In 2024, the DOJ published the final rule updating Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with specific requirements for ensuring that web content and mobile applications (apps) are accessible to people with disabilities.
Compliance Dates
Important Note: On April 20, 2026, the Department of Justice issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) extending the compliance dates for ADA accessibility requirements for web content and mobile applications. The dates below have been updated to reflect the extensions.
April 26, 2027 – compliance begins for public entities (other than a special district governments) with a total population of 50,000 or more
April 26, 2028 – compliance begins for public entities with a total population of less than 50,000 or any public entity that is a special district government
Handout
ADA Digital Accessibility – Political Subdivisions (pdf updated February 2026)
(Luminary Content)
Important Note: On April 20, 2026, the Department of Justice issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) extending the compliance dates for ADA accessibility requirements for web content and mobile applications. This handout has not yet been updated to reflect this change. For the new dates, see the Compliance Dates section above.
This printable download was designed to give cities, counties, and other local governments a high-level overview of what digital accessibility is, what ADA and DOJ Rule compliance entails, and a practical list of tasks that can help with working toward compliance.
References
State and Local Governments That Are Part of ADA Title II
(U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division)
Title II of the ADA pertains to state and local services, programs, and activities. This page provides information about which entities fall within Title II.
Final Rule – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities
(Federal Register)
This is the full legal rule filed with the United States National Archives and Records Administration.
Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments
(U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division)
This fact sheet gives a summary of the rule. The summary is designed to provide introductory information about the rule’s requirements, particularly for people who may not have a legal background.
State and Local Governments: First Steps Toward Complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule
(U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division)
This web page provides suggested steps state or local governments may want to follow to comply with the DOJ Rule. It serves as a nice planning guide with details about who needs to know and understand the Rule within an organization, conducting a content and systems audit, prioritizing content fixes, procurement considerations, and creating a plan to ensure digital accessibility processes and workflows are part of organizational practices.
Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Government Entities: A Small Entity Compliance Guide
(U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division)
This Small Entity Compliance Guide will help people who work for or with small state and local governments understand the rule’s requirements for ensuring content and mobile apps are accessible.
WebAIM’s Roadmap to Meeting the ADA Title II Requirements
(WebAIM)
This article provides guidance on how to create an organizational plan for meeting the requirements of the DOJ rule.