What ADA Title III Means for Business Websites and How to Stay Compliant

If your business serves the public, your website may fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), specifically Title III. While many business owners think ADA only applies to physical spaces, courts have consistently ruled that websites and apps count as “places of public accommodation.”

That means if your website isn’t accessible to people with disabilities, your business could face lawsuits, legal fees, and brand damage. More importantly, you risk excluding customers who want to engage with you.

This article breaks down what Title III means for businesses and how you can protect your company. 

What Title III Covers 

Title III applies to private businesses and nonprofits that serve the public. This includes industries such as retail, dining, hospitality, banking, healthcare, entertainment, and education. If you run a business where customers interact with you either in person or online, Title III is relevant to you.

While the Department of Justice (DOJ) has not yet finalized a rule that sets a compliance deadline for businesses, courts across the country have ruled that inaccessible websites violate Title III. In practice, companies are expected to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards, the same accessibility benchmark that now applies to government websites.

Note: Some organizations may also be covered by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This applies to entities that receive federal funding, such as certain hospitals, universities, and nonprofits. While it is a separate law from the ADA, it carries similar digital accessibility requirements and, in practice, also points to WCAG 2.1 AA as the compliance standard. 

Why Title III Is Important for Your Business 

The importance of Title III is growing as digital accessibility lawsuits become more common and customer expectations continue to rise. For businesses of all sizes, accessibility is no longer optional. It is an essential part of risk management and customer experience. 

Lawsuits Are Increasing 

Thousands of businesses have already been sued for inaccessible websites, from small local shops to Fortune 500 companies. Most cases end in costly settlements. 

Risk Management and Brand Trust 

Compliance isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits. An accessible website signals professionalism, responsibility, and respect for all customers. 

Accessibility Expands Your Market 

1 in 4 U.S. adults has a disability. Making your website accessible means reaching more customers, improving usability for everyone, and demonstrating inclusion. 

What WCAG 2.1 AA Means for Businesses 

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are internationally recognized standards that define what it means for a website to be accessible. Meeting the 2.1 AA level ensures a balance between usability and practicality, making it the most common compliance target for organizations.

At a high level, WCAG 2.1 AA requires websites to be: 

• Perceivable: Text alternatives for images, captions for videos, readable color contrast
• Operable: Keyboard navigation, skip links, no time traps
• Understandable: Clear instructions, consistent navigation, readable text
• Robust: Works with screen readers and assistive technology 

Practical Steps to Protect Your Business Under Title III 

Becoming compliant with Title III doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Breaking the work into steps helps businesses address the most pressing issues first while building a foundation for long-term accessibility. 

• Audit your website for accessibility issues (images, forms, navigation, videos)
• Fix high-priority issues like missing alt text, poor color contrast, and broken form labels
• Update templates so all new pages meet accessibility standards
• Train your staff on writing accessible content (headings, alt text, captions)
• Include accessibility in vendor contracts (web developers, plug-ins, software tools)
• Monitor and maintain because accessibility isn’t one-and-done; it requires ongoing attention 
  
  

How Legend Helps Businesses Avoid ADA Title III Lawsuits 

Legend has built accessibility into our process from the ground up. Our website platform (Model 6 and forward) is designed to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards by default, giving businesses a strong foundation for compliance while reducing legal risk.

We go beyond just building accessible websites by offering: 

• Accessibility audits with prioritized action plans
• Staff training to maintain compliance in day-to-day content updates
• Ongoing monitoring for new accessibility requirements 

With nearly 25 years in business, we’ve seen how fast both regulations and lawsuits can evolve. Starting now means protecting your business today and avoiding costly legal surprises tomorrow. 

Next Steps to Get Your Website ADA Title III Audit 

Accessibility compliance is not just about following rules; it is about protecting your business and serving every customer equally. The safest way to prepare is to act now.  

Legend can audit your website and provide a clear roadmap to compliance. Don’t wait until you’re hit with a lawsuit. Take control of accessibility before it becomes a problem.

Schedule a call with Legend today to get your ADA Title III audit and protect your business.