state accessibility laws Archives /Tag

What States Have Their Own Accessibility Laws?
It’s one thing to know that digital accessibility matters. It’s another to figure out which accessibility laws actually apply to your business—and that’s where things start to get murky. Some states follow the federal lead. Others have their own rules, timelines, and expectations. A few have no official laws at all but are still seeing lawsuits.

It’s not always clear where the lines are. And if you’re trying to do things right—without getting blindsided later—it helps to know what’s happening in your state, not just in theory.

Here’s what’s really going on across the country, one state at a time.

The Federal Foundation for Digital Accessibility

Before we get into what each state is doing, let’s take a quick look at the bigger picture. At the federal level, two key laws shape how we approach digital accessibility: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. These set the baseline—and everything else tends to build from there.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA has been around since 1990, created to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life. While the law doesn’t specifically mention “websites” or “apps,” courts have increasingly interpreted digital platforms to fall under its scope—especially when tied to public services or businesses that serve the public.

Titles II and III of the ADA
- Title II applies to state and local governments. It requires their websites and digital services—like online forms, schedules, and service portals—to be accessible to people with disabilities.
- Title III covers private businesses and nonprofits, from retailers and restaurants to healthcare providers. If you’re offering goods, services, or information online, accessibility isn’t optional—it’s expected.
Although the ADA doesn’t lay out specific technical standards, most lawsuits point to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the benchmark. Ultimately, ADA compliance is about more than avoiding a lawsuit—it’s about making sure everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate in today’s digital world.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act plays a major role in shaping digital accessibility across federal agencies. Originally passed in 1973 and expanded in 1998, it requires that all federal electronic and information technology (EIT) be usable by people with disabilities. That includes everything from websites and software to internal systems and public documents.

But its impact goes beyond government offices. If you’re a contractor or vendor working with federal agencies, you’re expected to follow these same standards. That has made Section 508 a powerful driver of accessible design across both public and private sectors.

Together, Section 508 and the ADA form the foundation for digital accessibility compliance across the country. But depending on where you operate, state-specific laws may also come into play.

States with Their Own Accessibility Laws

While every state must comply with the ADA and Section 508 over 30 states have adopted digital accessibility requirements beyond the federal baseline.

Alaska

Alaska does not currently have its own state-specific digital accessibility laws. However, the state government maintains a State of Alaska ADA Compliance Program and voluntarily adheres to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards for its own digital services. This means that while there are no separate legal mandates in place, Alaska’s agencies are actively working to ensure their websites and online content are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Arizona

Arizona has incorporated digital accessibility into its statewide IT policy. The state’s accessibility policy requires all government agencies and entities receiving state funding—except certain universities—to follow clear accessibility guidelines. These standards are designed to ensure that public-facing digital content is usable by people with disabilities and aligned with current best practices, including WCAG principles.

Arkansas

Arkansas has its own digital accessibility law known as Act 1227 of 1999. This legislation requires that all state government agencies and entities receiving state funding ensure their websites are accessible—particularly to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. While the law predates modern WCAG guidelines, it underscores the state’s early commitment to creating digital spaces that serve all users equally.

California

California has some of the most comprehensive digital accessibility laws in the country, reflecting the state’s broader commitment to civil rights and inclusive technology. Key statutes include:
- Government Code Section 11545.7: Requires every state agency to post a certification of compliance with digital accessibility standards on their website every two years. Sites must meet the requirements of Sections 7405 and 11135 and align with WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
- Government Code Section 7405: Reinforces Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and mandates that state agencies ensure their electronic and information technology is accessible.
- Unruh Civil Rights Act: Prohibits businesses from discriminating based on disability, including through their digital services. The law applies even to out-of-state companies selling products or services to Californians. Violators can face minimum fines of $4,000 per offense.
- Government Code Section 11135: Similar to the Unruh Act, but focused on state-run or state-funded programs. It bars discrimination in any activity or program operated by or receiving financial support from the state.
Taken together, these laws make California one of the most proactive states when it comes to digital inclusion—and a state where accessibility compliance is not just encouraged, but enforceable.

Colorado

Colorado is one of the most recent states to pass ts digital accessibility laws with House Bill 21-1110, also known as the Colorado Laws for Persons with Disabilities. Effective July 1, 2024, this legislation builds on federal requirements by mandating that all digital content from state agencies and public higher education institutions be accessible to individuals with disabilities. The law also ensures that no person with a disability is excluded from any service, program, or activity offered by a public entity or state agency.

