Web and App Accessibility Proposed Rulemaking Overview

This whitepaper presents the U.S. Justice Department's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding web and app accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It outlines the shift in focus from physical accommodations to digital accessibility, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access essential services provided by state and local governments through digital platforms. The proposed rule introduces technical standards, specifically the adoption of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, to enhance accessibility. It details staggered compliance dates based on the size of public entities and proposes several exemptions to prioritize accessibility issues. The document also evaluates the expected financial benefits of increased accessibility, estimating annual savings and improved educational outcomes. Additionally, it highlights unquantified benefits, such as increased independence and civic engagement for individuals with disabilities. The whitepaper concludes with next steps in the rulemaking process, including public comment periods and the timeline for a final rule.