In this episode, Jamie Wilkey, a Partner at
Lauterbach & Amen, joins Ancel Glink’s Katie Nagy to
discuss the Department of Justice’s final rule on web accessibility under Title
II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They explore the new
requirements for state and local governments to ensure their web content and
mobile applications are accessible to individuals with disabilities, and offer
practical advice on implementation, technical standards, and compliance
deadlines starting on April 24, 2026 for some larger governments. Questions?
Email us at podcast@ancelglink.com!
Highlights:
- The
Technical Standard: An overview of WCAG 2.1 Level AA, the
benchmark for digital accessibility compliance. - Defining
Web Content: Understanding how the rule applies to websites,
mobile apps, social media, online payment portals, and digital documents
like meeting minutes and agendas. - Compliance
Deadlines: Key dates for local governments (April 24, 2026 for
populations over 50,000; April 26, 2027 for smaller entities and special
districts). - Practical
Implementation: Steps for success, including identifying an
internal team, conducting an inventory of digital assets, and prioritizing
remediation. - Exceptions
and Limitations: A breakdown of what content is exempt, such as
archived web content, pre-existing conventional documents, and certain
third-party content. - Risk
Management: Analyzing the legal, financial, and reputational
risks of non-compliance. - Public
Comment: A discussion on the Seventh Circuit’s decision in O’Donnell
v. City of Chicago regarding vehicle forfeiture programs and
unconstitutional takings.
Upcoming Presentation:
- Illinois
Township Attorneys Association Annual Seminar: See Ancel Glink
attorneys present on May
15, 2026, at the Hanover Township Senior Center.
Resources:
- Fact
Sheet: New
Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State
and Local Governments - DOJ
Guidance: First
Steps Toward Complying with the ADA Title II Web and Mobile Application
Accessibility Rule - Municipal
Minute: City’s
Vehicle Forfeiture Program Not an Unconstitutional Taking
Credits:
- Featured
Guest: Jamie
L. Wilkey, Lauterbach & Amen - Chair:
Katherine Nagy - Producer:
Daniel J. Bolin - Executive
Producer: Keri-Lyn
J. Krafthefer - Engineers: Rick
Perez and Matt Smith
Disclaimer: This podcast is provided as a
service to our public and private sector clients and friends. It is intended to
provide timely general information of interest, but should not be considered a
substitute for legal advice. Read our full disclaimer: www.ancelglink.com/disclaimers.