ADA Title II web accessibility rule: deadlines, scope and exceptions
State and local government websites, apps and PDFs must meet WCAG 2.1 AA by April 26, 2027 or 2028.
Compliance
Digital accessibility laws, explained
Which laws apply to you, what they require, and when. Written by accessibility specialists, checked against the regulations themselves, and updated as the rules change.
The short version
| Law | Who it covers | Standard | Key date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADA Title II | State and local governments, public schools and universities | WCAG 2.1 AA | Apr 26, 2027 / Apr 26, 2028 |
| ADA Title III | Businesses open to the public | WCAG 2.1 AA (DOJ settlements and courts) | Now |
| Section 504 (HHS) | Recipients of HHS funding | WCAG 2.1 AA | May 11, 2027 / May 10, 2028 |
| Section 508 | Federal agencies and the ICT they buy | WCAG 2.0 AA + 508 Standards | In force since 2018 |
| State laws | Varies: businesses (CA, NY), governments (CO, IL) | Usually WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA | Now |
| European Accessibility Act | Products and services sold to EU consumers | EN 301 549 (WCAG 2.1 AA) | Since Jun 28, 2025 |
Every one of these points to the same technical standard. Meeting WCAG 2.2 Level AA across your website, apps and documents satisfies all of them.
This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. Talk to your counsel about your specific obligations.
Laws and standards
ADA Title III: website accessibility for businesses
How courts apply the ADA to business websites, who gets sued, and what plaintiffs recover.
HHS Section 504 rule: digital accessibility for healthcare
HHS-funded organizations must meet WCAG 2.1 AA by May 11, 2027 (15+ employees) or May 10, 2028.
Section 508: accessibility for federal technology
Federal ICT accessibility, the Revised 508 Standards and what contractors must deliver.
WCAG 2.2 explained in plain English
The POUR principles, conformance levels, and the nine criteria new in WCAG 2.2.
The European Accessibility Act: what US companies need to know
In force since June 28, 2025 for many digital products and services sold to EU consumers.
State website accessibility laws
California's Unruh Act, New York human rights laws, Colorado and state agency rules.
Frequently asked questions
Which accessibility law applies to my organization?
State and local governments: ADA Title II. Businesses open to the public: ADA Title III and state laws. Organizations receiving HHS funding: Section 504. Federal agencies and their vendors: Section 508. Companies selling to EU consumers: the European Accessibility Act. Many organizations fall under more than one — the good news is that all of them point to WCAG.
Find out where you stand, in writing.
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