- Properly Archiving Web Content
Content that meets ALL of the following does not need to meet WCAG:
- Content was created before compliance date
- Content is kept only for reference, research, or recordkeeping
- Content is kept in an area designated for Archived Content
- Content has not changed since it has been archived
How to meet ADA Compliance for Archived Content
- Create a section that is clearly labeled as an ‘Archive’
- Move any content that meets the following into the archive:
- Content was created before compliance date
- Content is kept only for reference, research, or record keeping
- Content has not changed since it has been archived
- Pre Existing PDF's
Content that meets ALL of the following does not need to meet WCAG standards:
- The content was created before entity’s compliance date
- The content is kept only for reference, research, or recordkeeping
- The content is kept in an area designated for Archived Content
- The content has not changed since it has been archived
How to meet ADA Requirements for pre-existing documents
- Ensure the documents are word processing, presentation, pdf, or spreadsheet
- Ensure they were made available BEFORE the compliance date
- Document is not being used to apply for govt services (Ex: Application for permit
Any document that is updated MUST meet WCAG, regardless of it’s previous exemption status.
For instance, if a document that was previously exempt from ADA compliance is modified, it must now adhere to WCAG standards.
- Use of Language
The language of each passage or phrase in the websites content can be programmatically determined except for proper names, technical terms, words of indeterminate language, and words or phrases that have become part of the vernacular of the immediately surrounding text.
How to meet ADA Requirements for Languages
- The site must use the language attribute on HTML elements
- PDFs should have a specified default language using /Lang
- PDF passages and entries should have a specified language
- Use of the lang attribute in HTML
- Presentation of text and images of text
The presentation of both text and images of text must have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1, except for:
- Large text (3:1 ratio)
- Incidental – inactive ui component, or purely decorational (no ratio)
- Logotypes – text that is part of a logo has no contrast requirements
How to meet ADA requirements for text and images of text
- Visual presentation of text and images of text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1
- Large Text is allowed to have a ratio of 3:1
- Logo types have no contrast requirement
- Text can be resized without assistive technology up to 200% without loss of content
- Video Captions
- Captions are provided for all live audio content in synchronized media.
How to meet ADA requirements for Video Captions
- Adding captions to YouTube videos
- Images
If the technologies being used can achieve the visual presentation, text is used to convey information rather than images of text except for the following:
Customizable
- The image of text can be visually customized to the user’s requirements
Essential
- A particular presentation of text is essential to the information being conveyed.
How to meet ADA requirements for Images
- Make sure all the images have ALT Text
- Images that are strictly design elements only need blank alt tags
- Avoid “image of”, “photo of”, etc, unless the medium is particularly important.
- Avoid using the title attribute in lieu of alt text. Keyboard-only users or mobile users may never see the title.
- Image links should describe the purpose of the link, and must never describe the image.
- Decorative images should have blank or empty alt text
- Complex images, like charts or graphs, should have long description located near the image. The image’s alt text should describe where the close by image is.
- Posters, flyers, and the like must have the same information presented in nearby text/
- Provide color contrast and other design elements to help color blind users
- Links
The purpose of each link can be determined from the link text alone or from the link text together with its programmatically determined link context, except where the purpose of the link would be ambiguous to users in general.
How to meet ADA requirements for Images
- Update links with better wording that is more clear and concise to what someone with a screen reader might have to go over.
- “Click this link to read more about _____”
- Avoid link text like “Click Here,” “More,” and “Read More.” These kinds of links can be confusing when a screen reader reads them out of context.
- Use unique link text where possible. Speech recognition software users may have a bad experience with duplicated link text.
- It is OK to link a full sentence, but avoid longer.
- Use judgment when linking full URLs. When linking a URL, consider users who must speak it out loud and who must listen to a screen reader announce it.
- Error Prevention
- For Web pages that cause legal commitments or financial transactions for the user to occur, that modify or delete user-controllable data in data storage systems, or that submit user test responses, at least one of the following is true:
- Reversible – Submissions are reversible.
- Checked – Data entered by the user is checked for input errors and the user is provided an opportunity to correct them.
- Confirmed – A mechanism is available for reviewing, confirming, and correcting information before finalizing the submission.
How to meet ADA requirements for Error Prevention
- Alert users to any and all errors that prevent form validation.
- Shift focus to the error message so users do not have to search for the error.
- Make sure error message is distinguishable from the form elements.
