Laws

Laws That Protect People With Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. 

ADA National Network  

Sign up to attend the National ADA Symposium, the most comprehensive training event available on the ADA and disability laws. You can also enroll in webinars and web courses on a variety of ADA topics including disability rights, employment requirements, architectural accessibility laws, and more. 

The Northwest ADA  

The Northwest ADA provides information, training, and guidance on the ADA to Alaska, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Request in-person or online trainings on general and specific topics about the ADA such as disability language and etiquette, public accommodations, healthcare access, and the responsibilities of state and local government. 

Laws About Designing for Accessibility

Section 508

Dive into Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, a federal law that requires federal agencies to make information and communication technology accessible for all. 

Section 508: What is It and Why is It Important to You? 

An easy to understand guide on Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and its importance to you as a federal employee or contractor. 

Law and policy quick reference guide for federal agencies  

Get informed on the changes you need to make to your agency's IT accessibility program to transition to the Revised Section 508 Standards of the Rehabilitation Act. 

Determine 508 Standards and Exceptions 

Find out how to apply the Revised 508 Standards when purchasing or developing IT products and services for your agency. 

Revised 508 requirements for policy  

Learn how to update the accessibility policies at your agency to meet the Revised 508 Standards. 

The Accessibility Requirements Tool (ART)  

Use this step-by-step guide to easily identify relevant accessibility requirements from the Revised 508 Standards for information and communication technology procurement and contract documentation. 

Identify User Needs 

Learn how to identify information and communication technology needs of users with disabilities at your agency.  

Build Support for Accessible Content 

Discover how you can help your staff produce accessible content by equipping them with the right knowledge and tools. 

Revised 508 Standards Applicability Checklist 

A checklist to help you communicate accessibility requirements for information and communication technology items in contracting documents, or systems requirements documentation based on the Revised 508 Standards. 

Washington State accessibility policy for all state agencies 

Read the accessibility policy for state agencies published by the Washington State Office of the Chief Information Officer. 

10 Accessible Web Design Examples to Inspire ADA Compliance 

Check out 10 websites that follow WCAG guidelines to deliver inviting and accessible user experiences. 

Updated ADA Title II 

On April 24, 2024, the Department of Justice updated its regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Fact sheet: new rule on the accessibility of web content and mobile apps 

The new rule requires state and local governments' websites and mobile apps meet or exceed the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA.