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ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act: Digital Accessibility for the US Market

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights law in the United States, enacted in 1990. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life. While originally designed for physical spaces, US courts and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have long extended the scope of the ADA to the digital realm. For companies operating in the US market, an accessible website is now a legal necessity.

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?

A civil rights law with global impact

The ADA guarantees people with disabilities the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. It is divided into different sections, or “Titles.” For website owners, Title III is most relevant. It states that private organizations considered “Places of Public Accommodation” must not have barriers for people with disabilities. In current 2026 case law, virtually all commercial websites fall under this definition.

The role of Title III for websites

Websites today are the primary space for commerce, information, and services. US courts treat an inaccessible website as discriminatory. This applies regardless of whether a business has a physical location in the US or operates entirely online. Businesses active in the US must ensure their web presence is fully accessible.

Why ADA compliance is essential for your business

Protection against “drive-by” lawsuits and legal claims

The US has a high number of digital accessibility lawsuits. So-called “drive-by” lawsuits often target websites that lack basic accessibility standards. These legal disputes can be costly and significantly damage a company’s reputation. An ADA-compliant website is the best protection against such risks.

The gold standard: WCAG 2.1 AA

Although the ADA itself does not specify technical requirements for websites, courts and authorities rely almost exclusively on the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA is considered the safest way to meet ADA Title III requirements and demonstrate legal compliance in the US.

Technical requirements and implementation

Accessible navigation and interaction

A key requirement for ADA compliance is full keyboard accessibility. Users who cannot use a mouse must be able to operate all website functions — from menus to checkout — seamlessly. Visual elements must also be accessible via screen readers through accurate alt text and clean code structure.

Visual clarity and cognitive accessibility

Beyond technical aspects, perceptibility is critical. Adequate contrast, adjustable text sizes, and avoidance of flashing content are essential. Supporting neurodiverse users (e.g., people with ADHD or dyslexia) is also increasingly important as part of a modern inclusion strategy.

MH-Accessibility Pro: Your solution for international compliance

If you operate or plan to enter the US market, MH-Accessibility Pro helps you efficiently meet ADA requirements:

  • WCAG-based optimization: Our plugin builds directly on WCAG success criteria, supporting ADA compliance for your WordPress site at a technical level.
  • User-specific tools: Features such as contrast control, Dyslexia Mode, and the Reading Mask give US users the tools they need for barrier-free access.
  • Documented accessibility: Use our Statement Generator to create a professional accessibility statement — a key signal of transparency and legal compliance for US authorities and customers.

Conclusion: Legal security for your global presence

The Americans with Disabilities Act is a powerful tool for enforcing digital equity. For US-related businesses, accessibility in 2026 is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a business-critical requirement. With MH-Accessibility Pro, you prepare your website for the US market and demonstrate a global commitment to inclusion.

Planning to succeed in the US market? Legally protect your website and implement barrier-free standards inspired by the ADA. View Pricing