DOJ Title II final rule on web accessibility
Very nice writeup and analysis of the key points on the just released (April 2024) rule on web accessibility. Here’s a summary of the key points:
- DOJ Title II Final Rule: The page discusses the Department of Justice’s final rule on web accessibility, which includes mobile apps.
- Definitions: It provides definitions for terms like “Mobile applications,” “Special district government,” and “Total population.”
- WCAG 2.1 Compliance: Public entities must ensure web content and mobile apps are accessible, complying with WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA criteria.
- Implementation Timeline: Entities with a population of 50,000 or more have two years, while those with less or special district governments have three years to comply.
This rule aims to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Notable Points and Questions for Us
- Another reason to never just put a website on a kiosk?
- Kiosks are closed systems so no application in general
- Some kiosks do interact with mobile apps so that is relevant
- How do I test my custom mobile app for accessibility? DHS has guidelines from 2019 and RNIB has guidebook below
- Goes into effect in 60 days though not published as of today
- Voluntary compliance hasn’t been up to the task.
- DOJ believes that WCAG 2.1 is the better benchmark than WCAG 2.2
- WCAG 2.1 level AA requires captions for live-audio content
- If Pres. Biden is reelected, look for very similar rules with respect to title III of the ADA
- It bears repeating that the ADA is a NONDELEGABLE duty!!!!!!!!!!
Read the full article — writeup and analysis of the key points
Recommended Related Resources from RNIB
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On our website we do have some information about the work that we do: Business professionals | RNIB | RNIB
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We carry out app assessments and have developed our own checklist based on WCAG that we use to carry out app assessments. Digital accessibility | RNIB | RNIB
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For customers we have a document with app guidelines that might be useful: App guidelines (rnib.org.uk)
From Justice Department April 25th
The Federal Register published the Department’s final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which applies to State and local governments, to improve web and mobile application (app) access for people with disabilities. The rule clarifies how State and local governments can meet their existing ADA obligations as many of their activities move to the digital space. This rule, signed by the Attorney General earlier this month, adopts a technical standard for web and mobile accessibility to ensure that people with disabilities can better access important public services like health care, voting, and education.
With today’s publication, the dates by which State and local governments have to comply with the rule’s requirements are now finalized. State and local governments with a population of 50,000 or more will have to be in compliance with the rule’s requirements beginning on April 24, 2026. State and local governments with a population of less than 50,000, as well as special district governments, will have to be in compliance beginning on April 26, 2027. This means that State and local governments’ web content and mobile apps will have to generally meet the technical standard in the rule by these dates and on an ongoing basis after these dates.
In the meantime, State and local governments still have existing Title II obligations. This means that even before the compliance dates, State and local governments must provide people with disabilities equal access to their services, programs, and activities offered via the web and mobile apps.
For a high-level summary of the final rule, read the fact sheet. Individuals can also find the official version of the full rule in the Federal Register. The Department also plans to issue a Small Entity Compliance Guide to assist small State and local governments in complying with the rule.
To find out more about the ADA, visit ada.gov or call the Justic