February 21, 2025
Table of Contents When it comes to local search engine optimization, there's a hot debate: Is SEO worth it for local, service-based businesses? I...
April 21, 2026
If you run a government website or work with one, you probably already know that the U.S. Department of Justice finalized rules in 2024 requiring state and local government sites to meet ADA web accessibility standards. What you might not know yet is that those deadlines just got pushed back by a full year.
I wanted to share this as soon as I saw it, because this affects a lot of the organizations we work with here in Cape Girardeau and across Southeast Missouri.
Here are the new deadlines:
Counties and government entities serving populations of 50,000 or more now have until April 24, 2027. Those serving populations under 50,000 have until April 26, 2028.
The rule went into effect April 20th, and you can read the full Interim Final Rule here.
More Time Doesn't Mean Less Work
An extension is great news, but it doesn't change what's actually required. The WCAG 2.1 Level AA standard is still the target, and the list of things that means for your website, alt text, color contrast, keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, properly labeled forms, the works, that list hasn't changed.
What the extension really does is give you breathing room to do this properly, and that's genuinely good news. Rushed accessibility fixes are stressful, expensive, and usually incomplete. A little extra time goes a long way.
This Isn't Just a Government Problem
If you're a private business owner reading this, don't tune out yet. Title III of the ADA has been applied to private business websites by courts across the country, and demand letters targeting small businesses are more common than most people realize. Proactive compliance is almost always less painful than reactive damage control.
How We Can Help
Accessibility compliance is something we do every day at B&B Media. We've worked with local governments, medical practices, nonprofits, and small businesses right here in the Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area to bring their sites into alignment with WCAG and ADA standards. We handle the technical side, the auditing, the remediation, the testing, and we communicate everything in plain language.
If you're not sure where your site stands, don't fret. Nearly 95% of websites have detectable accessibility failures, so the odds are you're not alone in this. The difference is, now you know about it and have time to do something. Reach out and let's talk. No pressure, no jargon, just a straightforward look at where you are and what it would take to get where you need to be.
Want to Learn More about ADA Compliance?
Want to make sure your website is accessible to everyone and protected from ADA liability? We break down everything local businesses and government organizations need to know about ADA web accessibility compliance, WCAG standards, and what it all means for your website. Whether you're starting from scratch or just trying to understand where you stand, we've got you covered. Learn more about ADA Compliant Websites here.
Website ADA Compliance FAQs
What is ADA web accessibility compliance?
ADA web accessibility compliance means your website can be used by people with disabilities. This includes people who are blind or have low vision, those with hearing loss, people with motor impairments who can't use a mouse, and those with cognitive or neurological conditions. The technical standard most commonly applied is WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which outlines specific requirements for how content should be structured, displayed, and navigated.
What types of organizations are required to comply?
The 2024 DOJ Final Rule specifically covers state and local government entities, including counties, municipalities, school districts, courts, libraries, and other public agencies. However, businesses covered under Title III of the ADA, such as retail stores, restaurants, hotels, banks, and healthcare providers, have also faced legal action over inaccessible websites. Any organization that serves the public should treat web accessibility as a real legal and ethical obligation.
What does WCAG 2.1 Level AA actually require?
At a practical level, WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance means your website needs to meet a range of technical criteria. Common requirements include providing text alternatives for images, ensuring sufficient color contrast between text and backgrounds, making all functionality available via keyboard, providing captions for video content, avoiding content that flashes or seizure-inducing patterns, labeling all form fields properly, and ensuring assistive technologies like screen readers can interpret your page structure correctly.
What happens if a government website isn't compliant by the deadline?
Noncompliant government entities can face DOJ investigations, formal complaints from users, and court-ordered remediation. Beyond legal exposure, inaccessible websites create real barriers for residents trying to access public services, pay taxes, apply for permits, or find critical information. The reputational and practical costs are meaningful.
Does this rule apply to private businesses?
The current DOJ Final Rule specifically targets state and local government, but private businesses are not off the hook. Title III of the ADA has been interpreted by courts to include websites, and demand letters and lawsuits targeting private business websites are common. Small businesses in Cape Girardeau and throughout Missouri are not immune. Proactive compliance is far less expensive than reactive litigation.
How do I know if my website is accessible?
There are automated scanning tools that can catch a portion of WCAG issues, but automated tools alone typically identify only 30 to 40 percent of problems. A full accessibility audit requires a combination of automated scanning, manual testing, and review with actual assistive technologies. That's the kind of thorough assessment B&B Media provides for our clients.
How long does it take to make a website accessible?
It depends on the size and complexity of your site and how many existing issues need to be addressed. A smaller site with a clean, well-structured codebase might be brought into compliance in a few weeks. Larger sites with years of accumulated content and custom functionality can take several months. Starting sooner gives you time to do it properly rather than rushing at the deadline.
Can B&B Media help with accessibility compliance?
Yes. We provide accessibility audits, remediation work, and ongoing monitoring for clients across Southeast Missouri, including local government entities, medical practices, nonprofits, and small businesses. If you're not sure where your site stands, that's exactly where we start. Contact us today to learn more.
Related Posts
