ADA Compliance in Montana
Meeting Montana’s accessibility standards for your website is important for providing a more inclusive and user-friendly online experience for all individuals. Take the first step now and make inclusivity your website’s foundation.
Montana ADA Requirements
Montana is committed to making its websites accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. The state follows accessibility standards and provides resources to make sure online services meet legal requirements.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes clear requirements for the treatment of individuals with disabilities in the workplace, government services, and public spaces. It serves not only as a legal framework but also as a standard for promoting fairness and inclusion.
According to Title I, businesses with 15 or more workers that are open most of the year must give job seekers and employees with disabilities a fair chance. This means they have to make reasonable changes when necessary.
Title II concerns state and local governments. Things like filing taxes, signing up for school, or applying for benefits need to be just as easy for disabled individuals as they are for everyone else.
Then there is Title III, which covers the everyday places we go, such as restaurants, hotels, banks, stores, and even websites. These businesses must work to eliminate physical and digital obstacles so everyone can access what they need without any trouble.
Ability Monyana is a nonprofit organization that empowers people with disabilities by promoting access and independence.
It provides on-site ADA consultations, detailed accessibility evaluations, and staff education tailored to Montana communities. The organization's staff work closely with businesses and local governments, pointing out problem areas and suggesting practical solutions.
Montana’s House Bill 239
Montana Code Annotated (MCA) Section 18-5-605, introduced initially as House Bill 239 and titled Nonvisual Access Technology Procurement Implementation, requires executive branch state agencies, including departments, commissions, boards, and offices, to provide accessible information technology (IT) for people who are blind or visually impaired.
The law mandates that these agencies provide operating systems, software, and interactive equipment that work with nonvisual access tools such as screen readers and specialized peripheral devices.
While agencies do not need to install these tools for users without visual impairments, they must make sure that all IT supports their installation and effective use. They must comply when upgrading or replacing systems purchased before July 1, 2001.
Although the law applies to state agencies, it highlights the growing importance of digital accessibility for all organizations. Private businesses that follow these standards demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusion and innovation.
Making digital platforms accessible can inspire customer loyalty, spark creative solutions, and position businesses as leaders in social responsibility.
Risks of Noncompliance With Montana ADA
In Montana, not following the ADA can result in significant financial and legal consequences for businesses. If it is your first violation, you could be looking at fines up to $75,000, which really shows how important it is to make things accessible right from the get-go.
But if you do not fix those issues or new problems pop up, the penalties can climb to $150,000 for each offense. Businesses also have to spend money on things like fixing up physical and digital infrastructures, training staff, and updating business policies.
Plus, getting hit with ADA violations can hurt a business's reputation. Bad press can turn customers away, especially in Montana, where people care about ensuring everyone has access.
How To Make Sure Your Website Complies With Montana Accessibility Laws
Achieving ADA compliance in Montana is an ongoing process that goes beyond basic requirements. The strategies below offer practical steps to support lasting accessibility improvements:
- Perform Regular Accessibility Audits: Use accessibility tools to check your website for issues like poor color contrast or missing alt text.
- Ensure Compatibility with Assistive Tools: Make sure your digital content works smoothly with assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and screen magnifiers.
Be Accessible is transforming how organizations tackle ADA compliance on their websites. Whether your organization needs a comprehensive website audit, web accessibility repairs, simplified PDF remediation, or customized accessibility training, we offer expert support to help you meet Montana’s accessibility requirements with ease and confidence.
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We serve a wide range of industries from restaurants to tech companies to financial institutions and everything in between.
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