- Provide correction cues within the error message to eliminate guesswork.
- Check that messages are accessible. Note: Ways to make a screen reader announce information include loading a new page, moving the focus, or using an ARIA live region.
- Ensure forms retain information that was entered correctly.
- Allow users to review and correct information before submitting the form.
- Make sure error messages appear the same way if the same form components are on multiple web pages
- Secure
- Enhanced security including SSL encryption and CAPTCHA anti-spam feature
- .GOV domain name(mentioned above)
ADA Accessibility
MTA 2025 CONFERENCE & EXPO
ACCESS GRANTED:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW ADA ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
What is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law enforced by the Department of Justice that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
How does the ADA effect websites?
This act has established guidelines to ensure that visitors with visual, auditory, language, cognitive, or motor disabilities can effectively access, navigate, and interact with websites. Much like constructing a building, there are several foundational actions we can take to tear down the common accessibility barriers and pain points that an average resident might encounter on your website.
A recent study shows that over 25%—or 1 in 4—people experience some form of disability.
Why should websites be accessible?
Striving for better website accessibility allows all users to efficiently access important information, regardless of their abilities.
A more accessible website always means a better overall user experience for all visitors. Prioritizing ADA compliance also demonstrates a commitment to governmental transparency and providing residence with a fast and easy way to get what they came for.
How does it effect my municipality?
It is the duty of the municipality to provide a seamless web experience to residents, regardless of disability. Effective 2024, the Department of Justice has issued a deadline for municipalities to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
| Municipality Size | Compliance Date |
|---|---|
| 50,000 or GREATER residents | April 26, 2026 |
| FEWER than 50,000 residents | April 24, 2027 |
What if I do not comply by then?
Ensuring website compliance is crucial to avoid potential fines, legal action, and negative publicity that could harm your municipalities reputation. Non-compliance may also lead to increased insurance premiums and costly legal fees. By adhering to regulations and best practices, you can mitigate risks and maintain a trustworthy online presence to your residents.
Ultimately, whether through proactive measures or forced corrections, compliance will be required—making it smarter and more cost-effective to meet those guidelines as early as possible.
Key Accessibility Guidelines
The W3C has established comprehensive success criteria to ensure website accessibility. We’ve curated a list of essential, high-priority features to consider when planning your new website. For the complete and latest list of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for your municipality to follow, please visit the official WCAG website.
Clear & Simple Language
Ensure that the content is easily decipherable with appropriate font choice, size, color and spacing. Avoid using vernacular terminology or references in text.
Logical Structuring
A semantical and consistent hierarchy of headings, paragraphs and menus is vital for assistive technologies to properly read content the same way it’s presented visually.
Alternative (ALT) Text
Embed a concise text description of images and videos into the HTML code. A critical component for those users who are visually impaired or whose media fails to load.
Color Contrast
Images and text should maintain a color and brightness contrast ratio of at least 4.5 to 1 except for large text, logos, and decorative elements.
Readable Documents
Digitally prepare documents with proper structure and headings to allow screen reading tools to quickly and efficiently narrate the document to users.
Responsive Design
Your website should transition seamlessly across various size computer, tablet or mobile devices without additional aid.
Descriptive Links
Use descriptive and unique language for links rather than generic terms like “click here.” This helps users understand the purpose of the link without additional context.
Keyboard Accessibility
For any element that requires user input or action, provide concise labels and instructions alongside clear interactions and focus indicators. Keyboard-only users must be able to navigate to and from all parts of a website.
Video Captioning
Provide synchronized captions and transcripts for all audio & video content including items like board meetings or video announcements.
Auto-Playing Media
Avoid auto-playing audio or video content, as it can be disruptive and challenging for users with disabilities to control.
Error Prevention
Make error messages distinguishable from overlapping elements and consistent page by page. Provide correction cues within the error messages to eliminate the guesswork.
Exceptions for Archived Web Content
Content preceding the compliance date should be archived for reference, research, or record keeping with sections clearly labeled as ‘archive’.
Key Accessibility Guidelines
General
Tools
Screen Readers
Resources & Checklists
- FREE WEBSITE AUDIT
Does your website meet the latest ADA accessibility laws for the 2026/2027 deadline?
Find out now—fill out the form below for a comprehensive review of your website from our accessibility experts.
- Manual audit of 5 pages or documents
- Automatic audit of 10 pages or documents
- 30-60 minute virtual meeting to review results and strategize an ADA compliance plan
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