US mandates ADA compliance for all web pages and apps

The US government has introduced new regulations mandating that all web pages and mobile apps comply with the ADA, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The rule aims to enhance digital equality and is expected to positively impact various public services.
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Spearheaded by the US Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the US government has introduced new regulations requiring all web pages and mobile apps to be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. The regulations are designed to align with the ADA and ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, including vision and hearing impairments. The new rule, released on Monday, aims to realise the ADA’s vision of equality and independence for people with disabilities in the digital realm.

State and local governments offer various services online, from tax payments to voter registration. The new regulations mandate that web developers creating content for these services meet specific technical standards, thereby eliminating barriers to civic participation. By adopting the ‘Four Principles of Accessibility’ defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the rules ensure that web content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, even as web technologies evolve.

Public entities and third-party contractors, including government offices, public schools, police departments, and healthcare facilities, will be covered under the new rule. Depending on the municipality’s size, entities will have two to three years to implement the changes. The regulations reflect extensive feedback from the public, including those with disabilities, ADA advocacy groups, and web accessibility experts, highlighting the significant positive impact expected from improved web accessibility.