In the United States, thedigital accessibility is neither new nor a future deadline: it is already a legal obligation for several years. Regulations such as theAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act impose precise requirements to ensure that websites, mobile applications and digital platforms are also accessible to people with disabilities.
With a growing number of lawsuits for inaccessible sites, and an increasing focus on social responsibility and inclusiveness, it is imperative that every company operating (or intending to operate) in the US market fully understands these regulations and acts accordingly.
What the US regulations provide for
ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA, in force since 1990, prohibits all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities. Although initially designed for physical spaces, the law has been progressively interpreted by the courts and the Department of Justice (DOJ) as also applicable to digital environmentsincluding websites and mobile apps of private companies.
In particular, companies offering goods or services to the public must ensure that their digital tools are accessible, otherwise they risk legal sanctions and reputational damage.
Section 508
Section 508 applies mainly to federal agencies and public sector providers, imposing an obligation to ensure that all IT is accessible to employees and citizens with disabilities. However, many private organisations voluntarily adopt these standards to comply with the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)as the global technical reference for web accessibility.
What it means to be compliant
Meeting accessibility standards means:
- Compatibility with screen readers for blind or visually impaired persons
- Keyboard-only navigationfor those who cannot use a mouse
- Alternative texts for imagesuseful for voice readers
- Sufficient contrast between text and backgroundto aid readability
- Control of dynamic and pop-up elementswhich may disturb neurodivergent users
- Semantic code structurefor clear and coherent fruition
The consequences of non-compliance
In the USA, non-compliance with accessibility regulations may lead to legal actions by users, significant fines and image damage. In 2023 alone, thousands of cases were filed for violation of the ADA in the digital sphere, mainly against e-commerce, hotels, restaurants and educational institutions.
But the repercussions are not only legal: neglecting accessibility means exclude millions of users and potential customers, also damaging business.
Why invest in accessibility now
Making a site or app accessible is not just an obligation: it is an opportunity for:
- Reaching a wider audience
- Improving the user experience for all
- Increasing conversions
- Strengthening brand reputation
- Favouring indexing on search engines (SEO)
How Accessibi can help you
Specialised services such as Accessibi allow you to quickly and professionally analyse and improve the accessibility of your site, adapting it to the standards required by the ADA and WCAG. Our team supports you at every stage: from initial assessment to technical implementation, to ensure maximum compliance with minimum impact on your company's resources.
In the United States, web accessibility is already a legal, ethical and strategic issue. Ignoring it means exposing oneself to real risks, whereas adopting it today can strengthen a company's competitiveness and improve relations with all users. With Accessibi, complying with US regulations becomes simple and advantageous.
Contact us today for a free analysis of your site and find out how to make your digital presence truly inclusive.
