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State of Vermont Universal Digital Accessibility

Just as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) established accessibility requirements for physical spaces like office buildings, it also has accessibility requirements for digital spaces, like websites.

A new Federal rule has set specific criteria state web platforms, web content, social media and mobile applications must meet by April 24, 2026 to comply with the ADA. Specifically, this digital content must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 level AA.

By adopting this accessibility standard across state digital platforms, the State can better serve all Vermonters. Accessibility standards will lead to simpler, clearer, more concise and consistent communications, which is a better way to communicate regardless of ability, age, or barrier. 

To support this effort, the State of Vermont has created the Universal Digital Accessibility project. The Administration has established the Digital Accessibility Steering Committee to lead the project. 

Digital Accessibility Laws and Regulations 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to state and local governments under Title II and protects people with disabilities from discrimination in many areas, including accessibility. State and local governments must provide equal access to their programs and services, and make reasonable modifications to ensure people with disabilities can participate. This includes providing web content in a format that is accessible, regardless of abilities or barriers. 

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended in 1998, applies to the Federal government and any public or private industry contracting with the Federal government. It requires equal access to information and communication technology for people with disabilities.

New Federal Rule

On April 24, 2024, the Department of Justice issued a rule (“the Rule”) updating its regulations for Title II of the ADA. This change means government entities are now required to meet a specific digital accessibility standard. 

The Rule, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities, requires communication and content on web platforms and mobile apps to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines WCAG 2.1 AA standards at a minimum.

The deadline for compliance is April 24, 2026. 

Where the New Federal Rule Applies

The Federal Rule applies to:

  • Web content provided by the State, including websites and social media profiles, and the text, images, sounds, videos, controls, animations, and conventional electronic documents provided on those pages and platforms. 
  • Mobile applications provided by the State, including those run by a third party. 

It is important to note that recommendations in the State of Vermont Universal Digital Accessibility project are specific to meeting this ADA rule, which is limited to mobile applications and web content. State agencies and departments should understand obligations under other laws or rules and consider incorporating these digital accessibility criteria into other digital content, including: 

  • Email and email attachments
  • Digital newsletters 
  • Web-based products: surveys, databases, story maps

State of Vermont Websites and Applications

The State of Vermont Web Template, via Drupal, is developed with accessibility in mind, making these State-offered platforms—and their underlying programming—in compliance with digital accessibility regulations and guidelines. Content creators can unknowingly develop content for websites and apps that is inaccessible when placed within the Web Template or app. We aim to ensure both an accessible Web Template and that web editors create accessible content to publish on the Web Template or apps.

Learn More About the State of Vermont Universal Digital Accessibility Project