Ensuring your website is legally compliant is not optional. Businesses that fail to meet ADA, WCAG, Section 508, or industry-specific accessibility standards are at risk of lawsuits, penalties, and reputational damage. This guide shows you how to check website compliance, what laws apply, and how to remediate issues effectively in the United States.
Understanding Website Compliance
Website compliance means your digital platform meets federal, state, and technical accessibility requirements.
Key Laws & Standards:
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) – Applies to all public-facing businesses
- WCAG 2.1 AA – The technical benchmark for accessibility
- Section 508 – Required for government-related organizations
- FERPA, HIPAA, CVAA – Industry-specific compliance
- State-level regulations – Especially California, New York, Florida, and Illinois
Non-compliant websites are vulnerable to lawsuits even from a single complaint.
Why Compliance Checks Are Essential
Checking compliance reduces legal risk, improves accessibility, and increases customer trust.
- Major cities like Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, Chicago have high litigation rates
- Case studies show businesses sued despite minor accessibility issues:
Even small businesses in the U.S. must maintain compliance.
Step 1 — Evaluate Accessibility Standards
Check if your website meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards. Focus on:
- Alt text for all images
- Keyboard navigation
- Screen-reader labels
- Color contrast and readability
- Video captions and transcripts
- Accessible forms and buttons
- Focus indicators
- Responsive and mobile accessibility
Step 2 — Test ADA Compliance
ADA compliance ensures people with disabilities can access your site without barriers.
Key points:
- Menus, shopping carts, and forms are accessible
- Mobile apps follow ADA rules
- Videos and images meet accessibility guidelines
Case examples:
Step 3 — Check Industry-Specific Compliance
Some industries have additional legal requirements:
| Industry | Standard / Law | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | HIPAA | Protects patient data and accessibility |
| Education | FERPA | Ensures student information privacy |
| Media & Communication | CVAA | Accessible videos and apps |
| Government | Section 508 | Accessibility for federal websites |
| Finance | Various privacy laws | Secure and accessible user interface |
Step 4 — Use Automated & Manual Tools
Combine automated scans with manual review for a thorough assessment.
Tools to Use:
- Automated scanners: Detect missing alt text, headings, ARIA roles
- Manual testing: Keyboard navigation, screen readers, video captions
- Mobile testing: Ensure all elements work on smartphones and tablets
Automated tools alone only detect ~30% of accessibility issues.
Step 5 — Audit Your Compliance Documentation
Proper records can protect your business if a claim arises:
- Accessibility reports
- Remediation logs
- Update and change logs
- Proof of continuous compliance
Step 6 — Continuous Monitoring & Maintenance
Website compliance is ongoing. Laws, WCAG standards, and technology evolve, requiring continuous updates.
- Schedule regular reviews
- Update accessibility for new content
- Ensure mobile and app compliance
Compliance Checklist
| Compliance Area | Must-Have | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| ADA Title III | ✅ Yes | All U.S. businesses |
| WCAG 2.1 AA | ✅ Yes | Websites & mobile apps |
| Section 508 | ✅ Yes | Government-related entities |
| HIPAA | ✅ Yes | Healthcare websites |
| FERPA | ✅ Yes | Educational institutions |
| CVAA | ✅ Yes | Media & communication apps |
Common Signs Your Website May Be Non-Compliant
Watch for these red flags:
- Users cannot navigate with a keyboard
- Videos have no captions or transcripts
- Forms are inaccessible or confusing
- Low color contrast
- Missing alt text on images
Bank Inaccessible Online | Inaccessible Menu
Ensure Your Website is Fully Compliant
If your site is not compliant, you risk legal action even from one complaint.
Protect your business today by working with accessibility experts to achieve full ADA, WCAG, and industry compliance.
Take the next step now and secure your digital future with legally defensible accessibility.
FAQs — How to Find If Website is Compliant
How do I check if my website is ADA compliant?
Check menus, forms, videos, and navigation for accessibility; combine automated tools with manual testing.
Can one complaint lead to a lawsuit?
Yes, a single complaint can result in legal action.
Are small businesses required to comply?
Yes, ADA applies to all businesses with a public-facing website.
Do automated scanners make my site compliant?
No. They detect only a fraction of issues; expert remediation is needed.
How often should I check compliance?
Regular reviews are necessary, especially after content or platform updates.
Protect Your Business Today
Don’t wait for a lawsuit—verify your compliance now and take proactive steps.
Full ADA and WCAG compliance is achievable with the right support and documentation.