ADA Title II: What Public Entity Websites Are Required to Provide

Public entity websites are a primary access point for government programs and services. Under ADA Title II, these digital services must be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

This page provides a plain-language overview of how Title II applies to public entity websites.

What Is ADA Title II?

ADA Title II prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by state and local governments. This includes digital content such as:

  • Websites

  • Online forms

  • PDFs and documents

  • Virtual services and portals

Accessibility obligations apply regardless of website age or platform.

What “Accessible” Means in Practice

While ADA Title II does not list technical requirements, accessibility is commonly evaluated against WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 AA standards.

In practical terms, this means websites should:

  • Support keyboard navigation

  • Work with screen readers

  • Use clear structure and headings

  • Provide text alternatives for images

  • Ensure sufficient color contrast

Common Risk Areas

Public entity websites often encounter accessibility barriers related to:

  • Legacy CMS platforms

  • Uploaded PDFs and scanned documents

  • Vendor-provided tools

  • Third-party forms and widgets

  • Inconsistent content updates

Responsibility Still Applies

Using third-party vendors or accessibility tools does not transfer responsibility. Public entities remain accountable for ensuring equal access.

Planning for Compliance

A practical approach includes:

  1. Understanding current accessibility gaps

  2. Prioritizing high-impact services

  3. Addressing document accessibility

  4. Establishing ongoing governance

Request a Title II Readiness Snapshot