ADA Compliance in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, where ADA compliance is closely tied to both state values and federal law, falling short can lead to significant financial penalties and reputational harm to your organization. Make your website accessible and show your business stands for something bigger than profit.
New Hampshire ADA Requirements
New Hampshire is actively working to improve web accessibility for people with disabilities, aligning with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and federal requirements.
Americans With Disabilities Act and Section 508
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, is here to make sure folks with disabilities can take part in everyday life without any barriers. If someone has a condition that makes it tough to walk, see, hear, speak, or do other major things, the ADA is there to support them.
Title II looks out for things run by state and local governments. That means public transportation, parks, and city offices need to be accessible for everyone. Then there is Title III, which is all about private businesses and nonprofits, like restaurants, hotels, and the stores we shop at. It makes sure they are also offering equal access.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to buy and use technology that everyone can use, including people with disabilities. That means websites, software, printers, and more are designed to be easier for everyone to access.
New Hampshire Information Technology Accessibility Policy
Effective June 25, 2024, New Hampshire’s Information Technology Accessibility Policy (Doc No. NHS0305, Version 4) addresses equitable digital access for individuals with disabilities. This statewide mandate applies to all internal and external IT solutions used by New Hampshire state agencies.
Covered digital resources include websites, mobile applications, videos, social media, documents, and hardware such as kiosks and display screens.
Agencies must make communications equally effective for both disabled and non-disabled users, whether they are members of the public or state employees. Agencies are also tasked with appointing staff to manage policy integration, including vendors and consultants involved in content development or site administration.
This policy might not cover private businesses, but that does not mean they are exempt from responsibility. Laws like the ADA still apply. When your website works for everyone, it is not just about following the rules; it shows every visitor that they matter. That kind of effort creates trust, loyalty, and lasting, genuine connections.
Standards and Responsibilities
All web content and mobile apps must follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA standards. Hardware interfaces must also meet Chapter 4 of ICT Accessibility Standards. The User Experience Division at the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) conducts content reviews, delivers reports, and offers technical support.
Consequences of Noncompliance
In New Hampshire, failing to comply with the ADA can result in significant financial consequences. Federal fines go up to $75,000 for a first violation and $150,000 for any after that.
On top of that, local laws may demand even stricter standards. If a public space is not accessible and someone with a disability gets hurt, businesses or government agencies could face lawsuits or personal injury claims.
But the damage to your reputation can be worse than the legal trouble. When violations become public, trust is damaged.
How To Make Sure Your Website Complies With New Hampshire Policies
Want to make sure your website meets New Hampshire’s accessibility requirements? Here’s how to get it right:
- Employ Site Audits: To catch issues before they grow, run accessibility audits early and often during web development. It helps you fix barriers fast.
- Improve Multimedia Accessibility: Making multimedia content fully accessible means adding captions, transcripts, and descriptive audio to all video and audio materials.
Be Accessible can work with you to demonstrate that your business values fairness, inclusion, and real accessibility. We help you meet New Hampshire’s accessibility standards through comprehensive website audits, automated PDF remediation, practical issue fixes, and customized training.
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.
Contact Us
You're one step closer to ADA compliance.
Fields marked with * are required.