2025 Accessibility Law Changes and Their Impact on Your Website
Website accessibility laws are changing in 2025, with several major deadlines and new requirements taking effect. From the European Accessibility Act’s June enforcement to updates in Section 508 standards and changing ADA enforcement, organizations need to understand these changes and take action now. These updates affect websites, mobile apps, and digital services across borders, creating both challenges and opportunities for businesses worldwide. With penalties ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of euros and an increasing number of lawsuits in the US, the stakes for non-compliance are higher than ever.
New Legal Landscape for Digital Accessibility
The digital accessibility legal landscape is undergoing significant changes in 2025, with several key regulations being updated or enforced. These changes are reshaping how businesses approach web accessibility and setting new standards for compliance.
Updated ADA Interpretations for Websites
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) continues to be a primary driver of website accessibility in the United States, though its application to websites remains somewhat ambiguous in 2025. Despite expectations for formal regulations specifically for Title III website accessibility, no such rules have materialized.
However, this hasn’t stopped enforcement. Courts and the Department of Justice (DOJ) continue to use WCAG as a benchmark in ADA compliance cases. The DOJ’s Title II final rule published in 2024 (applying to state and local government websites) clarified that WCAG 2.1 AA is the required standard, which offers a strong signal about the DOJ’s expectations for all websites.
“While the DOJ published a final rule for Title II in 2024 (requiring state and local government websites to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards), no similar rule has been established for Title III,” according to recent analysis. This means businesses must still look to court cases and settlements for guidance on what constitutes ADA compliance.
Private lawsuits related to website accessibility continue at a steady rate in 2025, though federal enforcement may decrease under the current administration. Despite this potential reduction, the legal risk remains high as private lawsuits show no signs of slowing down.
Section 508 Refresh Requirements
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which mandates accessibility for federal agencies and contractors, is experiencing important updates in 2025. The current standards, based on WCAG 2.0, are being refreshed to align with newer versions of WCAG.
The 2025 updates to Section 508 focus on several areas:
- Alignment with WCAG 2.2 or potentially even WCAG 3.0, bringing new success criteria into the federal requirements
- Better keyboard navigation requirements for users with mobility impairments
- Enhanced standards for users with cognitive disabilities
- Stronger contrast ratio requirements for low-vision users
- Expanded coverage for mobile apps and emerging technologies
These changes affect all federal agencies, contractors, and organizations receiving federal funding. The updates signal a move toward more inclusive digital experiences across government services and set new benchmarks for the private sector as well.
International Accessibility Legislation Changes
The most significant international change in 2025 is the full enforcement of the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which takes effect on June 28, 2025. This landmark legislation applies to a wide range of digital and physical products and services sold in the European Union.
The EAA creates unified accessibility standards across all EU countries, affecting businesses worldwide that serve European customers. It aims to ensure that the 135 million Europeans with disabilities can use the same products and services as everyone else.
“The European Accessibility Act is an EU law passed in 2019 that sets clear rules for making products and services easier to use for people with disabilities. The EAA creates one set of rules across all EU countries, which helps businesses know exactly what they need to do, no matter which European country their customers live in,” notes a recent analysis.
The EAA applies to most businesses that sell products or services to EU customers, with exceptions for very small businesses (fewer than 10 employees and less than €2 million in yearly sales). The law covers e-commerce websites, banking services, e-books, smartphones, computers, transportation services, and more.
Other countries are also updating their accessibility laws, creating a more globally consistent approach to digital accessibility requirements. This international momentum means businesses operating across borders need a global accessibility strategy.
Key Legal Requirements Taking Effect in 2025
New legal requirements in 2025 bring specific changes to how businesses must handle their digital properties, from mobile apps to AI-generated content.
Mobile Application Compliance Standards
Mobile accessibility has become a central focus of 2025’s legal requirements, with specific standards now applying to both native apps and progressive web apps.
Native App Requirements
Native mobile applications face stricter accessibility standards in 2025. The European Accessibility Act specifically includes mobile apps in its scope, requiring them to meet accessibility guidelines similar to websites. This means that apps must be:
- Compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies
- Fully operable via touch and keyboard interfaces
- Designed with sufficient color contrast and readable text
- Structured logically for users with various disabilities
For companies operating in the US, mobile apps fall under the same ADA requirements as websites. Recent court cases have made it clear that the ADA applies to mobile applications just as it does to websites, and companies have faced litigation for inaccessible apps.
