What you need to know about web accessibility legislation & compliance standards
Explore which accessibility laws apply to you and what you’ll need to do to comply. We break down the ADA, EAA, WCAG, and other regulations to help you understand your responsibilities and move forward with confidence.
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Web accessibility is not a nice to have. It’s the law.
Whether you’re a small business, global enterprise, or public organization: chances are - you are legally required to present an accessible website.
Under ADA Title III, most public-facing businesses are expected to make their websites accessible by aligning with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). State and local governments fall under ADA Title II, which directly references WCAG as the standard used to evaluate digital accessibility compliance.
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Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to have an ADA-compliant website?
To comply with ADA Title III, which applies to most public-facing businesses, websites are expected to conform to WCAG Level AA. U.S. courts routinely reference WCAG when evaluating whether a website meets ADA requirements, and the Department of Justice has identified WCAG as the guiding standard for digital accessibility under the law. Under ADA Title II — relevant to state and local governments — WCAG 2.1 Level AA is explicitly defined as the standard for digital accessibility compliance.
Can you be sued for not complying with the ADA and other laws?
Yes. Businesses that do not meet digital accessibility requirements can face legal action under the ADA and other accessibility laws. Many cases begin with demand letters, where a law firm notifies a business that its website may not be accessible and requests corrective action. Others proceed directly to lawsuits, with U.S. courts commonly referencing WCAG Level AA when evaluating whether a website aligns with ADA expectations. Similar enforcement exists under laws like the EAA and Section 508, depending on where and how an organization operates.
What is WCAG and is it a law?
WCAG—the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines—is a technical standard created by the W3C to define how to make digital content accessible. It isn’t a law, but it is the benchmark used by courts and regulators worldwide, including in ADA-related cases. WCAG is organized into three conformance levels—A, AA, and AAA—and exists in multiple versions, including WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2, with WCAG 3.0 in development. WCAG Level AA is most commonly referenced under ADA Title III and is explicitly required under ADA Title II, and it is also used as the basis for accessibility requirements in laws such as the EAA, Section 508, and AODA.
What laws apply to my business if I operate internationally?
Different regions have their own accessibility laws, and most rely on WCAG to define what an accessible digital experience requires. In the European Union, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) requires many digital products and services to conform to WCAG. In Canada, laws such as the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) set similar expectations. In the UK, public sector accessibility regulations require websites and mobile apps to adhere to WCAG 2.1 AA. If your business serves users across multiple countries, aligning with WCAG Level AA is the most effective way to meet global legal expectations.
How should I comply with regulations in adherence to WCAG?
The most effective way to meet accessibility regulations is to ensure your website or digital product conforms to WCAG Level AA. This typically involves a combination of automated testing and expert review to identify barriers, followed by code-level remediation and ongoing monitoring. Many organizations use accessibility platforms and services—such as audits, manual testing, and developer tools—to guide remediation work and maintain accessibility over time. Because accessibility is an ongoing process, regular testing and updates are essential to staying aligned with WCAG and the regulations that rely on it.
How can accessiBe help me comply with regulations in adherence to WCAG?
accessiBe is an end-to-end accessibility solution provider, supporting organizations in complying with regulations by offering the best in AI technology, expert services, and developer tools. accessWidget helps address many user-facing barriers defined in WCAG by improving UI accessibility and compatibility with assistive technologies. accessFlow guides developers through WCAG-aligned testing and code-level remediation workflows mapped directly to WCAG success criteria. accessServices provides expert audits, document remediation, and user testing to evaluate and fix issues that require manual review under WCAG.