If digital accessibility hasn’t been at the top of your to-do list lately, here’s your nudge.

The US Department of Justice’s updated ADA Title II rule sets clear deadlines for when state and local government digital content must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA Standards – and PIOs are right at the center of this work.

For context, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that requires government programs, services, and communications to be accessible to people with disabilities.

Here’s the timeline to know for updating your content standards:

• April 24, 2026 – Agencies serving 50,000+ residents
• April 26, 2027 – Agencies serving under 50,000 residents and special districts

This applies to websites, social media, PDFs, videos, alerts, and public-facing digital content – not just your homepage.

Here are some best practices you can start using now:

• Add alt text to images (especially with graphics with text or data);
• Use captions and transcripts for videos;
• Avoid posting inaccessible PDFs when a webpage will do;
• Check color contrast and avoid text baked into images;
• Use clear headings and plain language; and
• Build accessibility into your workflow – not as a last-minute fix.

The goal isn’t just compliance. It’s making sure everyone in our communities can access critical information, especially during emergencies, elections, and public health events.

Learn more:

From the experts, who created WCAG standards: W3Cx: Introduction to Web Accessibility | edX

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