The recent case of Bryan Bashin vs. ReserveCalifornia.com has opened the door to a new type of accessibility lawsuit. It’s not just website owners being held accountable—government contractors who build and maintain websites are now in the spotlight too.

This case is important for developers, designers, and accessibility experts working on government websites, as it sets a strong example of what can happen when accessibility isn’t prioritized. More importantly, it serves as a wake-up call for businesses and contractors alike to understand that accessibility is not just an option but a legal necessity. Failure to comply with accessibility standards could result in costly lawsuits and reputational damage.

In today’s digital world, ensuring that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use your website is not just good practice—it’s the law.

Case Overview: A New Direction

Bryan Bashin, who is visually impaired, sued ReserveCalifornia.com, claiming the site was inaccessible to people with disabilities. This violated both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act. What made this case different? Bashin didn’t go after the website owner, California State Parks—he targeted the contractors who created and managed the site.

ReserveCalifornia.com is a key website for booking campsites and other outdoor activities in state parks. Because it wasn’t fully accessible, users who depend on assistive technologies, like screen readers, had trouble navigating it. By focusing on the developers, Bashin’s lawsuit sends a clear message: if you’re responsible for public websites, you must meet digital accessibility standards—or you could face legal action.

The Laws: Unruh Act and ADA Title II

This case relies on two important laws: California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act and the updated ADA Title II rules for government websites.

• Unruh Act: This California law allows people with disabilities to sue organizations that don’t make their services accessible. Bashin used this law to seek damages, which gave him additional legal options beyond the federal ADA.
• ADA Title II: This part of the ADA focuses on making sure government services, programs, and activities—including websites—are accessible. Recent updates have strengthened these rules, making it clear that public websites must meet accessibility standards. Bashin’s lawsuit shows how these laws are evolving, putting contractors in the spotlight.

What It Means for Web Developers: Widespread Impacts

While this lawsuit happened in California, its effects could reach across the country. The Unruh Act may be specific to California, but ADA Title II applies nationwide. Developers working on public sector projects need to understand that ignoring accessibility could lead to serious risks, especially as more governments crack down on non-compliance.

Developers and contractors are expected to follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the international standard for digital accessibility. Not meeting these standards puts them at risk of lawsuits like Bashin’s, and the $2 million settlement in this case shows that courts are willing to hold developers accountable.

What is the WCAG?

WCAG is the go-to guide for making websites accessible to people with disabilities, such as those who are blind, deaf, or have cognitive challenges. It focuses on making content:

• Perceivable: Users must be able to experience content, whether through text, images, or other formats like captions.
• Operable: Users should be able to navigate the site with different tools like a mouse, keyboard, or voice commands.
• Understandable: The site’s information and operations should be clear and easy to use.
• Robust: The site should work with current and future assistive technologies.

For developers, following WCAG not only ensures legal compliance but also opens websites to a wider audience and improves overall user experience.

Why WCAG Matters

You might ask yourself, “Why should I care about WCAG compliance?” First and foremost, it helps make your website accessible to a wider audience. If your site isn’t usable for people with disabilities, you could be missing out on potential customers. In a digital age where online shopping and information-seeking are essential, excluding anyone based on accessibility is not just unfair—it’s bad for business.

Moreover, the Bashin case shows that failing to meet accessibility standards can lead to legal consequences. As more digital accessibility lawsuits arise, companies that don’t prioritize compliance could face significant financial penalties. By adhering to WCAG guidelines, you protect yourself from legal issues and show that you care about your users.

Best Practices for Developers and Digital Accessibility Experts

Bashin’s case is a reminder that developers and consultants must make digital accessibility a priority from the start. It’s no longer enough to just create a good-looking or functional website—it has to work for everyone, including people with disabilities.

Here’s what developers and business owners should focus on:

• WCAG Knowledge: Work with developers who understand WCAG standards and have experience making accessible sites.
• Conduct a Website Audit: Regularly audit your website for accessibility issues. There are tools available online that can help you identify problems, such as missing alt text for images or issues with color contrast.
• Implement Ongoing Training: Train your staff, especially those involved in website management and content creation, about digital accessibility.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Accessibility isn’t a one-time job. Websites need regular testing to stay compliant. This proactive approach helps prevent potential violations before they lead to costly lawsuits.
• Stay Informed and Up-to-Date: Digital accessibility standards and regulations change over time. Make any necessary updates to your website to remain compliant.

The Bigger Picture: Nationwide Repercussions

The Bryan Bashin vs. ReserveCalifornia.com case is a strong reminder for developers everywhere: accessibility is no longer optional. By holding government contractors accountable for digital accessibility violations, this case sets a powerful precedent. Developers and accessibility experts must be proactive and make sure all public-facing websites—especially those for government services—comply with WCAG and other accessibility standards. The future of digital accessibility enforcement is here, and developers need to stay ahead to avoid costly legal risks.

To avoid the risks of costly legal action and make sure your website is accessible to everyone, now is the time to act. Find out if your website is ADA compliant today by scheduling a 15-minute complimentary website audit and consultation with our experts at 216digital. We can help determine if your site is at risk of a lawsuit and provide fast, effective ADA compliance solutions so you can focus on what matters most: running your business.