National Disability Independence Day: Building a More Accessible Digital Future

Accessibility isn’t simply about meeting technical requirements or checking a compliance box. It’s about designing experiences that allow every visitor to find information, complete important tasks, and engage with confidence regardless of ability. 

For someone using a screen reader, clear heading structures and descriptive links make navigation possible. 

For someone with low vision, sufficient color contrast and scalable text improve readability. 

For individuals who cannot use a mouse, keyboard navigation provides independence. 

For people with cognitive disabilities, clear layouts and consistent navigation reduce confusion and frustration. 

When organizations invest in accessibility, they’re investing in a better experience for everyone. 

As organizations evaluate their digital presence, WCAG 2.1 Level AA has become the widely accepted standard for accessible web design and development. 

These guidelines help ensure websites are: 

• Perceivable by users with different abilities  

• Operable using keyboards and assistive technologies  

• Understandable through clear content and predictable navigation  

• Robust enough to work across modern browsers and assistive devices

Building to WCAG 2.1 AA doesn’t just support compliance—it creates higher quality websites that are easier to use, easier to maintain, and more inclusive from the start. 

For state and local governments, digital accessibility has become an increasingly important operational responsibility. 

Recent updates to Title II of the ADA establish clear expectations that digital services—including websites, online documents, mobile applications, and web-based services should conform to WCAG 2.1 AA. 

This affects organizations such as: 

• Counties  

• Municipal governments  

• Clerks of Court  

• Sheriff’s Offices  

• Property Appraisers  

• Tax Collectors  

• Supervisors of Elections  

• Public schools and colleges  

• Special districts and public agencies  

Meeting these requirements isn’t simply about avoiding risk. It’s about ensuring every resident can independently access public services, submit applications, find information, and participate in civic life. 

Although Title II applies specifically to public entities, accessibility benefits organizations across every industry. Accessible websites often provide: 

• Better search engine visibility  

• Improved mobile usability  

• Faster navigation  

• Cleaner code and stronger site structure  

• Better user satisfaction  

• Higher overall usability 

Many of the same best practices that improve accessibility also improve SEO and overall user experience.  

Digital accessibility isn’t something achieved through a one-time scan or automated plugin. 

Creating accessible websites requires thoughtful planning, experienced design, semantic development, content strategy, testing with assistive technologies, and ongoing review as websites evolve. 

At Kerigan Marketing Associates, accessibility is integrated throughout our design and development process. We build websites with accessibility in mind from the beginning, helping our clients create digital experiences that serve every visitor while aligning with today’s accessibility expectations. 

National Disability Independence Day reminds us that independence depends on access. As more of life’s essential services move online, accessible digital experiences become an important extension of the ADA’s original vision: giving every individual the opportunity to participate fully and independently. 

Whether you’re serving citizens, customers, students, patients, or community members, accessibility demonstrates respect for every person who visits your website. 

Building accessible websites isn’t simply about meeting a standard. It’s about making sure everyone has a place at the table. 

1. What is National Disability Independence Day? 

National Disability Independence Day is observed each year on July 26 to commemorate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. The day recognizes the importance of equal access, inclusion, and independence for people with disabilities. 

2. What is WCAG 2.1 AA? 

WCAG 2.1 AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA) is the internationally recognized standard for making websites accessible to people with disabilities. It includes requirements for keyboard navigation, color contrast, screen reader compatibility, readable content, and more. 

3. Does Title II require WCAG 2.1 AA? 

Yes. Updated Title II ADA regulations require state and local government entities to make their web content and mobile applications conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA, subject to the rule’s scope, timelines, and limited exceptions. 

4. Why should private businesses care about web accessibility? 

Even when not legally required under Title II, accessible websites improve usability, expand audience reach, strengthen SEO, and create better experiences for all visitors. 

We build ADA-compliant, accessible websites from the ground up, helping organizations meet today’s accessibility standards and, more importantly, serve every visitor who lands on their site. Explore our ADA Website Accessibility services today.