What is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. While the law was written before the widespread adoption of the internet, courts have increasingly interpreted it to apply to websites and digital services.
Does the ADA Apply to Websites?
Yes, in most cases. While there's no explicit ADA regulation for websites, the Department of Justice has consistently taken the position that websites of public accommodations (businesses open to the public) must be accessible to people with disabilities.
Key court cases have established that:
- Websites of businesses with physical locations must be accessible
- Many courts extend this to online-only businesses as well
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA is often referenced as the technical standard
The Lawsuit Landscape
Website accessibility lawsuits have increased dramatically:
ADA website lawsuits filed in 2023
of top websites have WCAG failures
typical settlement cost
How WebRamp Helps
While no tool can guarantee you won't be sued, WebRamp helps you take meaningful steps toward accessibility:
- Identify issues before someone else does
- Document your efforts with accessibility statements
- Show good faith by tracking and addressing issues over time
- Provide accommodations through our accessibility widget
Important Note
This information is educational, not legal advice. Consult with an attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Start Improving Today
The best time to start your accessibility journey was yesterday. The second best time is now.