Website ADA Compliance in California
California places a strong emphasis on digital accessibility standards. Making your website ADA-compliant keeps you aligned with legal requirements, helps attract more potential clients and boosts your brand’s credibility. Equip your business with the right tools and expert guidance to build a more inclusive online experience.
California ADA Requirements
In addition to the ADA, California has passed its own state law to further protect people with disabilities and improve digital accessibility across the state.
If you're looking for digital accessibility services near you, it's important to follow both federal and California-specific laws to ensure compliance and inclusion.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to many public and private entities in California. Title II applies to every state and local government website, no matter how big or small the operation may be.
Title III casts an even broader scope. It applies to all organizations considered “public accommodations,” meaning any place that offers goods, services, or public-facing spaces. This includes physical storefronts and online platforms, all of which must be accessible to people with disabilities.
Even small outfits like neighborhood shops or independent service providers are not exempt if they serve the public.
California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act
California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act was passed back in 1959, and it aims to stop discrimination by most businesses, covering those involved with housing and public services. This law was initially set up to tackle discrimination in physical locations, but has now grown to cover online businesses like websites, too.
This basically means businesses need to provide everyone with equal access to their services. Through this approach, you can reduce potential legal risks and strengthen your organization for the future.
In 1992, they updated the Unruh Act to include parts of the ADA. A business breaking ADA rules is also seen as messing up the Unruh Act.
Applicability and Exceptions
Most websites need to follow the rules of the Unruh Civil Rights Act. There are some exceptions though, like for public schools and senior living places. A website does not have to be run from California for the law to apply.
If a site is selling or promoting products or services to people in California, it has to comply with the law. This applies to everyone in California, regardless of where the business operates or where the website is registered.
Risks of Noncompliance
If you do not follow accessibility laws in California, it may negatively impact your business. Under the ADA, if you are cited for a first violation, you could face a fine of up to $75,000, which can go up to $150,000 for repeated offenses.
Plus, thanks to the Unruh Civil Rights Act, people can claim triple damages for each incident, starting from at least $4,000, even if it is just for emotional distress. You might also have to deal with constant monitoring and strict reporting rules if your website does not comply.
But it is not just about legal fines, but also may lead to a loss of customers. One in four Americans has a disability that could make it hard for them to access your website. That is a huge revenue loss and can hurt your brand’s trust, too. As customer loyalty declines, you could spend more money to win those customers back.
How To Make Sure Your Website Complies With California Accessibility Laws
Accessibility goes beyond legal compliance. It is about delivering a better experience for everyone. To support all users and minimize legal risks, keep these innovative strategies in mind:
- Perform Manual Accessibility Testing: Go beyond automated checks by conducting manual evaluations, often done by accessibility specialists or developers. These tests identify issues that tools may miss, such as proper use of Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) roles, complex navigation barriers, or unclear alternative text.
- Follow the WCAG: Use the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to guide accessible design. Although the ADA does not mandate a specific version, WCAG 2.1 Level AA is widely accepted as the benchmark for digital accessibility.
Be Accessible collaborates with businesses to succeed in states with strict and robust web accessibility laws, like California. We provide comprehensive site audits, strategic accessibility repairs, smart PDF corrections and customized training sessions to help you stay ahead of California’s evolving regulatory landscape.
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