Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has signed a final rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the accessibility of web content and mobile applications (apps) for people with disabilities. Garland emphasized the importance of this rule, stating, “This final rule marks the Justice Department’s latest effort to ensure that no person is denied access to government services, programs, or activities because of a disability.”
Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of the rule in promoting equal participation in society for people with disabilities. Mizer stated, “The rule, which clarifies the standards for making mobile apps and websites accessible, is vital to people’s ability to use and benefit from public programs and services.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division also emphasized the historic nature of the rule, stating, “For far too long, people with disabilities have been left behind as we've witnessed more services and government activity increasingly move online. This rule is helping to usher us into a new era by bringing an end to the discrimination faced by millions of Americans with vision, hearing, cognitive and manual dexterity disabilities across our country.”
The final rule aims to break down barriers that have hindered people with disabilities from fully participating in American life. By establishing technical standards for state and local governments to ensure the accessibility of their web and mobile app services, the rule will enable individuals with disabilities to access critical services such as public transportation information, online education, voter registration, and more.
Overall, the rule is expected to significantly improve the day-to-day lives of individuals with disabilities by enhancing their ability to access web content and mobile apps and fully engage in public programs and services. The official version of the rule will soon be published in the Federal Register, providing clear guidance on how state and local governments can make their digital platforms accessible for people with disabilities.