US
Department of Justice Issues Web Accessibility
Guidance Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
The Department of Justice recently published
guidance on web accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA). It explains how state and local
governments (entities covered by ADA Title II) and
businesses open to the public (entities covered by ADA
Title III) can make sure their websites are accessible to
people with disabilities in line with the ADA’s
requirements.
The guidance discusses a range of topics,
including the importance of web accessibility, barriers
that inaccessible websites create for some people with
disabilities, when the ADA requires web content to be
accessible, tips on making web content accessible and other
information and resources. The guidance offers plain
language and user-friendly explanations to ensure that it
can be followed by people without a legal or technical
background.
“We have heard the calls from the public on
the need for more guidance on web accessibility,
particularly as our economy and society become increasingly
digitized,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke
for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This
guidance will assist the public in understanding how to
ensure that websites are accessible to people with
disabilities. People with disabilities deserve to have an
equal opportunity to access the services, goods and
programs provided by government and businesses, including
when offered or communicated through websites.”
Finally, the guidance reviews the
department’s ongoing work to advance website accessibility
for people with disabilities through statements of interest
and enforcement matters. For example, the department
recently entered into numerous settlements with businesses
— including Hy-Vee,
Inc., The
Kroger Co., Meijer,
Inc., and Rite
Aid Corporation to ensure that websites for
scheduling vaccine appointments are accessible.
To learn more about the department’s
disability rights work, please visit www.ADA.gov.
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