Connecticut

Connecticut requires all state agencies to follow a Universal Website Accessibility Policy. This policy mandates conformance with WCAG 1.0 Level A and includes a Checklist of Design Requirements to help agencies meet usability and accessibility expectations. While the standards are dated, they represent an early commitment to digital inclusion.

Delaware

Delaware has a state Digital Accessibility Policy that requires all public-facing digital content to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. This ensures that state websites and services are usable by individuals with disabilities.

Georgia

Georgia requires all state-managed digital content to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA. This ensures that websites and services from state agencies are accessible and usable for people with disabilities.

Idaho

Idaho provides Web Publishing Guidelines that outline IT and telecom standards for state agencies, along with templates and accessibility best practices to help make digital content more inclusive and user-friendly.

Illinois

Illinois adheres to the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA), requiring all state agencies and public universities to ensure their websites and IT systems are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The act outlines clear technical standards and encourages forward-thinking digital inclusion efforts.

Indiana

Indiana enforces Indiana Code 4-13.1-3, which supports Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. This law mandates that all digital services—including websites, applications, IT systems, and digital documents—managed by the state must be accessible to people with disabilities.

Iowa

Iowa follows a Website Accessibility Standard that requires all state agencies and publicly funded contractors to meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA. This ensures digital content and services align with accessibility best practices.

Kansas

Kansas implements digital accessibility through its Information Technology Executive Council (ITEC) Policy, which sets accessibility requirements for all state agencies and contractors handling digital assets.

Louisiana

The Louisiana Office of Technology Services (OTS) has adopted WCAG 2.1 as the baseline accessibility standard for all state-managed digital content, ensuring compliance with current accessibility guidelines.

Maine

Maine’s Digital Accessibility and Usability Policy requires all state-produced digital content and services to meet accessibility standards. Vendors must comply with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, with oversight and support provided by the Information Technology Accessibility Committee and the Maine IT Accessibility Team.

Maryland

Maryland enforces the Maryland Information Technology Nonvisual Access (MD IT NVA) Regulatory Standards, which require all new or upgraded IT systems within the state government to be fully accessible for nonvisual users.

Massachusetts

The Enterprise Information Technology Accessibility Policy in Massachusetts mandates that all applicable digital assets, including software, websites, and reports, meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Compliance is required for all executive branch agencies.

Michigan

Michigan’s Digital Accessibility Standard applies to websites, software, digital reports, and other digital assets. Executive branch agencies are required to ensure conformance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Minnesota

Minnesota enforces the State of Minnesota Digital Accessibility Standard, most recently updated on July 1, 2024. It requires state agencies to meet WCAG 2.1 and provide accessible websites and digital documents.

Missouri

Missouri’s law, RSMo. 161.935, requires that all state agencies ensure their information technology is accessible throughout development, procurement, maintenance, and use. The law also extends to contracts and grants involving ICT.

Montana

Montana’s accessibility requirements are defined in state code 18-5-605 (formerly HB 239), which mandates that all state agencies provide IT access to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Nebraska

Nebraska’s Accessibility Policy requires that all ICT provided by state agencies meet WCAG 2.1 standards to ensure accessibility for users with disabilities.

Nevada

Nevada enforces its ADA Technology Accessibility Guidelines, which apply to all state entities and require conformance with WCAG 2.1.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire has its own Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Standards, which apply to all state agencies. The standards reinforce Section 508 compliance and recommend WCAG 2.0 as a guide to increase accessibility. A downloadable PDF of the standard is available on the state’s accessibility policy webpage.

New Jersey

New Jersey passed NJ A4856, a law requiring all digital platforms and web services used by school districts, charter schools, renaissance schools, and the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

New York

New York follows Accessibility of Information Communication Technology (NYS-P08-005) along with Senate Bill S3114A. These policies set the minimum accessibility standards for state agency websites and require conformance with the most current version of the WCAG.

Ohio

Ohio’s Administrative Policy IT-09: Website Ability mandates that all state agency websites, including those developed by third-party vendors, conform to WCAG 2.0 Level AA.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma enforces the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility (EITA) Law, passed in 2004. This law incorporates the updated Section 508 standards and mandates WCAG 2.0 compliance for all state agencies.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s Information Technology Policy (ITP-ACC001) requires that all state government agencies meet revised Section 508 standards and the most current version of WCAG Level AA. Agencies are also encouraged to strive toward Level AAA.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island mandates that all state websites meet W3C’s Priority 1 Checkpoints, which are based on WCAG 1.0 standards.

