Originally published January 2026. Updated for 2026 developments.

Website accessibility continues to be one of the most active areas of litigation for California businesses, and 2026 is bringing renewed attention to the issue.

While the April 2026 compliance deadlines tied to public entities do not directly apply to most private businesses, they are influencing how courts evaluate accessibility claims. In practice, that means expectations for private businesses are not decreasing, they’re becoming clearer.

If your website hasn’t been reviewed recently, now is the time.

What’s Changed in 2026?

The April 2026 ADA Title II deadlines for public entities are expected to further shape how accessibility is interpreted across the board. Courts continue to look to these standards—and to WCAG 2.1 Level AA—as a benchmark when evaluating claims against private businesses.

In California, where the Unruh Civil Rights Act allows for statutory damages, accessibility claims remain a consistent source of demand letters and lawsuits. Businesses that delay addressing accessibility may face increased exposure.

A common question we hear is: “Does ADA website compliance actually apply to my business?” In most cases, the answer is likely yes.

Who Is Affected by ADA Website Accessibility Rules?

Website accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act has been the subject of significant litigation. Although recent regulatory changes primarily apply to public entities, those standards are increasingly used by courts as a reference point when evaluating accessibility claims against private businesses.

Courts have held that the ADA can apply to business websites when they offer goods, services, appointments, payments, or information to the public, regardless of how many employees the business has. In addition, certain private organizations, such as healthcare providers or entities receiving federal funding, may be subject to separate federal accessibility requirements with specific compliance timelines.

In California, the risk is heightened by state laws such as the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which allows for statutory damages and is frequently used in website accessibility lawsuits. As a result, businesses of all sizes should assume their websites could be scrutinized for accessibility compliance.

Why 2026 Matters

In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a final rule under ADA Title II establishing clear website accessibility standards for state and local governments, with compliance deadlines beginning April 24, 2026. While these deadlines do not directly apply to most private businesses, they matter because courts increasingly look to these public-sector standards as a roadmap when evaluating accessibility claims against private entities. Private companies that do business with public agencies may also be required to meet these standards contractually.

What Standard Do Courts Look To?

There is no single federal checklist for private businesses, but courts and settlement agreements most often reference the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA as the benchmark. Although newer versions exist, WCAG 2.1 Level AA remains the most commonly cited standard in litigation. WCAG Level AA are standards that help ensure websites are usable by people with disabilities, including clear text, keyboard access, readable content, and compatibility with assistive technologies.

Practical Guidance for Business Owners

From a legal perspective, accessibility is more about demonstrating reasonable, good-faith efforts. Many businesses start by having an accessibility audit performed against WCAG standards and documenting remediation steps taken.

Business owners may wish to:

• Review public-facing pages for equal access to information and contact options
• Ask their web provider whether accessibility was considered in design and updates
• Prioritize high-use features such as forms, booking tools, checkout pages, and PDFs
• Be cautious about relying solely on automated tools or “widgets” that claim instant compliance
• Maintain records of accessibility-related efforts

With accessibility claims continuing to rise in California, business owners may wish to proactively review their websites, digital platforms, and, where applicable, physical spaces for potential accessibility concerns. Early attention to these issues can help minimize legal exposure and promote broader access.

For questions regarding accessibility requirements or other business and employment law matters, please contact our office.

Website accessibility requires ongoing attention.
Contact Chase Law Group to assess your exposure.

WWW.CHASELAWMB.COM
310-545-7700

_{Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice and does constitute an attorney-client relationship. It is recommended to consult with an attorney directly for specific guidance pertaining to your business and its practices.}