The digital world is changing fast, and the 2025 ADA web accessibility standards are right around the corner. For public entities and businesses, the countdown to compliance has begun. But this isn’t just about ticking legal boxes—it’s a chance to create online spaces that everyone can access and enjoy.
From keeping track of important compliance dates to navigating global standards like the European Accessibility Act, this guide has everything you need to stay ahead. Whether you’re running a local government site or a growing business, you’ll find actionable steps to get your website up to date with the latest accessibility standards. Let’s break it all down so you can be prepared for what’s coming.
Key Dates for Compliance
Staying on top of the timeline is crucial for meeting the new ADA Title II accessibility standards. Here’s the scoop on the most important deadlines for public entities:
- April 24, 2026: Public entities in cities or counties with 50,000 or more residents must comply with the updated standards.
- April 24, 2027: Smaller public entities—those in areas with fewer than 50,000 people—have an extra year to meet these same requirements.
What Public Entities Should Focus On
Public entities include everything from state and local governments to public schools, libraries, and other essential services. For these organizations, accessibility isn’t optional—it’s a must. That means ensuring your website works seamlessly with assistive technologies like screen readers, providing alternative text for images, and offering captions on video content.
Why Meeting These Deadlines Matters
Missing these deadlines isn’t just a bad look—it can lead to lawsuits and a loss of trust in your community. ADA lawsuits targeting government websites are on the rise, often flagging accessibility gaps that make it hard for users with disabilities to access essential services.
Don’t Forget Global Accessibility Standards
If your business operates internationally or even just ships products overseas, you’ll also need to think about global accessibility laws. Standards like the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) could apply to you, even if your business is based in the U.S.
- European Accessibility Act (EAA): Takes effect on June 28, 2025. Similar to the ADA, it requires accessible websites, apps, and digital services across the European Union.
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA): Applies to organizations in Ontario or those serving Canadian users. Emphasizes WCAG standards, with compliance starting January 1, 2025.
Ignoring these global laws can lead to fines or legal challenges, so keep them in mind if your reach extends beyond the U.S.
What’s New in the 2025 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
The 2025 ADA updates focus on making websites easier for everyone to use, especially as technology keeps evolving. At the heart of these changes is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
Here’s what’s new:
- WCAG 2.2 Integration: The updated accessibility standards now include criteria for making websites more accessible on mobile devices, easier for people with cognitive disabilities, and generally more user-friendly.
- Assistive Technology Compatibility: Websites need to work smoothly with tools like screen readers and voice recognition software.
- Mobile Accessibility: With more people using phones and tablets, sites must be fully functional on smaller screens.
- Video Accessibility: There’s a bigger focus on captions, audio descriptions, and media players that everyone can use.
These updates aren’t just about staying out of court; they’re about building an inclusive online environment. For instance, captions on videos don’t just help users with hearing impairments—they also benefit anyone viewing in a noisy place.
The Cost of Ignoring Compliance
Noncompliance comes with serious risks. In 2024 alone, over 4,000 ADA lawsuits were filed in the U.S. Many stemmed from missing alt text, lack of keyboard navigation, or poor color contrast.
Copycat Lawsuits
A worrying trend is the rise of copycat lawsuits: about 41% of 2024’s accessibility lawsuits targeted companies that had already been sued before. These repeat lawsuits happen when businesses fix only part of their accessibility issues, leaving gaps that new plaintiffs exploit. Often, the same websites, related brands, or even parent companies become repeated targets, creating a cycle of litigation that can be difficult to escape.
The Cost of Noncompliance
Legal fees, settlements, and potential fines add up quickly, with smaller organizations often feeling the strain the most. Defending even one lawsuit can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more, depending on the complexity of the claims. For businesses with unresolved accessibility gaps, these lawsuits not only bring immediate costs but also invite ongoing legal scrutiny, making comprehensive compliance efforts critical to long-term risk management.
Steps to Ensure Compliance
Achieving compliance with the 2025 accessibility standards may seem daunting, but with a structured approach, it’s manageable. By taking proactive steps, you can stay ahead of the curve:
Meeting the 2025 standards might seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s absolutely doable:
- Audit Your Website: Use tools to catch common accessibility issues, but don’t skip manual checks for things like focus indicators or smooth screen reader navigation.
- Train Your Team: Make sure everyone—from developers to content creators—understands accessibility guidelines.
- Implement Updates: Prioritize fixes like alternative text for images and keyboard navigation improvements.
- Monitoring: Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done thing. Regular updates and monitoring are essential.
Overcoming Challenges in Achieving Compliance
Even with clear guidelines, reaching full accessibility can be tough. A major hurdle lies in understanding the full scope of accessibility requirements. Automated tools often overlook hidden barriers, and smaller organizations may not have the resources or expertise to do a deep dive on every aspect of their site. Legacy systems could add in another wrinkle: retrofitting older platforms for accessibility can be time-consuming and costly.
That’s where partnering with accessibility experts like 216digital can make all the difference. We offer custom audits, expert training, and ongoing monitoring with tools like a11y.Radar, helping you build a sustainable compliance strategy.
It’s Time to Act
With the 2025 deadlines on the horizon, there’s no better time to get started. Sure, it might feel daunting at first, but making your online experience accessible to everyone brings long-term benefits for both your users and your brand. It’s not just about dodging lawsuits—it’s about doing the right thing.
By taking steps now—especially if your deadline is 2026 or just around the corner—you’ll save yourself time, money, and stress down the road. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, consider chatting with accessibility experts or scheduling a consultation with 216digital. Let’s work together to ensure your website is a place where everyone feels welcome and empowered.
