In April 2026, new ADA requirements come into force that make accessible digital services mandatory for state and local governments in the US. And since most of these governments depend heavily on external vendors for their digital solutions… it may also affect you.
This article walks you through:
- What the ADA update says
- Who must comply
- The April 2026 deadline
- Key exceptions
- What vendors need to do now
- How Axess Lab can help with accessibility audits and VPATs
Let’s dive in.
What’s happening in April 2026?
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) finalized a major update to the ADA—specifically focusing on State and local government websites, mobile apps, and digital services.
The rule requires all digital content provided by these public entities to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA, the globally recognized accessibility standard.
The enforcement deadline is April 24, 2026 for larger public entities, with smaller ones getting a bit more time.
In short: accessibility is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s a legal requirement.
Who does this affect?
The rule applies to State and local governments in the US, but it has massive consequences for:
1. Tech vendors selling to US governments
If you provide:
- Websites
- Mobile apps
- SaaS platforms
- Ticketing systems
- Payment portals
- Parking apps
- Transit apps
- Public service kiosks
- Scheduling or permit systems
…your software must be compliant.
2. Integrators and service providers
Companies that integrate digital systems for cities will also need to demonstrate conformance.
3. Agencies using off‑the‑shelf software
Even if a government entity buys a product “as is,” they are still legally responsible for its accessibility. Which means they’ll put pressure on you—the vendor.
When is the deadline?
The compliance deadlines depend on the size of the public entity:
- Large public entities (50,000+ population): April 24, 2026
- Smaller public entities: April 26, 2027
But here’s the key part for vendors:
You will start getting accessibility requirements from government clients long before 2026.
Cities and counties are already preparing their budgets, procurement language, and vendor requirements.
If your product isn’t accessible or you can’t provide a VPAT, you risk being excluded from bids.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, but they’re limited;
Archived content
Old content not needed for active use may be exempt.
Third‑party content
Information posted by third parties on government platforms may not always be covered.
Certain live content
Real‑time streams without the technical ability to caption may have temporary exceptions.
Legacy documents
PDFs and documents published before the compliance date may have limited exceptions.
But the rule is clear: websites, apps, and core digital services must meet WCAG 2.1 AA.
Most exceptions do not apply to vendor‑provided apps or SaaS platforms.
What should tech vendors do now?
Government agencies will increasingly ask for formal proof of accessibility.
Here’s how to prepare:
1. Get an accessibility audit
A WCAG audit by independent specialists gives you:
- A full list of accessibility issues
- Clear remediation instructions
- Prioritized fixes
- Evidence for procurement reviews
2. Publish a VPAT
A VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) is often required during procurement.
It tells government buyers exactly how your product meets accessibility standards.
3. Start remediation early
Fixing accessibility takes time—especially if your product has grown organically over many years.
Starting early avoids rushed fixes and failed procurement bids.
4. Train your teams
Developers, designers, product managers, and QA teams should understand accessibility basics.
Government clients increasingly expect vendors to prove accessibility maturity.
In order to stay compliant over time you need your teams to master at least the basics of accessibility without relying on external specialists.
Accessibility training, workshops and talks
Why this matters: more than compliance
Beyond legal risk, accessible products perform better:
- Better UX for everyone
- Improved SEO
- Improved AI discoverability
- Better performance on mobile
- Expanded market reach
- Lower future remediation costs
And of course—you help ensure equal access to public services.
How Axess Lab can help
We help Saas companies and tech vendors meet accessibility requirements by offering:
🛠️ Professional accessibility audits
Identify issues early and get a clear roadmap for compliance.
📄 VPAT creation & publication
We create accurate and industry‑standard VPATs that help you win government contracts.
🎓 Developer & designer training
Empower your teams to build accessible features from the start. We offer live teacher-led training remote or on-site as well as on-demand online courses.
🔧 Ongoing accessibility support
We partner with companies long‑term to maintain compliance as products evolve. From a shared Slack channel for quick questions to a full time Accessibility Lead from Axess Lab – whatever works best for you!
Final thoughts
The April 2026 ADA deadline is coming fast—and state and local governments are already preparing.
If you provide digital solutions to the public sector, accessibility is now a mandatory part of your product.
The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone.
Axess Lab is here to help you meet the requirements, win bids, and build products that everyone can use.