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 specific 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 critical that every company operating (or intending to operate) in the U.S. market fully understands these regulations and acts accordingly.
What the U.S. regulations provide for
ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA, in effect since 1990, prohibits all forms of discrimination against people 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 environments, including 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 penalties and reputational damage.
Section 508
Section 508 applies primarily to the federal agencies and public sector providers, imposing an obligation to ensure that all information technology is accessible to employees and citizens with disabilities. However, many private organizations voluntarily adopt these standards to conform to the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), considered the global technical reference for web accessibility.
What it means to be compliant
Meeting accessibility standards means:
- Screen reader compatibility For people who are blind or visually impaired
- Keyboard-only navigation, for those who cannot use a mouse
- Alternative texts for images, useful for voice readers
- Sufficient contrast between text and background, to promote readability
- Control of dynamic and pop-up elements, which may disturb neurodivergent users
- Semantic structure of the code, for clear and consistent fruition
The consequences of non-compliance
In the U.S., failure to comply with accessibility regulations can result in the following legal actions by users, significant fines, and image damage. In 2023 alone, thousands of ADA violation lawsuits were filed in the digital sphere, mostly 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 hurting business.
Why invest in accessibility now
Making a site or app accessible is not just a requirement: it is an opportunity for:
- Reaching a wider audience
- Improving the user experience for all
- Increasing conversions
- Strengthening brand reputation
- Promote indexing on search engines (SEO)
How Accessibi can help you
Specialized services such as Accessibi allow you to quickly and professionally analyze 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 through technical implementation-to ensure maximum compliance with minimal impact on company resources.
In the United States, web accessibility is already a legal, ethical and strategic issue. Ignoring it means exposing oneself to real risks, while adopting it today can strengthen the company's competitiveness and improve the relationship with all users. With Accessibi, complying with U.S. regulations becomes simple and beneficial.
Contact us today for a free analysis of your site and find out how to make your digital presence truly inclusive.
