State and local government websites provide important public services, from paying bills and applying for permits to accessing meeting information and emergency notices. If those websites are not accessible, people with disabilities may have difficulty using the same services as other residents. New federal requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act establish accessibility standards for state and local government websites and mobile applications.
Who Is Covered?
The rule applies nationwide to state and local government entities, including cities, counties, public schools, libraries, courts, transit agencies, special districts, and other public entities. It is not limited to Illinois. These specific deadlines do not automatically apply to private businesses, which may have different accessibility obligations.
What Are the Deadlines
The current compliance deadlines are:
- April 26, 2027 for public entities serving populations of 50,000 or more.
- April 26, 2028 for public entities serving fewer than 50,000 people and for special district governments.
What Standard Is Required?
Covered websites and mobile applications generally need to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards. This applies to more than the homepage. Online forms, PDFs, meeting agendas, payment portals, videos, public notices, permit applications, calendars, and other digital services may also need to be accessible.
Common Accessibility Problems
Accessibility issues can include missing image alt text, poor color contrast, forms without proper labels, keyboard navigation problems, videos without captions, inaccessible PDFs, and unclear links or buttons. Automated scanning tools can identify some issues, but they cannot find every accessibility problem. Manual review and testing are also important.
Accessibility Requires Ongoing Attention
Installing an accessibility plugin or toolbar alone does not make a website compliant. Accessibility should be considered during website design, development, content creation, document preparation, testing, and ongoing maintenance. New PDFs, images, videos, forms, and third-party tools can introduce accessibility problems over time.
What Should Government Entities Do Now
Government organizations should begin by identifying their deadline, reviewing their websites and digital documents, evaluating accessibility issues, and prioritizing important public services. They should also consider staff training, vendor requirements, ongoing testing, and procedures for maintaining accessibility as new content is added.
Start Preparing Now
Website accessibility improvements can take time, especially when a site contains many documents, forms, videos, or third-party services. Illini Web Solutions can help state and local government organizations evaluate their websites, identify accessibility concerns, and work toward WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance.
Email [email protected] or call 217-854-6260 to discuss your government website and accessibility needs.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Government entities should consult their attorney or ADA coordinator regarding their specific obligations.
