ADA Website Compliance Checklist 2026

Images: Alt Text Requirements

Every meaningful image on your website must have descriptive alt text that conveys the same information as the image. Decorative images (backgrounds, dividers) should have empty alt="" so screen readers skip them. Images used as buttons or links need alt text describing the action, not the image. Missing alt text is the single most common ADA website violation.

Color: Contrast Requirements

Normal text must have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background. Large text (18pt or 14pt bold) requires 3:1. Placeholder text in forms must also meet 4.5:1. UI components like button borders and form field outlines need 3:1 contrast against adjacent colors. Check every text/background combination with a contrast checker.

Forms: Label and Error Requirements

Every form input must have a visible, programmatic label — not just placeholder text. Error messages must identify the specific field in error and describe how to fix it. Required fields must be indicated by more than color alone. Form submission errors must be listed and described clearly at the top of the form.

Navigation: Keyboard Accessibility

All interactive elements — links, buttons, form fields, dropdowns, modals — must be reachable and operable using keyboard alone (Tab, Enter, Space, arrow keys). No keyboard traps. Custom JavaScript widgets must implement proper keyboard interaction patterns. Skip navigation link must be provided to allow keyboard users to bypass repeated navigation.

Focus: Visible Focus Indicators

When users navigate via keyboard, the currently focused element must be visually identifiable. The default browser focus outline may be removed only if replaced with an equally or more visible alternative. Focus must never be invisible. This is one of the easiest violations to introduce and one of the most common.

Page Structure: Headings and Language

Every page must have exactly one H1 heading. Heading levels must be used in logical sequence (H1 → H2 → H3, not skipping levels). The HTML lang attribute must be set correctly on the html element. Page titles must be descriptive and unique. These structural requirements help screen reader users navigate efficiently.

Media: Video and Audio Requirements

All videos must have captions. All audio content must have transcripts. Auto-playing audio that lasts more than 3 seconds must have a mechanism to pause or stop it. Videos with important visual content need audio descriptions. These requirements protect deaf and hard-of-hearing users.

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FAQ

Is this checklist sufficient for full ADA compliance?

This checklist covers the most commonly tested and most frequently litigated WCAG 2.1 AA requirements. A free ADAWebPro scan checks your site against these and additional criteria automatically. Manual testing by a certified accessibility specialist provides the most complete coverage.

How do I know if my website passes this checklist?

Run a free ADAWebPro scan to automatically check your site against WCAG 2.1 AA criteria. The scan report shows exactly which checklist items your site fails and provides specific fix guidance.

Does my website need to be 100% compliant to avoid lawsuits?

There is no official compliance threshold in US law. Courts generally look at whether the site provides substantially equal access to disabled users. A site with zero violations is in the strongest position. A site with a few minor violations is generally a much less attractive target than one with dozens of high-impact issues.

How often should I review this checklist?

Every time your website changes. New pages, new features, and content updates can introduce new violations. ADAWebPro ongoing monitoring automatically checks your site continuously so you don't have to manually review the checklist after every change.