Progressive Web App Standards
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) occupy a middle ground between websites and native apps, and in 2025 they face their own accessibility requirements. Since PWAs use web technologies, they must comply with WCAG standards, now at version 2.2.
Key requirements for PWAs include:
- Ensuring offline functionality remains accessible
- Maintaining accessibility during transitions and animations
- Providing accessible notifications and alerts
- Supporting screen readers and magnification tools
- Ensuring touch targets are large enough (a specific focus of WCAG 2.2)
Under the EAA, PWAs used for e-commerce, banking, or other covered services must meet the same accessibility standards as traditional websites and native apps. This means businesses can’t avoid compliance by choosing one technology over another.
AI and Automated Content Accessibility Rules
As AI becomes more prominent in content creation and automated testing, new accessibility rules address these technologies specifically.
AI-Generated Content Accessibility
With the rise of AI-generated content, 2025 brings new focus on ensuring such content meets accessibility standards. AI tools that create text, images, videos, or interactive elements must produce accessible outputs.
Some key requirements for AI-generated content include:
- AI-written text must use clear, understandable language
- AI-generated images need proper alternative text
- Automated video content must include captions and audio descriptions
- Interactive AI elements must be keyboard-accessible and screen reader-compatible
“One of the most helpful uses of AI is creating alt text for images automatically,” notes one source, highlighting the positive potential of AI in accessibility. However, businesses remain responsible for the accessibility of all content on their sites, regardless of how it was created.
Automated Testing Requirements
Automated accessibility testing has advanced significantly, with AI improving detection rates. As of 2025, some legal frameworks have begun addressing automated testing specifically, with requirements for:
- Regular automated scans as part of documented testing protocols
- Understanding the limitations of automated testing
- Using multiple testing tools for broader coverage
- Supplementing automated tests with manual testing
“Automated accessibility testing is a crucial initial step in the comprehensive process of ensuring web accessibility. It facilitates the identification of accessibility barriers before diving into manual testing, which can often be more time-consuming and labor-intensive,” according to experts.
Businesses must document their testing procedures, including which automated tools they use and how they address the limitations of automated testing. This documentation helps demonstrate good faith efforts toward compliance.
Expanded User Testing Documentation Requirements
In 2025, simply stating that testing has been done is no longer sufficient. New regulations require detailed documentation of testing procedures and results.
Required Testing Protocols
Testing protocols must now follow more specific guidelines to meet legal requirements. These include:
- Testing with actual users who have various disabilities
- Testing across multiple browsers and devices
- Ensuring keyboard-only testing is performed
- Testing with specific assistive technologies (screen readers, magnifiers, etc.)
- Verifying compatibility with both older and newer assistive technologies
“Establish a diverse testing team that includes individuals with various disabilities… develop a comprehensive test plan that outlines the specific accessibility criteria to be assessed,” recommends one expert.
These testing protocols must be documented and updated regularly, showing an ongoing commitment to accessibility rather than a one-time effort.
Documentation Standards
Documentation standards have become more formalized in 2025, with requirements for:
- Detailed records of all testing activities
- Evidence of test results and remediation efforts
- Regular updates to reflect new content and features
- Specific formats for documenting conformance claims
- Records of user feedback and how it was addressed
Under the EAA, businesses must “keep detailed records showing what they’ve done to check and improve accessibility. This includes reports from accessibility testing, documentation of accessibility features, records of customer feedback about accessibility, and plans for fixing any accessibility problems”.
This documentation serves as critical evidence in case of legal challenges, showing that the organization has made sincere efforts to identify and address accessibility issues.
Immediate Action Plan for Compliance
With major deadlines approaching in 2025, businesses need a clear plan of action to achieve compliance with new accessibility laws.
Priority #1 | Documentation and Policy Updates
The first priority for businesses is ensuring their documentation and policies are up to date with current requirements.
Creating Compliant Accessibility Statements
Accessibility statements have moved from being optional to mandatory under many laws, including the EAA. In 2025, these statements must include specific elements:
- Clear details about the accessibility status of your website or app
- Information about known accessibility barriers and planned fixes
- Alternative ways users can access information or services
- Contact information for reporting accessibility problems
- The date when the statement was last updated
“Under the EAA, businesses must be clear about how accessible their products and services are. This means creating and sharing detailed information about how products and services meet accessibility standards, any areas where full accessibility hasn’t been achieved, alternative options for customers with disabilities when complete accessibility isn’t possible, and contact information for reporting accessibility problems,” according to recent analysis.
