History

What’s ADA Compliance?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990, was a game-changer. Prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities across various areas of public life. While it did not directly mention websites, over time, courts have interpreted it to mean that digital spaces must be accessible to everyone.

A Quick Journey Through Time

• 1990: The ADA is enacted, setting the stage for future accessibility discussions.

• 1995: The first web accessibility guidelines are compiled, leading to the development of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

• 1999: WCAG 1.0 is published, laying down some essential principles for accessible web design.

• 2003: The DOJ guides state and local governments to make their websites accessible.

• 2008: WCAG 2.0 rolls out with updated guidelines organized under four key principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).

• 2010: The DOJ takes a significant step by proposing regulations that require accessibility for online services.

• 2012: Landmark cases, like National Association of the Deaf v. Netflix, set important precedents for how we think about online accessibility.

• 2018: The first trial over website accessibility occurs (Gil v. Winn-Dixie), confirming that the ADA applies to digital services.

• 2020-2023: We’ve seen a huge spike in ADA lawsuits, showing just how important digital accessibility has become. Cases like Robles v. Domino’s Pizza highlight the need for compliance.

So, What’s Next?

Fast forward to 2023, and it’s clear that ADA compliance is not just a trend—it’s a vital expectation for businesses. With legal repercussions and a societal push for inclusivity, making your website accessible is more important than ever.

Let's keep pushing for a more inclusive online world together! Stay tuned for updates on ADA compliance and how we can all do our part.

References: Making the Internet Accessible – The History of Website ADA Compliance

Author: Ian Schneider