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Watch Apple's award-winning "The Greatest" campaign video that highlights people with disabilities using various assistive technology options.

Digital Accessibility

In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published a final rule that requires state and local governments to make their websites and mobile apps accessible, using WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the technical standard. The rule covers web content, mobile apps, and third-party content/vendors used to provide services for state agencies, counties, cities, townships, and municipalities, special district governments and any contractors or vendors providing public‑facing digital services (e.g., third‑party payment portals, scheduling apps).

What is WCAG?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide an international set of guidelines. They are developed by the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C), the governing body of the web. That includes common destination-website components like:

  • Event calendars, reservation widgets, and trip-planning tools (especially when added/managed by the site owner or their vendors)
  • Online forms (newsletter signups, contact forms, permit applications, RFPs, etc.)
  • PDFs and slide decks (visitor guides, meeting packets, agendas/minutes)
  • Social media content after April 24, 2026.

WCAG deadlines

Update on 4/20/2026: The Department of Justice extended the deadline by one year! The compliance date depends on the population size of the state or local government:

  • 50,000+ people: April 24, 2027
  • 0–49,999 people: April 26, 2028
  • Special district governments: April 26, 2028

After the deadline, governments must continue to keep web content and apps accessible.

Travel Oregon is here to support you

Digital Accessibility Consultation

Need individual support? Travel Oregon provides consultations.

Accessible Travel

Travel Oregon supports projects and programs that further inclusion and accessibility across the state.

Webinar 1: Preparing for the ADA Title II Compliance Deadline

Watch our pre-recorded webinar. Passcode is VPC7.suC

Google Slides: Preparing for the ADA Title II Compliance Deadline

See the slides from our virtual presentation facilitated by Jen Macias De La Parra, digital accessibility adviser.

Webinar 2: Authoring Accessible Documents

Watch our pre-recorded webinar. (Passcode: qT1d%3nH)

Presentation: Authoring Accessible Documents

See the slides from our virtual presentation facilitated by Jen Macias De La Parra, digital accessibility adviser.

Webinar 3: A Guide to Accessibility Statements

Watch our pre-recorded webinar. (Passcode: 6+6=e@EJ)

Presentation: A Guide to Accessibility Statements

See the slides from our virtual presentation facilitated by Jen Macias De La Parra, digital accessibility adviser.

How Organizations Can Comply

To prepare for compliance, organizations should:

Conduct accessibility audits

  • Review websites, apps, and digital documents for WCAG 2.1 AA conformance
  • Prioritize high‑impact public‑facing content
  • Implement accessibility governance

Adopt digital accessibility policies

  • Build accessibility checks into procurement processes
  • Require vendors to meet WCAG 2.1 AA and include compliance language in contracts

Remediate and monitor

  • Use automated and manual testing to review webpages, templates, PDFs, etc.
  • Involve assistive‑technology users when possible
  • Maintain continuous monitoring for new content
  • Provide training for web teams, content creators, and leadership

Practical Examples

The Web Accessibility Initiative has a quick reference guide called “How to Meet WCAG.” This guide is comprehensive and layered. See below for general examples and additional support documents that break down these core concepts. Use this table as a fast checklist for common accessibility requirements. Each row includes the related WCAG 2.1 success criteria for reference.

Rule
DescriptionAdditional ReadingWCAG Reference
Keyboard AccessUsers can navigate menus, filters, calendars and forms without a mouse. Keyboard focus is visible.Keyboard Accessibility – 2.1.1 Keyboard (A) • 2.4.7 Focus Visible (AA) • 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap (A)
Images and IconsInformative images include descriptive alt text. Decorative images are marked as decorative so screen readers skip them.Write Helpful Alt Text1.1.1 Non-text Content (A)
Color ContrastText is readable against its background. Minimum contrast is 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.WebAIM Contrast Checker1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (AA) • 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast (AA)
HeadingsPages use clear heading structure in logical order (H1 → H2 → H3).Why Heading Order Matters1.3.1 Info and Relationships (A) • 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (AA)
Link TextLinks clearly describe their destination. Avoid vague phrases like “click here.”Descriptive Links and Hypertext2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (A) • 2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only) (AAA – best practice)
FormsEvery field has a label. Errors are explained in text. Required fields are not indicated by color alone.Creating Accessible Forms1.3.1 Info and Relationships (A) • 3.3.1 Error Identification (A) • 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (A) • 1.4.1 Use of Color (A)
Video and AudioPrerecorded video includes captions. Audio-only content has a transcript or alternative format.Captions and Transcripts1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) (A) • 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) (A)
Documents (PDFs, etc.)PDFs are properly tagged, have logical reading order, contain real selectable text (not just scanned images), and use accessible tables.Creating Accessible PDFs1.3.1 Info and Relationships (A) • 1.1.1 Non-text Content (A) • 2.4.3 Focus Order (A) • 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (A)

Key Resources for WCAG Compliance

Fact Sheet from the DOJ

Fact Sheet from the DOJ

Summary of the ruling

How to Meet WCAG: Quick Reference

W3.org Reference Guide

Accessibility Guidebook

A resource for Oregon tourism professionals to enhance accessibility for all visitors

Accessibility Guidebook (PDF)