Texas

Texas enforces the Texas Web Accessibility Standards, which are part of its Electronic Information Resources Accessibility Policy. Based on Section 508, these standards also include unique criteria for webcasts, applets, and plug-ins. In addition, Texas Administrative Code Sections 206 and 213 require that all state government and higher education websites meet accessibility standards.

Utah

Utah’s code 63A-16-209 outlines accessibility requirements for executive branch agencies. It mandates that agency websites and IT systems conform to the latest version of WCAG.

Virginia

Virginia enforces both the Virginia Information Technology Access Act (ITAA) and the Virginia Information Technology Accessibility Standard. Created by the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA), these standards require conformance to Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 Level AA for all state agencies and higher education institutions.

Washington

Washington enforces the USER-01 Accessibility Policy (formerly Policy 188), which applies to all state agencies. It sets WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the minimum requirement for digital accessibility.

Need Help Navigating Accessibility Laws?

rying to make sense of accessibility laws—especially when each state plays by slightly different rules—can feel like walking through fog. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, something changes. That’s completely normal.

If you’re not sure where your website stands or what steps to take next, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We work with teams every day who are navigating this same landscape. Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to patch up an old site, we’re here to help you move forward confidently—with clarity, not confusion.

Let’s talk. Schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital, and we’ll help you sort out what applies, what matters most, and what to do about it.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws are subject to change. Always consult with legal counsel or a qualified accessibility specialist.
Greg McNeil

July 22, 2025

Legal Compliance

Accessibility, accessibility laws, state accessibility laws, WCAG, Web Accessibility, Website Accessibility
ADA Compliance for State and Local Governments
A resident tried to renew their license, apply for benefits, or register to vote. They found the page—but the form wouldn’t load properly. The labels were missing, the buttons didn’t work with their keyboard, or the error messages didn’t make sense. After a few tries, they gave up. Frustrated, unheard, and now one step further from the help they needed.

It’s not a rare story.

When digital government services don’t work for everyone—especially for people using assistive technology—the problem cuts deeper than bad UX. It means someone in your community got left out of a public service. Maybe they missed a deadline. Maybe they called your office, overwhelmed and confused. Or maybe they didn’t say a word, just silently lost faith that their government sees them.

ADA compliance isn’t a nice-to-have or a compliance checkbox. It’s how public agencies build trust, deliver on their mission, and make sure no one gets shut out. And while it can feel like one more thing on a very long list—it’s not out of reach. Even with tight budgets, limited time, and a small team, meaningful progress is possible.

Start at the Foundation: Build In, Don’t Bolt On

Your website is probably the front door to half your services. License renewals, benefit applications, emergency alerts—it all lives online now. So when that door doesn’t open for someone using a screen reader or navigating with a keyboard, the message is clear: this wasn’t built for you.

And that kind of message doesn’t just frustrate users—it breaks down trust. It also creates extra work for your staff, drives up support requests, and opens the door to compliance issues. It’s a lose-lose.

The good news? You don’t need a blank slate or a full redesign to make things better. Start where you are, work with what you’ve got, and shift the mindset from “we’ll fix it later” to “let’s make this part of how we work.”

What the Law Actually Says (And Why It’s Not Just About Lawsuits)

Let’s clear up the legal side. Yes, digital accessibility is required—and yes, those requirements have recently gotten more specific.

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act now includes digital services. As of April 2024, the DOJ’s final rule requires public sector websites and digital tools to follow WCAG 2.1, Level A and AA. That gives you a defined standard—and frankly, a clearer path forward.

Then there’s Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which applies to any public service receiving federal funds. If your agency touches education, healthcare, or housing, this rule probably applies to you too.

And don’t forget the state-level picture. States like California, Colorado, Minnesota, and Illinois have passed their own accessibility laws, some of which go further than federal standards.

Still, accessibility isn’t just about avoiding legal trouble. It’s about showing residents that your agency is committed to fair access—online, offline, everywhere. Compliance is important. But inclusion is what makes the effort worthwhile.

