Digital Accessibility Act: Mandatory Standards for Websites and Applications
This Act establishes uniform, mandatory accessibility standards for websites and applications used by employers, public entities, and commercial providers, ensuring individuals with disabilities have equal access to employment, services, and information. This means all key digital interactions—from job applications to public services—must be fully usable, for example, by screen readers. The law grants individuals the right to sue non-compliant entities and establishes financial assistance programs for small businesses to help them adapt their technology.
Key points
Equal Digital Access: Employers, public entities, and businesses must ensure their websites and applications are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities (e.g., blind, deaf, or those with limited dexterity).
New Obligations for Commercial Providers: Commercial providers who design or develop websites/applications for covered entities are also responsible for ensuring accessibility.
Support for Small Businesses: Small entities can apply for grants (up to $10,000) to audit, test, and remediate or replace inaccessible websites and applications.
Enforcement and Rights: Individuals with disabilities can bring civil actions against non-compliant entities, seeking injunctive relief and damages, without first exhausting administrative remedies.
Rulemaking and Deadlines: The Department of Justice and the EEOC must issue final accessibility rules within 24 months. Small entities will have 2 years to comply after the final rule is issued, while larger entities will have 30 days.
Expired
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