ADA website compliance: a simple guide

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For your situation, talk to a lawyer.

Does the ADA apply to websites?

Title III of the ADA requires "places of public accommodation" to be accessible to people with disabilities. US courts and the Department of Justice have repeatedly treated websites, especially those of businesses that sell to the public, as covered. In 2024 the DOJ also set WCAG 2.1 level AA as the technical standard for state and local government websites, and it is the standard most courts and settlements use for private businesses too.

Who should care

• Online stores and any business selling to customers in the US
• Restaurants, hotels, clinics, schools and service businesses with a website
• Agencies that build websites for clients
• Businesses outside the US that serve US customers

Other countries have similar rules: the European Accessibility Act (applies from June 2025), the UK Equality Act, Canada's AODA and India's Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act all expect accessible digital services.

Common problems that lead to complaints

• Images and product photos without alt text
• Low-contrast text that people with low vision can't read
• Forms and checkouts that can't be used with a keyboard or screen reader
• Buttons and links with no accessible name
• Videos without captions
• Pop-ups that trap keyboard focus

7 steps to make your website ADA compliant

1. Check your site. Run the free accessibility checker on your home page, a product or service page, and your checkout or contact form.
2. Fix the most serious issues first: alt text, contrast, form labels and keyboard access.
3. Follow WCAG 2.2 AA. Use our WCAG 2.2 checklist as your guide.
4. Test with real tools. Use the site with only a keyboard and with a screen reader.
5. Add an accessibility statement that explains your commitment and how people can report problems.
6. Give visitors tools. An accessibility widget like Openwise lets people enlarge text, increase contrast, use a dyslexia-friendly font, have text read aloud and more.
7. Keep checking. New pages and content can add new issues; scan regularly.

Is an accessibility widget enough?

No. Be careful of any tool that promises "instant compliance". A widget helps visitors personalise your site, which is valuable, but it can't fix problems in your code, such as a checkout button that a screen reader can't find. The best approach combines fixing your code, regular scanning and tools for visitors. Openwise gives you the scanner, how-to-fix tips and the widget in one place.

Frequently asked questions

Which WCAG level do I need for ADA compliance?

WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 level AA is the accepted target.

How much does ADA website compliance cost?

Small sites can often fix the main issues themselves using free tools like our checker. Openwise has a free plan, and paid plans start at $9 a month.

Can a small business be sued?

Yes. Thousands of website accessibility lawsuits are filed in the US every year, and many target small and medium businesses.