Who Needs to Comply with Website Accessibility Laws?
In the United States, various laws require certain organizations to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities. Here’s a breakdown of who must comply:
1. Businesses that serve the Public
Under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), private businesses considered “places of public accommodation” must provide equal access to their goods and services — including on their websites. This applies to:
1. Retail & Consumer Services
Clothing stores (online and brick-and-mortar)
Grocery stores (including ethnic and specialty food shops)
Bookstores (independent and chain)
Electronics stores
Shopping malls and centers
Pharmacies (retail and compounding)
Auto dealerships (new and used)
Furniture stores
Convenience stores
Department stores
Home improvement and hardware stores
Pet supply stores
Toy and hobby shops
Jewelry stores
Beauty supply stores
Thrift and consignment stores
2. Food & Beverage Establishments
Restaurants (all types and sizes)
Cafés and coffee shops
Fast food chains
Bars and lounges
Bakeries and dessert shops
Food trucks and mobile food vendors
Catering services
Breweries and taprooms
Wineries and tasting rooms
Delis and sandwich shops
Juice bars and smoothie shops
3. Lodging & Hospitality
Hotels and hotel chains
Motels
Inns
Bed and breakfasts
Resorts
Hostels
Vacation rentals (e.g., those listed on platforms like Airbnb)
Campgrounds and RV parks
4. Healthcare Providers
Hospitals
Medical clinics (general and specialist)
Dental offices
Vision centers and optometrists
Mental health providers (therapists, psychologists, counselors)
Urgent care centers
Chiropractors
Physical therapy clinics
Speech therapy centers
Occupational therapists
Home healthcare agencies
Hearing aid centers
Fertility clinics
5. Financial Institutions
Banks (national, regional, local)
Credit unions
Investment and wealth management firms
Loan companies
Mortgage brokers
Tax preparation services
Financial advisors and planners
Insurance companies and brokers
6. Entertainment & Leisure Venues
Movie theaters (including independent cinemas)
Live performance theaters
Concert halls and music venues
Sports arenas and stadiums
Museums and galleries
Amusement parks
Zoos and aquariums
Bowling alleys
Escape rooms
Arcades and gaming centers
Mini-golf courses
Theme parks and waterparks
7. Education & Childcare
Private and public schools
Colleges and universities
Online education platforms
Tutoring centers
Daycare and preschool facilities
Trade and vocational schools
Learning centers (e.g., for special needs)
Music schools
Art and design schools
Driving schools
8. Recreational Facilities
Gyms and fitness centers
Dance studios
Martial arts schools
Yoga and Pilates studios
Swimming pools (public and private)
Rock climbing gyms
Sports clubs and leagues
Community recreation centers
Skating rinks
Golf courses and driving ranges
9. Transportation Services
Private bus and coach lines
Taxi and limo companies
Rideshare platforms (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
Airport shuttle services
Car rental companies
Parking services and garages
Public transit agencies (with their online services)
Freight and logistics providers
10. Professional Services
Law offices and legal clinics
Accounting firms and CPAs
Real estate agencies and brokers
Insurance agencies
Consulting firms
Architecture and design firms
Engineering firms
Marketing and advertising agencies
IT and software development firms
HR and staffing agencies
Notary services
11. Government & Civic Services
City and county websites
DMV and motor vehicle departments
Public libraries
Police and fire department portals
Courts and legal aid sites
Voting and election info sites
Public service utilities (electric, water, gas)
Parks and recreation departments
12. Nonprofits & Religious Organizations
Charities and foundations
Religious institutions (churches, synagogues, mosques, temples)
Community service organizations
Animal shelters and rescues
Environmental organizations
Support groups and helplines
13. Media & Publishing
Newspapers and magazines
Blogs and independent publishers
Podcast networks
Radio stations
TV channels and networks
Note: This list is not exhaustive. If your business offers goods or services to the public, it may fall under ADA Title III requirements. Even if you’re not legally required to comply, ensuring website accessibility helps you reach a wider audience and demonstrates a commitment to inclusion.
Courts increasingly interpret the ADA to apply to websites, especially for businesses that also have a physical location.
2. Government Agencies
Federal, state, and local government websites are legally required to meet accessibility standards under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. This ensures that digital content and services are accessible to people with disabilities.
3. Educational Institutions
Schools, colleges, and universities — especially those receiving federal funding — are required to ensure their digital content is accessible, under both the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
4. Organizations That Receive Federal Funding
Nonprofits, hospitals, and other organizations that receive federal financial assistance must comply with accessibility regulations as a condition of funding.
5. Companies Working with the Government
Vendors and contractors providing services or products to government agencies must ensure that their digital offerings meet Section 508 standards.
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