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 [email protected]!

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.