The clock is ticking for public agencies to meet new accessibility standards. With ADA Title II deadlines approaching April 24, 2026 for large public entities and April 24, 2027 for small public entities—local governments must act now to ensure their websites, mobile apps, and digital services are accessible to all residents, including people with disabilities.
Under the United States Department of Justice final rule, public entities must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. To stay ahead of future changes, many experts recommend aiming for WCAG 2.2 AA compliance where possible.
Even with clear requirements, many public entities still encounter the same costly and time-consuming pitfalls. Below are 10 common ADA Title II website compliance mistakes—and practical steps to avoid them. Partnering with professional Accessibility Testing Services can help agencies identify and fix these issues efficiently before deadlines arrive.
1. Waiting Too Long to Start ADA Title II Remediation
Many agencies plan to “start next year,” but large accessibility remediation projects can take 12–18 months, especially when dealing with legacy content, vendor integrations, or thousands of web pages.
Avoid the pitfall:
- Begin an early WCAG 2.1 AA audit of high-risk, high-traffic content.
- Build a phased remediation roadmap focusing on critical services first (e.g., permits, tax payments, emergency alerts).
- Secure budget and staffing early demand for accessibility experts will surge as deadlines near.
- Use a two-stage rollout to fix automated issues quickly, followed by human-identified barriers.
2. Relying on Widgets Instead of Full WCAG Conformance
Accessibility overlays and widgets are often marketed as “quick fixes.” But Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) Title II compliance requires addressing the underlying code not just adding a tool on top.
Avoid the pitfall:
- Use widgets only as supplements, not solutions.
- Pair automated scanning with manual testing through Accessibility Testing Services.
- Ensure widgets don’t conflict with assistive technologies like screen readers or keyboard navigation.
3. Treating the Accessibility Audit as the Finish Line
An audit alone doesn’t make a website compliant. Many agencies delay remediation after the audit, losing precious months.
Avoid the pitfall:
- Start remediation immediately after receiving audit results.
- Assign clear ownership for fixes.
- Work with vendors who provide actionable post-audit roadmaps and timelines.
4. Overlooking Mobile Accessibility Requirements
ADA Title II applies not just to websites but also mobile apps. WCAG 2.1 includes mobile-specific standards like touch target sizing and orientation support.
Avoid the pitfall:
- Include mobile app testing in accessibility audits.
- Test on real devices with assistive technology.
- Ensure responsive designs maintain accessibility on all screen sizes.
5. Ignoring Accessibility in Digital Documents
PDFs, forms, and downloadable reports are often inaccessible—even though they’re required to be compliant under ADA Title II.
Avoid the pitfall:
- Audit all digital documents, starting with forms, meeting agendas, and reports.
- Train staff to create accessible PDFs or convert legacy documents to accessible HTML.
- Integrate Accessibility Testing Services to verify document tagging, reading order, and screen reader compatibility.
6. Not Holding Vendors Accountable for Accessibility
Even when vendors build or host digital services, the responsibility for compliance remains with the public entity. Without accessibility requirements in contracts, accessibility issues often reappear after updates.
Avoid the pitfall:
- Include WCAG 2.1 AA conformance clauses in all vendor contracts.
- Require accessibility testing and documentation before accepting deliverables.
- Add maintenance provisions to ensure ongoing compliance, not just launch-day checks.
7. Skipping Assistive Technology and Manual Accessibility Testing
Automated tools only catch part of the problem. Manual testing with assistive technologies (screen readers, magnifiers, voice control) identifies issues automation can’t.
Avoid the pitfall:
- Include manual and assistive tech testing in every audit.
- Involve users with disabilities to get authentic feedback.
- Document test results to demonstrate due diligence.
Tip: Experienced Accessibility Testing Services can combine automation, manual checks, and assistive technology testing for comprehensive coverage.
8. Neglecting Continuous Accessibility Compliance Monitoring
Accessibility isn’t a one-time project. New content, CMS updates, or vendor changes can introduce new barriers almost immediately.
Avoid the pitfall:
- Schedule monthly automated scans and quarterly manual audits.
- Include accessibility checks in content publishing workflows.
- Set up a public feedback mechanism in your accessibility statement.
9. Underestimating Accessibility Training for Staff
Without proper training, staff may unintentionally undo months of remediation—such as uploading inaccessible PDFs or forgetting alt text.
Avoid the pitfall:
- Offer annual accessibility training for all content creators, developers, and procurement officers.
- Provide short, role-specific modules and quick reference guides.
- Embed accessibility requirements into onboarding and publishing workflows.
10. Not Publishing a Public Accessibility Statement
An accessibility statement communicates your agency’s commitment to inclusion and provides a clear channel for feedback.
Avoid the pitfall:
- Publish an accessibility statement referencing WCAG standards.
- Include contact details for accessibility support.
- Update the statement annually to reflect progress and improvements.
Final Thoughts: Make Accessibility a Continuous Practice
Meeting ADA Title II deadlines isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It’s about ensuring every member of your community can access essential digital services—whether they’re paying taxes, applying for permits, or accessing emergency alerts.
By integrating Accessibility Testing Services into your digital strategy, you can identify issues early, fix them efficiently, and maintain compliance over time.
With less than two years for large entities and three for smaller ones, the time to act is now. Don’t wait until 2026 or 2027 build accessibility into your operations today.
Accessibility isn’t a project. It’s a commitment to equitable access for all.