These statements must be regularly updated and easily found on your website, typically via a link in the footer.
Internal Policy Development
Developing internal policies for accessibility is essential for sustainable compliance. In 2025, these policies need to address:
- Who is responsible for accessibility within the organization
- How accessibility is incorporated into the development process
- Training requirements for staff
- Testing procedures and schedules
- How accessibility feedback is collected and addressed
- Procurement policies for third-party products and services
“Implementing accessibility into corporate policy establishes it as a fundamental business value. By making accessibility a core component of project planning and execution, organizations signal their commitment to inclusivity,” notes one source.
These policies should be documented and communicated throughout the organization, ensuring everyone understands their role in maintaining accessibility.
Priority #2 | Technical Compliance Updates
After documentation and policies, businesses need to address technical aspects of their digital properties.
Code-Level Changes Required
Several code-level changes are required to meet 2025 accessibility standards:
- Implementing ARIA attributes correctly where needed
- Ensuring proper heading structure and semantic HTML
- Adding sufficient focus indicators for keyboard users (a focus of WCAG 2.2)
- Making sure all interactive elements have appropriate names and roles
- Ensuring touch targets are large enough on mobile devices
- Testing and fixing keyboard traps and navigation issues
“Using proper headings, lists, and form elements not only enhances accessibility but also improves search engine optimization (SEO). This approach ensures that assistive technologies like screen readers can navigate the structure of the web page efficiently,” according to accessibility experts.
These technical updates often require skilled developers who understand both the code and accessibility requirements. Businesses should plan for adequate development time and resources.
Testing Against New Standards
Testing against the latest standards is critical for compliance. In 2025, this means:
- Updating test plans to include WCAG 2.2 success criteria
- Testing with newer versions of assistive technologies
- Verifying mobile accessibility across various devices
- Checking that AI-generated content meets accessibility requirements
- Ensuring multimedia content includes proper captions and descriptions
“Organizations should conduct regular accessibility audits using automated tools and manual testing. Popular tools like Wave and Axe can help identify common barriers, while user testing with people with disabilities provides invaluable insights into real-world experiences,” advises one expert.
Regular testing should be built into the development process, with accessibility checks performed before any new features or content are published.
Priority #3 | Training and Awareness
Without proper training and awareness, accessibility efforts often fall short. This becomes a key priority for 2025 compliance.
Staff Training Requirements
Staff training needs to be more formalized and documented in 2025:
- Developers need training on accessible coding practices
- Content creators must understand how to create accessible content
- Designers need to learn accessible design principles
- Product managers should understand how to incorporate accessibility into project planning
- Customer service staff need training on assisting users with disabilities
“The EAA requires that companies train customer service staff to help people with disabilities use their products and services effectively. This training should cover different types of disabilities and how to provide helpful assistance without being condescending,” according to recent guidance.
Training should be role-specific, providing each team member with the knowledge they need for their particular responsibilities.
Ongoing Education Protocols
Accessibility standards and technologies change regularly, requiring ongoing education:
- Schedule regular refresher courses
- Share updates about new accessibility techniques and requirements
- Create internal resources where staff can find current information
- Encourage certifications in digital accessibility
- Bring in outside experts for specialized training
“Educating web teams on inclusive design practices is vital. Developing a culture that values accessibility from the start can lead to more innovative and user-friendly projects. Training sessions, workshops, and comprehensive resources can empower staff members to incorporate accessibility principles into their workflows,” notes one source.
Ongoing education helps maintain a high level of accessibility knowledge throughout the organization, making compliance easier to sustain over time.
Legal Risk Mitigation Strategies
With increasing legal risks related to accessibility, businesses need effective strategies to mitigate these risks.
Proper Documentation Practices
Good documentation is one of the most effective legal risk mitigation strategies:
- Maintain records of all accessibility efforts and remediation plans
- Document decision-making processes related to accessibility
- Keep evidence of user testing and feedback collection
- Record staff training activities and attendance
- Update documentation regularly to reflect current status
“Proactive measures not only facilitate a smoother transition to the new accessibility standards but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity. Engaging in training, policy review, and consultation with accessibility experts are all proactive steps that can assist organizations in meeting the EAA deadlines effectively,” explains one source.
This documentation serves as evidence of good faith efforts toward accessibility, which can be crucial in legal proceedings.
