Updated Web Accessibility Rules: A Guide for Government Agencies

WCAG 2.1 Compliance Deadline Set for April 2026

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 are set to become mandatory for all state and local government websites and third-party services by April 2026. This significant update aims to ensure that web content is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. As this deadline approaches, it’s crucial for governments to understand the implications and start preparing for compliance. In this post, we’ll explain what has reportedly happened, how it may affect your municipality, and provide four tips for what to do next.

Breaking Down the Changes

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) developed the WCAG 2.1 guidelines to enhance web accessibility for individuals with cognitive and learning disabilities, low vision, and those using mobile devices. Building on WCAG 2.0, WCAG 2.1 introduces new success criteria, ensuring that web content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (often abbreviated as POUR).

Perceivable 

Information and interface elements should be presented in ways that everyone can perceive, like:   

• • • • Providing text alternatives for images and other non-text content.
      • Creating content that can be displayed in different ways without losing information, like using a simpler layout.
      • Making it easier for users to see and hear content, such as clearly separating text from background.

Operable 

All interface elements and navigation must be easy to use. This means:

• • • • Making sure everything can be used with a keyboard.
      • Giving users enough time to read and interact with content.
      • Avoiding designs that are known to cause seizures.
      • Helping users navigate, find content, and know where they are on the website.
      • Ensuring compatibility with screen readers by using proper semantic HTML and ARIA landmarks.

Understandable

Information and how the interface works should be easy to understand. This includes:

• • • • Making text clear and easy to read, aiming for a grade level appropriate for your audience (typically 8th-grade level or lower for general audiences)
      • Ensuring web pages work in predictable ways.
      • Helping users avoid mistakes and providing ways to correct them.
      • Minimizing the number of clicks needed to reach important content or complete a task.

Robust

Content should work well with various technologies, including assistive devices. This involves:

• • • • Ensuring compatibility with current and future technologies.
      • Making sure content can be reliably interpreted by different devices and software, including those used by people with disabilities.

Adhering to these principles guarantees that web content is accessible and usable by everyone.

Government websites and third-party services must comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards by April 2026. This includes making text readable and understandable, providing alternatives for non-text content, and ensuring all functionalities are accessible via keyboard. Additionally, all third-party services and applications used by governments, such as online forms and payment gateways, must meet these standards.

What’s Happening Now/Next

As the compliance deadline approaches, governments should begin reviewing their web content and services to identify areas needing improvement. Regular audits and assessments are essential to ensure compliance. Training staff and vendors on WCAG 2.1 guidelines and best practices is also crucial for seamless implementation.

What This Means for You

For governments, these new regulations mean a comprehensive review and update of all digital content and services. Non-compliance can result in penalties and a negative public perception, while adherence demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and equal access to services. Improved accessibility not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also enhances the user experience for all residents, including those using mobile devices.

What You Can/Could/Should Do Now

• • Conduct Accessibility Audits: Start with a thorough review of your current web content and third-party services to identify areas that do not meet WCAG 2.1 standards.
  • Develop a Compliance Plan: Create a detailed plan outlining the steps needed to achieve compliance, including timelines and responsible parties.
  • Train Your Team: Ensure that all staff and vendors are trained on WCAG 2.1 guidelines and the importance of web accessibility.
    • W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI): extensive resources and training materials
    • International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP): webinars and certifications
    • WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind): articles, resources, and training
    • LinkedIn Learning: online WCAG courses
  • Leverage PublicInput: PublicInput’s system architecture and APIs, hosted within Microsoft’s Azure environment, offer a robust solution for governments striving for compliance. Our platform supports open-source technologies, ensuring your data is secure and compliant with industry standards. With a RESTful API for seamless data exchange and strong encryption protocols, PublicInput is designed to support your accessibility efforts effectively.

Ensure Accessibility for All: Start Preparing Today

As April 2026 approaches, governments must prioritize compliance with WCAG 2.1 to ensure accessible web content for all residents. Start your preparations now by conducting audits, developing a compliance plan, and training your team. Leveraging platforms like PublicInput can provide the necessary tools and support to achieve and maintain compliance. 

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