhancing usability, compliance, and civic engagement.
Public Sector Accessibility Laws Across U.S. States
Across the U.S., states have enacted specific public sector accessibility laws to ensure that government websites and digital services comply with accessibility standards:
- California AB 434 mandates accessibility for state and local government websites.
- Colorado HB21‑1110 requires state agencies to follow WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
- Hawaii SB2144 focuses on accessible digital communications and services.
- Maryland SB0617 and Virginia HB2541 mandate accessible government digital content.
- Texas Administrative Code (Ch. 206 & 213) and Texas Education Agency Requirements require accessible content for state agencies and schools.
Other states including Illinois, New York, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, Kentucky, Missouri, Massachusetts, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Arizona have also adopted laws or guidelines requiring compliance with accessibility standards for government websites and digital platforms. These laws generally align with WCAG success criteria, ensuring equal access for people with disabilities in public sector digital services.
Federal-Level Accessibility Requirements & ICT Accessibility
At the federal level, Executive Branch Agencies are required to ensure that all Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and enforced by the Department of Justice (DOJ), agencies must use information and communication technology that is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, aligning with ICT accessibility standards. This includes websites, software, mobile apps, and electronic documents, ensuring equal access for all users and compliance with federal accessibility laws.
Accessibility Audits, Testing & Compliance Documentation for Government Entities
Government entities must conduct regular platform accessibility audits to evaluate websites, apps, and digital tools for compliance with WCAG standards. These audits often include structured testing with automated tools and human assessments using assistive technologies. Agencies are expected to publish an Accessibility Statement describing accessibility features, and an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) summarizing compliance status, issues, and remediation plans. A standardized checklist ensures all required elements are tested, and adherence to deadlines like the official Compliance Date guarantees ongoing accessibility improvements across public digital services.
Web Accessibility Testing & Automated Evaluation Tools
Effective web accessibility testing combines manual review with automated evaluation tools to ensure government platforms meet WCAG standards. Automated tools quickly scan sites for issues like missing alt text, insufficient color contrast, or improper headings, while checklists guide manual verification of interactive elements, navigation, and platform accessibility audits. Together, these methods provide a comprehensive approach to identify barriers and confirm compliance, supporting equal access for all users.
Creating an Accessibility Statement & Compliance Documentation
Government websites must provide an Accessibility Statement outlining accessibility features, known limitations, and contact information for users needing assistance. Alongside this, an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) documents compliance with WCAG standards, identifies gaps, and details remediation efforts. Both documents help agencies meet deadlines like the official Compliance Date, demonstrate accountability, and ensure transparency in web accessibility compliance.
International Accessibility Requirements for Government & Public Sector
Globally, governments enforce accessibility requirements to ensure public sector digital services are usable by all citizens. In the UK, the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations require government websites to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
The EU enforces similar rules through the European Accessibility Act, covering government and private sector services. Australia mandates compliance with the Web Accessibility National Transition Strategy, ensuring government websites and online services are accessible. These regulations, often aligned with international accessibility standards, guide both public and private sector entities in creating inclusive digital experiences.
