What Laws or Standards Cover Website Accessibility?

 When you think about making your website accessible, you might picture larger text, captions for videos, or easy-to-use navigation. But there’s another side to accessibility that’s just as important: the laws and standards that guide and require it.

Across the world, different countries and organizations have set out rules, regulations, and best practices to make sure the internet works for everyone — including people with disabilities. These laws aren’t just red tape; they’re built on the principle that everyone deserves equal access to information, services, and opportunities online.

In this article, we’ll explore the most important accessibility laws and standards you need to know:

1. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) — The global gold standard.

2. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) — U.S. law covering accessibility.

3. Section 508 — U.S. government and contractor requirements.

4. Equality Act 2010 — The U.K.’s main disability rights law.

5. EN 301 549 — The EU’s ICT accessibility standard.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what each means, who it applies to, and why following them isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

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1. WCAG — Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

If website accessibility had a “rulebook” that most of the world refers to, it would be WCAG.

WCAG is developed by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium), the international community that sets standards for the web. WCAG isn’t a law in itself, but many laws and regulations refer to it or require compliance with it.

Purpose

The goal of WCAG is simple: make web content more accessible to people with disabilities, including visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive impairments.

Versions and Levels

• WCAG 2.0 — Published 2008.

• WCAG 2.1 — Published 2018, added guidelines for mobile and low vision users.

• WCAG 2.2 — Published 2023, further expands inclusivity.

• WCAG 3.0 — In development; will take a broader, more flexible approach.

Each version has three conformance levels:

• A — The minimum level (basic accessibility).

• AA — The recommended level (covers most needs).

• AAA — The highest level (maximum accessibility, but harder to achieve).

Structure: The Four Principles (POUR)

WCAG guidelines are built on four core principles:

1. Perceivable — Information must be presented in ways users can perceive (e.g., alt text for images).

2. Operable — Users must be able to navigate and interact (e.g., keyboard accessibility).

3. Understandable — Information and UI must be clear and predictable.

4. Robust — Content must work across different devices, browsers, and assistive technologies.

Why WCAG Matters

Because WCAG is so widely recognized, many national laws — including the ADA, Equality Act, and EU directives — point to WCAG as the technical standard to follow.

If you meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards, you’ll be compliant with most legal requirements worldwide.

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2. ADA — Americans with Disabilities Act (USA)

The ADA is one of the most important civil rights laws in the United States. Passed in 1990, it prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life — including jobs, transportation, and public accommodations.

While the original text didn’t mention websites (since the internet was barely starting in 1990), U.S. courts have increasingly ruled that websites are covered, especially for businesses open to the public.

How the ADA Applies to Websites

• Title III of the ADA applies to “places of public accommodation.” This has been interpreted to include websites for businesses like shops, restaurants, banks, and entertainment venues.

• Lawsuits have argued that if a website isn’t accessible, it’s the same as putting stairs at the entrance without a ramp.

Real-World Examples

• Domino’s Pizza case (2019) — A blind customer sued because he couldn’t order pizza online using his screen reader. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Domino’s appeal, letting the ruling stand that websites must be accessible under the ADA.

• Winn-Dixie supermarket case (2017) — Another major case where a court found that an inaccessible website violated the ADA.

ADA Compliance Standard

Although the ADA itself doesn’t specify technical details, the Department of Justice and many courts reference WCAG 2.0 or 2.1 AA as the standard for compliance.

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3. Section 508 — U.S. Government & Contractors

Section 508 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (updated in 1998). It specifically applies to:

• Federal government agencies in the U.S.

• Any organization doing business with or receiving contracts from the federal government.

What It Requires

Section 508 mandates that all electronic and information technology (EIT) — including websites, software, and digital documents — must be accessible to people with disabilities.

This covers:

• Federal websites

• Public-facing applications

• Internal systems used by government employees

The WCAG Link

In 2017, Section 508 was updated to require compliance with WCAG 2.0 AA as the baseline. This means if you meet WCAG 2.0 AA, you meet Section 508.

Why It Matters Beyond Government

Even if you’re not a federal agency, if you create software, websites, or documents for a federal contract, you must follow Section 508. For example, a small design agency working on a government project must meet these rules.

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4. Equality Act 2010 — United Kingdom

In the U.K., the Equality Act 2010 is the main law protecting people from discrimination based on certain characteristics, including disability.

It replaced and combined earlier anti-discrimination laws, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

How It Applies to Websites

Under the Equality Act, service providers — including those offering online services — must make reasonable adjustments so disabled people can use them.

This means:

• Websites must be accessible to people with disabilities.

• If someone can’t access your online service because of an accessibility barrier, you may be breaking the law.

Public Sector Accessibility Regulations

In 2018, the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations came into effect. They require public sector websites and apps to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

Even private businesses in the U.K. often follow WCAG because:

• It ensures compliance with “reasonable adjustments” obligations.

• It’s good practice and avoids complaints.

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5. EN 301 549 — European Union ICT Accessibility Standard

EN 301 549 is the European standard for ICT (Information and Communication Technology) accessibility.

It covers:

• Websites

• Software

• Digital documents

• Mobile apps

• Hardware interfaces (like ATMs and kiosks)

Why It Exists

The EU wanted a single, harmonized standard for accessibility across all member states. This makes it easier for companies operating in multiple countries to know what’s required.

Connection to WCAG

EN 301 549 incorporates WCAG 2.1 AA for web content. It also adds requirements for other ICT products and services.

Who Must Follow It

• Public sector bodies in the EU

• Many private companies working with public contracts or operating under certain regulations

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Why These Laws and Standards Matter for You

You might be wondering — what if I’m a small business owner or blogger? Do these laws still matter?

The short answer is yes — and here’s why:

• Legal Risk — Even small businesses have been sued under ADA and similar laws.

• International Reach — If your website serves customers from other countries, you may need to follow their accessibility rules.

• Best Practice — Following WCAG 2.1 AA covers you for most legal frameworks worldwide.

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Key Takeaways

• WCAG — The technical blueprint for accessibility, recognized globally.

• ADA — U.S. civil rights law; courts apply it to websites.

• Section 508 — U.S. government and contractors; requires WCAG compliance.

• Equality Act 2010 — U.K. law requiring “reasonable adjustments,” often via WCAG.

• EN 301 549 — EU standard for all ICT accessibility, incorporating WCAG.

If you design or run a website, aligning with WCAG 2.1 AA will put you in a strong position to meet legal requirements in most regions.

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Final Thoughts

Website accessibility laws and standards exist for one powerful reason: to make sure the digital world works for everyone.

While the details vary from country to country, the message is the same: if you offer services, products, or information online, people with disabilities must be able to access them just as easily as anyone else.

Following these rules isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits or fines — it’s about being part of a fair, inclusive internet. And when you build with that in mind, you’ll find your website becomes better for everyone, not just those with specific needs.