WCAG Sounds Complex—But It Boils Down to Four Core Ideas

You don’t have to memorize the entire Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to start improving accessibility. At its core, WCAG is built on four principles—think of them as your north star:
- Perceivable: Can people see or hear the content?
- Operable: Can they interact with it using a keyboard, screen reader, or voice commands?
- Understandable: Is the information clear, consistent, and logical?
- Robust: Does the site work across different browsers, assistive tech, and platforms?
When you keep these in mind while building or updating a digital tool, you’re already making smarter choices.

Okay, But How Do You Start with ADA Compliance?

Let’s say you don’t have a dedicated accessibility specialist. Maybe your web team is small. Maybe you wear six hats and accessibility feels like a seventh. Here’s how to make headway anyway:

Use tools that do the first pass for you.

Platforms like WAVE, axe, and Google Lighthouse can scan your site for issues like missing alt text, poor color contrast, and unlabeled form fields. These won’t catch everything, but they’ll give you a solid to-do list—especially for easy wins that make a big difference.

Triage by Traffic

Start with the digital spaces that matter most: your homepage, your most-used forms, and any system residents rely on during an emergency. These are the areas where accessibility problems cause the biggest real-world consequences—and where fixes bring the biggest impact.

Teach What Matters To The People Who Touch the Work.

ADA compliance isn’t just an IT concern. Content editors need to know how to structure text. Designers need to understand color contrast and readable fonts. Even procurement officers should be including accessibility language in contracts. A little role-specific training goes a long way.

Make It Routine, Not A One-time Fix

Build ADA compliance into your processes—not just your projects. Add it to your publishing checklist. Review older content during updates. Make it part of procurement, design reviews, and form testing. When it becomes second nature, you avoid the scramble later.

The Payoff Isn’t Just ADA Compliance—It’s Better Public Service

ADA compliance improves your service delivery across the board. It helps more people use your tools the way they were intended—without needing to call, email, or show up in person. It also reduces the burden on your staff and helps build public trust.

And yes, there are cost benefits. When you design with accessibility from the beginning, you avoid expensive rework and reduce your legal exposure. But even more than that, you create digital spaces that feel fair, usable, and modern—qualities your community notices.

You Don’t Have to Do It All Today—Just Take the First Step

If you’re still thinking, “We’re not ready,” that’s okay. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. ADA compliance is a journey—and the first steps are often the most impactful.

Start with what you can. Get curious about what’s working (and what’s not). Loop in the people who use your site. And if you need help? Ask for it.

At 216digital, we offer ADA briefings, a simple, no-pressure way to understand your obligations, identify risks, and plan your next steps.Because digital inclusion isn’t just a standard to meet—it’s a way to serve your community better.
Greg McNeil

July 10, 2025

Legal Compliance

Accessibility, ADA Compliance, ADA Title II, ADA Website Compliance, state accessibility laws, Title II, Website Accessibility
How State Accessibility Laws Are Changing the Web
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:
1. 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.
2. Follow Recognized Guidelines – Familiarize yourself with WCAG, which offers clear instructions on making digital content more inclusive.
3. Train Your Team – Developers, designers, and content creators should understand basic accessibility principles. Even small changes—like using descriptive link text—can improve usability.
4. 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.
5. 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.
Greg McNeil

March 6, 2025

Legal Compliance

Accessibility, accessibility laws, Legal compliance, state accessibility laws, web compliance, Website Accessibility

What States Have Their Own Accessibility Laws?

The Federal Foundation for Digital Accessibility

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

States with Their Own Accessibility Laws

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

Ohio

Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Texas

Utah

Virginia

Washington

Need Help Navigating Accessibility Laws?

ADA Compliance for State and Local Governments

Start at the Foundation: Build In, Don’t Bolt On

What the Law Actually Says (And Why It’s Not Just About Lawsuits)

WCAG Sounds Complex—But It Boils Down to Four Core Ideas

Okay, But How Do You Start with ADA Compliance?

Use tools that do the first pass for you.

Triage by Traffic

Teach What Matters To The People Who Touch the Work.

Make It Routine, Not A One-time Fix

The Payoff Isn’t Just ADA Compliance—It’s Better Public Service

You Don’t Have to Do It All Today—Just Take the First Step

How State Accessibility Laws Are Changing the Web

Why States Are Creating Their Own Accessibility Laws

How These Laws Set New Standards

Filling the Gaps in Federal Law

What Website Owners Need to Know

Getting Started with Web Accessibility

What’s Next for Web Accessibility?

Staying Ahead of State Accessibility Laws