ADA Frequently Asked Questions
Category: Title II: State & Local Governments
Question: #37
How do you ensure a third-party’s web content or mobile app complies with WCAG 2.1 Level AA?
Answer:
ADA Title II regulations require that web content and mobile apps provided or made available by state and local government entities comply with the following technical standard: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. This can include the web content and mobile apps provided through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements with third-parties like vendors, consultants, contractors, etc.
Here are a few ways Title II entities can ensure third-party products and partners comply with the ADA’s technical standard for web content and mobile apps:
Here are a few ways Title II entities can ensure third-party products and partners comply with the ADA’s technical standard for web content and mobile apps:
- Ask for a Conformance Report: Reporting tools like a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) or Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) are documents that explain how a product such as software, websites, etc. conform to a particular standard like WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
- Put it in Writing: Contractual and licensing agreements with third-parties should include language about the Title II entity’s expectations and requirements for providing web content and mobile apps. Entities should specify details such as the technical standard required (i.e. WCAG 2.1 Level AA), who is responsible for addressing conformance issues, and any penalties for failing to meet contractual requirements.
- Create Templates and Style Guides: When working with a third-party, consider providing them an accessible template or style guide to work from in order to ensure uniformity and accessibility.
- Perform In-House Accessibility Checks: When content is provided by a third-party, ensure that you have design monitoring and review processes in place to prevent inaccessible content from being approved and published.
