The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been a cornerstone of civil rights protections for individuals with disabilities since its passage in 1990. While the law originally focused on physical spaces, such as businesses, schools, and public facilities, it has evolved alongside technology. Today, the ADA extends into the digital world, requiring websites and mobile applications to be accessible to people with disabilities.
If you have ever encountered a website that prevented you from shopping, signing up for services, or accessing important information, you may be wondering what rights you have and how the ADA applies online. This guide will break down the basics of ADA website compliance, explain why lawsuits are increasingly common, and highlight how a website accessibility lawyer can help you enforce your rights.
The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, government services, and businesses that serve the public. The law is divided into different sections, known as “Titles.”
It is under Title III that most website accessibility lawsuits are filed. If a business provides goods and services to the public, whether in-person or online, it must ensure equal access to those services for individuals with disabilities.
When the ADA was enacted in 1990, the internet as we know it today did not exist. However, courts and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have made it clear that websites are considered extensions of a business’s public presence. This means that online barriers can be just as discriminatory as physical barriers, such as a staircase without a wheelchair ramp.
Examples of digital barriers include:
When a business fails to address these barriers, it may violate the ADA. That’s where ADA website compliance comes in, ensuring that websites meet accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
ADA website compliance is not optional. Businesses that ignore accessibility requirements expose themselves to costly lawsuits, settlements, and reputational harm. More importantly, inaccessible websites exclude millions of Americans with disabilities from fully participating in the digital economy.
The DOJ has repeatedly emphasized that businesses must ensure their websites are accessible. In recent years, there has been a surge in ADA lawsuits targeting industries such as retail, hospitality, education, and healthcare. These cases have resulted in significant legal precedents and widespread remediation requirements.
For plaintiffs, these lawsuits are not just about financial recovery, they are about enforcing the right to equal access. For businesses, they are a wake-up call that accessibility cannot be ignored.
If you have encountered an inaccessible website, working with a website accessibility lawyer can help you enforce your rights. An attorney with experience in ADA website compliance can:
For clients in New Jersey, working with an ADA attorney New Jersey ensures you have someone familiar with both federal and state-level disability rights protections.
For New Jersey residents, hiring an ADA attorney New Jersey provides a distinct advantage. Local attorneys understand not only the federal ADA requirements but also state-specific disability rights laws. This dual knowledge allows them to craft stronger legal strategies, ensure proper jurisdiction, and pursue claims in both state and federal courts when appropriate.
Whether you are pursuing an individual claim or joining a class action, having a New Jersey-based ADA attorney ensures you have legal representation that understands the local landscape while still leveraging nationwide experience.
If you’ve been blocked from using a website because of accessibility barriers, you don’t have to accept it. Our firm is dedicated to enforcing the ADA and ensuring your rights are upheld.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a website accessibility lawyer. Equal access is your right, and we’re here to defend it.
Yes. If a business serves the public, its website must be accessible under Title III of the ADA.
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are global standards often used by courts to measure ADA compliance for websites.
Yes. If you are disabled and unable to access a website due to barriers, you may have a valid ADA claim.
If the business is based in New Jersey or you live there, a local ADA attorney will best understand your rights under state and federal law.
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