If you manage a website or mobile app for a public university, municipality, or government agency, there’s an important accessibility update you’ll want on your radar.
In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that officially strengthens accessibility requirements for public-sector websites and mobile apps.
This is a big deal— and it brings long-awaited clarity about what compliance should look like moving forward.
Why This Rule Matters
For years, public entities have been expected to provide equal access to services — including online services — under the ADA. But until now, there hasn’t been one clear, nationwide technical standard written directly into the law for websites and apps.
The DOJ’s new rule changes that.
The goal is simple: people with disabilities should be able to fully access public information and services online, whether that means:
- Applying for admissions or financial aid
- Registering for classes
- Paying a utility bill
- Accessing public records
- Using campus or city mobile apps
The DOJ’s press release explains the intent clearly: Justice Department Publishes Final Rule to Strengthen Web & App Access
What the Rule Requires (In Plain Language)
The rule states that state and local governments must ensure their digital services meet the accessibility standard known as:
WCAG 2.1 Level AA
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is the most widely used accessibility framework in the world.
In practical terms, this means websites and apps should work well for people who:
- Use screen readers
- Navigate without a mouse
- Need captions or transcripts
- Have low vision or color blindness
- Have cognitive or motor disabilities
Accessibility isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits — it’s about making sure everyone can access essential services independently. The DOJ has officially adopted WCAG 2.1 AA as the benchmark for compliance.
Who Needs to Comply?
This rule applies to all state and local public entities, including:
- Public colleges and universities
- City and county governments
- Public school systems
- Libraries
- Courts
- Transit agencies
- Public health departments
If your organization provides services or information online, this rule likely applies.
When Do Websites Need to Be Compliant?
One of the most important parts of the rule is that it includes clear deadlines.
Most public entities must comply by:
- April 24, 2026 (larger entities)
- April 26, 2027 (smaller entities)
If the 2026 deadline applies to you, you’ll need to get started right away. If your deadline isn’t until 2027, it’s not too early to get started. Accessibility updates often take time — especially for large or older websites with lots of PDFs, forms, and third-party tools.
What Should You Do First?
If you’re not sure where to begin, there are lots of helpful resources available. The DOJ has published a very practical starting guide that we recommend bookmarking.
Some of the best early steps include:
- Auditing your current website and mobile content
- Identifying your highest-traffic and highest-need pages
- Creating a plan for fixing accessibility issues over time
- Making sure new content is accessible going forward
Accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming — but it does need a plan.
Accessibility Is About More Than Compliance
While this rule is a legal requirement, it’s also about something bigger: Making sure students, residents, staff, and community members can access the services they need — independently and with dignity.
Digital accessibility is part of good service, good communication, and good design. It’s just the right thing to do.
Need Help Preparing for the DOJ Accessibility Deadlines?
At AndiSites, we know these new requirements can raise a lot of questions — especially for busy higher ed and government teams managing complex websites.
That’s why we provide in-house web accessibility services (led by our own certified Web Accessibility Specialist) that can help you:
- Accessibility consulting and compliance guidance
- Website and mobile app accessibility audits
- A clear roadmap toward WCAG 2.1 AA compliance
- Full remediation of websites and mobile apps
- PDF, form, and document accessibility updates
- Ongoing accessibility monitoring and scheduled checks
AndiSites is here to help. Reach out anytime to start the conversation or request an accessibility review.