ADA Compliance in Kentucky
In Kentucky, maintaining ADA compliance is not simply a legal requirement but a meaningful expression of the state’s fundamental principles. Creating an accessible website shows your business stands for fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
Kentucky ADA Requirements
The Kentucky state government is deeply committed to fulfilling the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal accessibility laws through effective implementation.
Americans With Disabilities Act and Section 508
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law back in 1990, was a powerful step toward long-awaited equality. It drew a bold line against discrimination and flung open doors in workplaces, public services, and transportation, giving millions access and respect they had always deserved.
The law is not merely about fulfilling formalities; it recognizes that a disability and anything that seriously limits daily life should never be a reason for exclusion. Reasonable accommodations are required, unless they place an undue burden on the organization.
Focusing on the digital platform, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act expands on where the ADA leaves off. It tells federal agencies that their websites, documents, and software must work equally for everyone.
The Kentucky Protection & Advocacy (P&A) agency is your go-to source for disability rights in the state. It is a free, non-commercial resource that helps businesses with things like ADA and Section 508 training, accessibility checks, and legal advice on making tech and spaces more inclusive.
Kentucky Accessible Information Technology (AIT) Law
Kentucky’s Accessible Information Technology (AIT) Law, found in Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Sections 61.980 to 61.988, is about making sure people with disabilities can fully use digital technology.
It requires state and state-assisted organizations to give individuals who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing the same access as everyone else. When these entities buy new technology, their contracts must include a technology access clause.
That clause has to follow standards from Section 255 of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 and Section 508 of the Federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
Entities and Digital Resources Covered
This law reaches across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, touching everything from state departments and agencies to public bodies. But it does not stop there. It also extends to state-assisted groups like local schools, universities, nonprofit organizations, and even city and county governments.
The law covers just about any digital tool or system used to handle, display, or pass along audio, video, images, or text. In short, if it is used to communicate or share information, it is expected to be accessible to everyone.
Even if your business is not directly covered by Kentucky’s AIT Law, following its accessibility standards is a smart move. Doing so not only helps future-proof your organization against potential legal challenges but also weaves inclusion into the fabric of your policies and long-term strategy.
Consequences of Noncompliance
Breaking the rules of the ADA can hit hard and not just in the wallet. Employers risk lawsuits that may lead to back pay, damages, legal fees, and more.
Federal fines can climb to $75,000 for a first offence and double to $150,000 for repeat violations, with state and local penalties possibly adding to the sting.
But perhaps the biggest blow is the damage to your brand’s reputation. Showing up for accessibility is not just smart, it speaks about your values.
How To Make Sure Your Website Complies With Kentucky Accessibility Laws
To meet Kentucky’s accessibility standards, your website must be usable by all individuals, including those with visual, auditory, or motor disabilities. Here is how to get started effectively:
- Perform a Manual and Automated Accessibility Audit: Extend automated checkers and conduct real-user testing with individuals who use assistive technologies. Identify issues like inaccessible form fields, non-descriptive link text, and improper heading structure.
- Design for Real-World Assistive Tech Compatibility: Make sure your site works smoothly with tools like JAWS, NVDA, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, and refreshable Braille displays. Use semantic HTML and ARIA labels where needed to provide meaningful navigation and interaction.
At Be Accessible, we help Kentucky businesses confidently meet ADA standards by offering detailed website audits, expert document remediation, effective accessibility fixes, and personalized accessibility training that empowers your team to maintain lasting compliance.
Be Accessible Increases Digital Accessibility Every Day
We serve a wide range of industries from restaurants to tech companies to financial institutions and everything in between.
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