DOJ Final Rule on Digital Accessibility

The Federal Register published the Department’s final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which applies to State and local governments, to improve web and mobile application (app) access for people with disabilities. The rule clarifies how State and local governments can meet their existing ADA obligations as many of their activities move to the digital space. This rule, signed by the Attorney General earlier this month, adopts a technical standard for web and mobile accessibility to ensure that people with disabilities can better access important public services like health care, voting, and education.

With today’s publication, the dates by which State and local governments have to comply with the rule’s requirements are now finalized. State and local governments with a population of 50,000 or more will have to be in compliance with the rule’s requirements beginning on April 24, 2026. State and local governments with a population of less than 50,000, as well as special district governments, will have to be in compliance beginning on April 26, 2027. This means that State and local governments’ web content and mobile apps will have to generally meet the technical standard in the rule by these dates and on an ongoing basis after these dates.

In the meantime, State and local governments still have existing Title II obligations. This means that even before the compliance dates, State and local governments must provide people with disabilities equal access to their services, programs, and activities offered via the web and mobile apps.

For a high-level summary of the final rule, read the fact sheet. Individuals can also find the official version of the full rule in the Federal Register. The Department also plans to issue a Small Entity Compliance Guide to assist small State and local governments in complying with the rule.

To find out more about the ADA, visit ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 1-800-514-0301 (voice) or 1-833-610-1264 (TTY).