Digital accessibility is no longer a future-facing goal – it’s a legal requirement. With the U.S. Department of Justice’s 2024 ADA rule now in place, local governments must ensure that websites, digital documents, mobile apps, and digital services meet the standards outlined in WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
But compliance doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a thoughtful, proactive approach that balances technical implementation, internal workflows, and user experience. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate ADA compliance checklist specifically for local governments to help you assess where you stand, reduce risk, and build inclusive digital services for your entire community.
Whether you’re part of a city IT department, a county communications team, or overseeing compliance at a regional agency, this checklist will guide your efforts.
1. Know What the DOJ’s 2024 Rule Requires
Before you take action, make sure you understand what’s required under the updated rule:
- Websites, PDFs, forms, videos, and apps must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
- Larger public entities (population over 50,000) must comply by April 24, 2026.
- Smaller entities (under 50,000) have until April 26, 2027.
- Applies to all digital content made available to the public, including legacy files still hosted on your site, unless they are no longer in use and clearly archived.
Action step: Assign someone to stay informed about federal accessibility timelines and requirements. Bookmark the DOJ’s rule and monitor for updates.
2. Appoint an Accessibility Lead
ADA compliance is a team effort, but someone needs to own it. Designate a point person or team who will:
- Track compliance milestones
- Coordinate across departments
- Document policies and progress
This person doesn’t need to do all the work themselves, but they need to make sure it gets done.
Action step: Make accessibility a line item in someone’s job description, not just an extra.
3. Audit Your Website and Documents
You can’t fix what you can’t see. Start with a comprehensive accessibility audit of your public-facing website, forms, PDFs, and mobile apps. Look for:
- Missing alt text
- Poor color contrast
- Inaccessible menus or buttons
- PDF documents without tags
- Forms that can’t be used by screen readers
Use automated tools like the Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE) or SiteImprove as a starting point, but supplement with manual testing, especially for critical tasks.
Action step: Create an inventory of your digital content, starting with the most visited pages and most essential documents.
4. Address the Most Critical Barriers First
It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially if your audit reveals hundreds (or thousands) of issues. Don’t panic. Start by fixing:
- Anything related to core services (e.g., applying for permits, paying taxes, accessing emergency info)
- Issues that block screen reader users or keyboard navigation
- High-traffic or high-risk pages and documents
Action step: Prioritize accessibility work just like you’d prioritize infrastructure repairs – fix what impacts the most people first.
5. Establish an Accessibility Policy
You need a written accessibility policy that clearly states your commitment to compliance and inclusion. This should:
- Reference WCAG 2.1 Level AA as your standard
- Define roles and responsibilities
- Set expectations for procurement and vendor compliance
- Be posted publicly on your website
Action step: Draft your accessibility policy and publish it in an easy-to-find spot on your site.
6. Provide an Accessibility Statement and Contact Method
Your website should have a clear, accessible Accessibility Statement that explains:
- Your commitment to accessibility
- The standard you’re working toward (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA)
- How users can report issues or request accommodations
- What your response process looks like
Action step: Make sure this statement is linked in your footer and is itself fully accessible.
7. Train Staff and Vendors
Accessibility can’t be handled by IT alone. Content creators, communications staff, and third-party vendors must all understand the basics of accessibility.
Offer training on:
- Writing accessible content
- Formatting accessible documents
- Testing websites and apps
- Reviewing vendor deliverables for compliance
Action step: Make accessibility training part of your onboarding and procurement processes.
8. Build Accessibility Into Procurement
Every time you hire a vendor for web design, app development, video production, or document creation, accessibility should be part of the contract.
Ask vendors to provide:
- Sample VPATs (Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates)
- Documentation of WCAG 2.1 AA compliance
- Accessibility testing results
Action step: Update your RFP and contract templates to include accessibility language.
9. Make Accessibility Part of Ongoing Maintenance
Compliance isn’t a one-time project- it’s a continuous process. Every time you update your website, add a new form, or launch a new tool, accessibility needs to be part of the workflow.
Build accessibility checks into:
- Content updates
- Website redesigns
- New application rollouts
- Seasonal campaigns
Action step: Add accessibility checkpoints to your digital content calendar.
10. Engage the Community
The best way to know if your digital services are accessible is to ask the people who use them. Invite feedback from users with disabilities and advocacy groups. Offer multiple ways for people to get in touch if something isn’t working.
Action step: Consider forming a digital accessibility advisory group or holding an annual listening session.
Final Word
ADA compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require structure, clarity, and follow-through. With this checklist in hand, your local government can build more inclusive, accessible digital services, and do it in a way that’s sustainable for your team.
Need support with audits, training, or document remediation? I help local governments get compliant without chaos. Book a free 30-minute consultation to get started.
