A Practical Guide to New Digital Accessibility Requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act

Revised Americans with Disabilities Act rules published in April 2024 stipulate that all local and state governmental entities — which includes 85% of all libraries nationwide — must make their websites, mobile apps, and online documents accessible by spring 2026/27. These new federal rules will impact the totality of libraries’ online services — we will need to ensure everything from our websites and databases to online instructional materials and discovery services become accessible.

In this session we will give an overview of what libraries need to know about the rule; discuss strategies for prioritizing accessibility in your library in line with the updated regulations; and share resources to support libraries in staying focused on the common goal of providing access to information, rather than getting bogged down by concerns about compliance. ALA’s forthcoming Accessibility website will be a hub for these and other resources.

Attendees are encouraged to read the “Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments” and “Guidance on Web Accessibility”, both published by the US Department of Justice, prior to attending the session as we will jump into discussing strategies and resources. Areas of focus will include copyright, vendor contracts, and digital accessibility auditing plus remediation tools.