What do Dominos, Target, and WeightWatchers have in common? These organizations are among a fast-growing group caught in ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) non-compliance lawsuits involving their websites’ failure to meet standards of accessibility. According to Seyfarth, 2018 saw a record 2,258 ADA lawsuit cases filed in federal court, nearly triple 2017’s number and 2019 saw a similar increase.
Companies are not the only targets of ADA lawsuits, however – Harvard University and MIT’s legal losses in their attempts to seek dismissal of pending ADA cases – illustrate the increased liability non-profits face if they do not comply with ADA legislation. The digital era has transformed how businesses and non-profits interact with society, and how we interact with each other. In response, the DOJ (Department of Justice) has taken the view that the Internet is a place of public accommodation, which by Titles II and III of the ADA, must be offered in an equally accessible manner to the public.
In determining ADA compliance for digital offerings (including websites), the DOJ has accepted WCAG 2.1 compliance (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) as a de facto standard and equitable remedy in the event of a suit. Beyond the potential legal issues faced by non-ADA compliant websites, other important issues arise for non-profits due to ADA.
Equity and inclusiveness are paramount: in 2018, the CDC reports an estimated 35% of the United States population as having an ADA related disability (visual, audio, motor, or cognitive). Beyond the age of 55, almost 53% of Americans report a disability.
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