Beginning in 2026, many government websites and mobile apps must comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards, the widely recognized benchmark for digital accessibility. The Department of Justice has set phased deadlines: large public entities with populations over 50,000 must comply by April 2026, while smaller entities, including towns and special districts, have until April 2027. These guidelines are intended to ensure that all residents, including those with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive and neurological disabilities, can access essential information without barriers.
Achieving compliance can involve a wide array of steps, from rebuilding your website from the ground up to merely editing existing content on your website. Examples of remediation work include:
- Adding clear and descriptive alt text for all images
- Ensuring PDFs are properly tagged, searchable and compatible with screen readers
- Providing captions and transcripts for all video content
- Using sufficient color contrast for text and interactive elements
- Enabling smooth keyboard navigation across all devices
When local governments adhere to these guidelines, some residents will gain more consistent access to services such as signing up for recreation classes, paying a water bill online, submitting permits or watching public hearings. By addressing these areas now, government agencies can create a better online experience for everyone and stay ahead of ADA compliance requirements.
Tools and Resources for Accessibility
A variety of tools can help assess and improve accessibility, ranging from free browser extensions to enterprise applications. For larger entities with more complex needs, platforms like Siteimprove offer a combination of accessibility, analytics and SEO features, while Acquia Optimize (formerly Monsido) offers automated scanning, reporting and enforcement. However, these tools identify accessibility issues but do not resolve them, often leaving organizations with a substantial list of remediation tasks.
Content management systems such as CivicPlus, Granicus and Revize, provide web accessibility resources, including tools for PDF remediation, educational webinars and ADA compliance checklists.
Organizations seeking flexible options may consider UserWay, which provides accessibility overlay widgets and AI-powered tools suitable for mid-sized to larger teams.
For beginners or those supplementing other solutions, free tools such as WAVE, Axe DevTools, Google Lighthouse and Accessibility Insights offer valuable foundational testing. While overlay widgets and free tools are a useful starting point, websites will generally require both automated scanning and manual testing to achieve full WCAG 2.1 AA compliance.
Approaches to Achieving Compliance
A proactive strategy allows teams to prioritize accessibility improvements over time, supporting long-term compliance and a more inclusive experience for all users. The best solution will vary based on an organization’s size, budget and internal capacity.
Some organizations manage accessibility in-house by training staff, using automated tools and embedding standards into daily workflows. Others rely on consultants to audit websites and documents, remediate issues and provide ongoing support. Many find that a hybrid approach works best, with staff handling daily compliance and consultants performing periodic audits.
True compliance requires more than a one-time fix. Teams should establish policies and processes that maintain accessibility over time. This includes developing clear guidelines, training staff on best practices — particularly around content management — conducting regular audits, tracking progress and gathering community feedback to identify potential barriers. By integrating these practices, organizations can ensure compliance is proactive and sustainable rather than reactive.
ADA website compliance is both a legal requirement and a civic responsibility. With the DOJ’s 2026 deadline approaching, government agencies should begin preparing their websites, mobile apps and documents to meet accessibility requirements. By investing in the right tools, training staff and building sustainable practices, agencies can ensure equitable access for all residents while minimizing compliance risks.
Accessibility goes beyond meeting standards; it reflects a commitment to inclusive, transparent public service. To learn how Tripepi Smith can support accessibility on your website, contact us and view our Web Design and Support Services.
