96%
of the top 1 million websites have WCAG failures
Source: WebAIM Million 2025Learn more →
The Americans with Disabilities Act — Explained
The internet's most comprehensive free resource on ADA compliance, web accessibility, and WCAG standards. Written for business owners, developers, and legal teams.
New to ADA Compliance? Start Here
I'm a Business Owner
Learn if your website needs to be ADA compliant, what it costs, and how to avoid lawsuits.
I'm a Developer
Understand WCAG criteria, semantic HTML, ARIA, keyboard navigation, and how to build accessible sites.
I'm a Government Employee
Navigate Title II requirements, the April 2026 deadline, and Section 508 compliance.
I Got a Demand Letter
Received an ADA demand letter or lawsuit? Here's what to do right now.
Essential Reading
FundamentalsBeginner20 min read
What Is ADA Compliance? The Complete Guide (2026)
Everything you need to know about the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it applies to your website — from legal requirements to practical implementation.
TechnicalIntermediate18 min read
WCAG 2.2 Explained: Every Success Criterion in Plain English
A comprehensive breakdown of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines — what each criterion means, how to test it, and how to fix common failures.
Business CaseBeginner15 min read
Why Accessibility Overlays Don't Work — And What To Do Instead
The evidence is clear: overlay widgets don't make websites accessible. Learn why courts, regulators, and accessibility experts reject them.
The POUR Principles
WCAG is built on four foundational principles. All web content must be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.
Click or focus a circle to explore each principle.
POUR Principles Details
Perceivable
Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
- Text alternatives for non-text content
- Captions and audio descriptions for media
- Content adaptable to different presentations
Operable
User interface components and navigation must be operable by all users.
- All functionality available via keyboard
- Users have enough time to read and use content
- Content does not cause seizures or physical reactions
Understandable
Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable.
- Text is readable and understandable
- Content appears and operates in predictable ways
- Users are helped to avoid and correct mistakes
Robust
Content must be robust enough to be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.
- Content is compatible with current and future tools
- Proper use of semantic HTML and ARIA
- Status messages communicated to assistive tech
The State of Web Accessibility in 2026
The numbers paint a clear picture: web accessibility is a legal, business, and ethical imperative.
$13T
collective spending power of people with disabilities globally
Source: Return on DisabilityLearn more →
Explore Topics
ADA Law & Titles
Federal disability rights law explained
WCAG Standards
Web content accessibility guidelines
Web Accessibility Techniques
How to build accessible websites
Legal & Lawsuits
Court rulings, demand letters, compliance
Testing & Auditing
Tools and methods for accessibility testing
Disability Types & Assistive Tech
Understanding diverse user needs
Industry-Specific Compliance
ADA requirements by business type
Tools & Resources
Free accessibility testing tools
Free Accessibility Tools
Practical tools to help you understand, test, and improve your website's accessibility.
Color Contrast Checker
Instantly test any color combination against WCAG 2.2 contrast ratio requirements. Get pass/fail results for AA and AAA compliance levels.
WCAG Quick Reference
Search and filter all 86 WCAG 2.2 success criteria. Each criterion explained in plain English with testing and fix guidance.
Accessibility Checklist Generator
Generate a custom compliance checklist based on your industry, platform, and content types. Download as PDF for your team.
Latest News & Analysis
View all posts →News & Updates
ADA Website Lawsuits in 2025: Year in Review
A comprehensive analysis of ADA website litigation trends, top plaintiffs, settlement ranges, and what businesses should expect in 2026.
Regulatory Changes
The April 2026 Title II Deadline: Are Government Websites Ready?
With the DOJ's web accessibility deadline for state and local governments approaching, we assess readiness across the public sector.
Business & Strategy
The ROI of Web Accessibility: How Compliance Drives Revenue
Beyond lawsuit avoidance: how accessible websites outperform their inaccessible counterparts in search, conversion, and customer satisfaction.
Verified ADA Agencies
These agencies specialize in ADA compliance and accessible web design. Vetted and reviewed on our partner directory.
Ready to Make Your Website Accessible?
Whether you need to find a qualified agency or want a free accessibility audit, we can help you take the next step.
whatisada.com is an educational resource published by Grow Wild Agency