Implementing Accessibility Feedback Mechanisms
Providing ways for users to report accessibility issues is now a legal requirement under many laws:
- Add a clear contact method specifically for accessibility feedback
- Train staff to properly handle accessibility complaints
- Create a process for prioritizing and addressing reported issues
- Follow up with users who report problems
- Document all feedback received and actions taken
“The EAA monitoring system is designed to make sure businesses don’t just claim they’re accessible but actually make the necessary changes. By requiring both public statements and documentation, the EAA creates accountability and helps customers know what to expect from different companies,” notes one analysis.
A well-implemented feedback mechanism not only helps with legal compliance but also provides valuable insights for improving your website’s accessibility.
The Cost of Non-Compliance vs. Business Benefits
Understanding both the costs of non-compliance and the benefits of accessibility can help businesses prioritize their efforts.
Financial Risks of Accessibility Lawsuits
The financial risks of non-compliance are substantial and growing in 2025:
- Legal fees for defending accessibility lawsuits can run into the tens of thousands, even for cases that settle quickly
- Settlements typically range from $5,000 to $50,000 per case in the US
- Multiple or class-action lawsuits can multiply these costs significantly
- EAA penalties can range from €5,000 to €500,000 depending on the country
- Remediation costs under legal pressure are typically higher than proactive compliance
“The penalties for not following the EAA can be severe and vary from country to country: Germany: Fines up to €500,000, France: Fines between €5,000 and €250,000, Spain: Fines from €5,000 to €300,000,” according to recent analysis.
Beyond direct financial costs, businesses face reputation damage, lost business opportunities, and the distraction of managing legal action.
Business Advantages of Accessible Websites
Accessibility offers significant business advantages that often outweigh the costs of implementation:
- Expanded market reach to the 15-20% of the population with disabilities
- Improved user experience for all visitors, not just those with disabilities
- Better search engine rankings, as many accessibility features align with SEO best practices
- Higher conversion rates due to improved usability
- Reduced legal risk and associated costs
- Enhanced brand reputation as socially responsible
“With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) fully rolling out in June 2025, websites with strong accessibility features are seeing up to 35% better visibility in search results,” notes one source.
These business advantages make accessibility an investment rather than just a cost, providing returns beyond mere legal compliance.
Long-Term Accessibility Planning
Beyond immediate compliance, businesses need to think about long-term accessibility planning.
Building Accessibility into Development Cycles
Integrating accessibility into regular development cycles is more efficient than treating it as a separate project:
- Include accessibility requirements in product specifications
- Build accessibility checkpoints into the development process
- Test for accessibility throughout development, not just at the end
- Include accessibility in quality assurance processes
- Make accessibility part of the definition of “done” for any feature
This approach, often called “shift-left,” moves accessibility testing earlier in the development process, making issues easier and less expensive to fix.
Staying Current with Evolving Standards
Accessibility standards continue to evolve, requiring ongoing attention:
- Assign responsibility for tracking changes to accessibility laws and standards
- Join industry groups focused on accessibility to stay informed
- Subscribe to updates from accessibility organizations
- Plan for regular reviews of your accessibility approach
- Budget for ongoing accessibility improvements
“By adapting to these changes, organizations can enhance their digital presence, ensuring that they meet the evolving legal requirements while providing a more inclusive experience for all users,” advises one expert.
Staying current helps businesses avoid falling behind on compliance while also benefiting from advances in accessibility techniques and technologies.
Using Automated Tools for Quick Insights (Accessibility-Test.org Scanner)
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Final Thoughts
The accessibility legal landscape is changing significantly in 2025, with the European Accessibility Act’s June enforcement deadline, potential Section 508 updates, and continued ADA enforcement through litigation. These changes create both challenges and opportunities for businesses worldwide.
Taking action now is critical for compliance and risk mitigation. Start by updating your documentation and policies, making necessary technical changes, and training your staff. Implement feedback mechanisms and build accessibility into your long-term planning and development processes.
Remember that accessibility is not just about legal compliance-it also offers business benefits through expanded market reach, improved user experience, and better search engine performance. By approaching accessibility strategically, you can turn a potential legal risk into a business advantage.
Don’t wait until the last minute to address these changes. The June 28, 2025 deadline for the European Accessibility Act is approaching quickly, and other legal requirements are already in effect. Run a website accessibility scan today to identify areas for improvement and start your journey toward full compliance.
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