Laws are supposed to make things clearer, right? But when it comes to web accessibility, things aren’t always so straightforward. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is meant to ensure equal access for people with disabilities, yet it doesn’t outline exactly what website owners need to do. That legal gray area has led many states to introduce their own state accessibility laws, filling in the gaps and setting clearer expectations.
These state accessibility laws aren’t just patchwork solutions—they’re shaping the future of the internet. For businesses and website owners, staying ahead of these changes can mean the difference between compliance and costly legal trouble. More importantly, these laws help build a more inclusive web, ensuring people with disabilities can navigate online spaces without barriers.
Why States Are Creating Their Own Accessibility Laws
The ADA was designed to protect people with disabilities, and for a while, many assumed it would extend naturally to websites. But here’s the problem: the law doesn’t spell out digital accessibility requirements, leaving businesses uncertain about what’s expected of them. Meanwhile, the internet has evolved faster than legislation can keep up.
To bridge this gap, some states are passing their own state accessibility laws, setting clear rules for businesses and organizations. Unlike broad federal regulations, these state accessibility laws often provide detailed guidelines that eliminate the guesswork for website owners.
How These Laws Set New Standards
When a state enacts digital accessibility laws, it typically mandates a set of standards that websites must follow. The most common benchmark? The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) cover essential elements like color contrast, keyboard navigation, and video captions.
For example, state accessibility laws may require public-facing websites to comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA. These state-specific regulations provide direct instructions, making compliance more straightforward than federal mandates. As more states adopt these standards, websites become more user-friendly and accessible to all.
Filling the Gaps in Federal Law
Federal laws play a crucial role in protecting people with disabilities, but they often lack specifics. This ambiguity leaves businesses unsure of how to achieve compliance. State accessibility laws provide much-needed clarity.
For instance, some state accessibility laws require businesses to add alt text to images—a simple description that screen readers use to help blind users understand visual content. Others mandate captions or transcripts for videos, ensuring accessibility for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. These straightforward updates can significantly improve usability.
What Website Owners Need to Know
If you own or manage a website, these state accessibility laws matter. States may have different requirements, and even if your business is based in one location, you could be subject to laws of another state if your website serves customers there.
Ignoring state accessibility laws isn’t just risky—it can be expensive. Some states impose fines for noncompliance, and lawsuits over website accessibility are on the rise. Even small businesses aren’t immune.
But compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties. A well-structured website with clear navigation, readable text, and a thoughtful layout benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities. When your site is easier to use, visitors are more likely to stay, shop, and return.
Getting Started with Web Accessibility
Improving website accessibility might seem daunting, but breaking it down into simple steps makes it manageable:
- Audit Your Website – Use free tools like WAVE or Google Lighthouse to scan your site for common accessibility issues, such as low color contrast or missing alt text.
- Follow Recognized Guidelines – Familiarize yourself with WCAG, which offers clear instructions on making digital content more inclusive.
- Train Your Team – Developers, designers, and content creators should understand basic accessibility principles. Even small changes—like using descriptive link text—can improve usability.
- Stay Informed – Laws are evolving. Keep up with accessibility regulations in the states where you do business. When in doubt, consult a legal expert or an accessibility specialist.
- Test with Real Users – Automated tools can catch some issues, but nothing beats real user feedback. People with disabilities can provide invaluable insights into how accessible (or inaccessible) your site truly is.
What’s Next for Web Accessibility?
State-level laws are pushing accessibility forward, and we’re already seeing a shift. Features like alt text and captions are becoming standard rather than optional. As more states implement stricter rules, they may eventually influence federal law, leading to more transparent nationwide standards.
States also learn from each other. When one successfully enforces digital accessibility, others often adopt similar strategies. This collective effort is helping to create a more inclusive web for everyone.
Staying Ahead of State Accessibility Laws
Keeping up with changing accessibility laws ensures compliance while making websites more user-friendly. Small improvements can make a significant impact—not just legally, but in terms of customer satisfaction and usability.
Since the internet is essential for shopping, learning, and staying connected, prioritizing accessibility benefits everyone. Thoughtful design choices don’t just reduce legal risks; they make online experiences better for all users.
Not sure where to start? 216digital can help. Schedule a briefing with our team to stay ahead of new accessibility laws and ensure your website remains inclusive for all visitors.