Think about how much of our world happens online—websites, mobile apps, digital content. Now imagine trying to navigate it all with barriers in your way. Accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore; it’s a must. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has updated the ADA to set clear rules for digital accessibility. Who do these changes apply to? All state and local government websites, mobile apps, and digital content, ensuring they are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
We at YesLMS are aware that navigating new rules can be overwhelming, especially with compliance deadlines looming and the sheer number of accessibility tools available. It can be hard to know where to start. This guide breaks down what you need to know about the federal rule on content accessibility 2024, highlights tools that can help, and explains how YesLMS can support your accessibility journey.
What the DOJ Rule of Accessibility Means for Agencies
The DOJ’s new regulations require all state and local government digital content to comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. These guidelines set the bar for accessible design, covering everything from screen reader compatibility to text readability.
Here are the important deadlines you should be aware of:
- Agencies that serve populations of 50,000 or more must comply by April 2026.
- Agencies that serve smaller populations have until April 2027 to meet these requirements.
Not complying with these regulations is no longer just a technical issue; it can result in lawsuits, fines, and the potential loss of public trust. Accessibility is about creating a digital world that includes everyone, and meeting these standards is a critical step in that direction.
Accessibility Checkers: Your First Step to Compliance
It’s important to understand where your content stands before addressing accessibility. That’s where accessibility checkers come in. We can assure the following tools are great options to scan your website or app to identify issues and provide actionable insights for improvement:
Axe DevTools
Axe DevTools is great for developers! The tool integrates seamlessly into coding environments and its automated testing capabilities quickly identify accessibility issues, while intelligent guided testing (IGT) helps catch problems that automation might miss. It’s especially great for developers that are working on complex or more large-scale projects.
WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)
WAVE is a user-friendly tool designed for non-technical teams. It provides visual feedback directly on your web page, making it easy to see and fix accessibility issues. It has great browser extensions and AIM reports that help simplify the compliance process. Wave is great for content creators and/or designers who want quick and actionable insights.
Why Tools Alone Aren’t Enough
Accessibility checkers are without a doubt helpful and important, but they’re only part of the solution. These tools will identify the issues that your organization should address, but your Learning Management System is a greater part of the accessibility experience.
Unfortunately, not all LMS platforms are designed with accessibility in mind. Inaccessible interfaces, limited content creation options, and poor scalability can leave organizations falling short of compliance with the DOJ rule of accessibility.
Common Accessibility Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Getting accessibility compliance right isn’t always easy. Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into traps that slow down progress or create extra headaches. The good news? Avoiding these common pitfalls can save you time, cut costs, and make sure your digital content meets the DOJ’s new accessibility rules for 2024. Let’s break it down:
1. Relying Too Much on Automated Tools
Automated tools like Axe DevTools and WAVE are great—they can scan your site and flag a lot of issues quickly. But they’re not perfect. For example, they might miss certain color contrast issues or confusing layouts that can trip up screen readers.
How to Fix It: Combine automated checks with manual testing. Try navigating your site with just a keyboard, use a screen reader, and ask real users with disabilities for feedback.
2. Forgetting About Mobile Accessibility
More people are browsing on mobile devices than ever, and if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re excluding a big audience. Issues like small buttons, poor zoom functionality, or a lack of responsive design can quickly add up.
How to Fix It: Test your site on multiple devices, from smartphones to tablets. Make sure your design adjusts well to different screen sizes. While tools can help, nothing beats testing it out yourself or asking others to try it.
3. Skipping Compatibility with Assistive Tech
Even if your site looks great and works well, it might not play nice with assistive tools like screen readers, braille displays, or voice navigation systems. Missing labels or vague links can be major blockers for users.
How to Fix It: Label every form field, button, and interactive element clearly. Add alternative text to your images and test your site with popular assistive devices to make sure everything works smoothly.
4. Focusing Only on Visual Accessibility
Color contrast and readability are important, but accessibility isn’t just about visuals. For instance, people with hearing impairments need captions for videos, and users with cognitive disabilities often benefit from clear, simple language.
How to Fix It: Think bigger. Include captions or transcripts for any audio or video content and use plain, straightforward language to make your site easier to understand for everyone.
5. Waiting Until the Last Minute
Leaving accessibility until the end of your project can lead to costly fixes and a less-than-optimal experience. It’s much harder to go back and make a site compliant after it’s built.
How to Fix It: Make accessibility part of your process from day one. Build it into your planning, design, and testing phases to catch issues early and avoid rework later.
YesLMS: A Platform Built for Accessibility
YesLMS was designed from the ground up to meet and exceed the standards outlined in the federal rule on content accessibility 2024. Its accessibility-first approach ensures that all learners, regardless of ability, can engage with digital content seamlessly.
Key Features of YesLMS:
- WCAG-compliant design: Every aspect of the platform meets accessibility guidelines, reducing compliance risks.
- Intuitive content creation: Easily create, assign, and scale learning content for teams of all sizes.
- Designed for all learners: Built to support diverse needs, including those using assistive technologies.
YesLMS doesn’t just help you meet accessibility requirements—it helps you build an inclusive learning environment that fosters engagement and equity.
How to Ensure Compliance
If you’re ready to align with the DOJ rule of accessibility, here’s where to start:
- Audit Your Digital Content: Use tools like Axe DevTools and WAVE to identify and address accessibility issues.
- Choose an Accessible LMS: Platforms like YesLMS ensure your learning materials are compliant from day one. Connect with one of our representatives today to learn how YesLMS can support your goals.
- Develop a Plan: Prioritize fixes and set clear goals for compliance ahead of the DOJ’s deadlines.
- Stay Compliant: Regularly monitor your content and provide team training to maintain accessibility.
Conclusion
The DOJ rule of accessibility and the federal rule on content accessibility in 2024 mark a new era for digital inclusivity. By leveraging accessibility checkers and adopting an accessible LMS like YesLMS, your organization can meet legal requirements while creating meaningful, inclusive digital experiences for everyone.
Ready to take the next step? Learn how YesLMS can help your agency achieve compliance and foster accessibility for all.
