Deadline Delays for Web Accessibility Rules Spark Concerns Over Digital Equity
In May, federal officials decided to delay new rules that were supposed to make websites more accessible for people with disabilities.
Originally, the rules were part of an 2024 update to the Rehabilitation Act’s Section 504 aimed to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities, The web accessibility standards were meant for hospitals, doctors, and others who get funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and applied to their websites, apps, and medical kiosks, as reported by Disability Scoop.
Large providers, with 15 or more employees, were supposed to ensure their technology met the new standards by May 11, 2026, while smaller providers had another year. Now, large providers have until May 11, 2027, and smaller ones until May 10, 2028.
According to HHS staff, many providers, particularly small and medium-sized ones, are struggling to meet the deadline due to reasons beyond their control. For example, some medical providers have reported to HHS that the new rules are too costly to implement and will provide them with no real benefit. As a result, HHS plans to review the 2024 rule more thoroughly and may propose changes.
This delay follows a similar postponement by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The DOJ’s 2024 Final Rule under ADA Title II ruled that state and local governments make websites and mobile apps accessible. The original deadline for meeting DOJ standards for organizations serving more than 50,000 people was April 24, 2026, and the deadline for organizations serving less than 50,000 people was April 24, 2027. Both deadlines were extended by a year just days prior, per a fact sheet published on ADA.gov.
Although delaying the deadline might negatively affect people with disabilities, HHS and DOJ staff have emphasized that providers must still follow other parts of Section 504, which require reasonable accommodations.
Despite reassurances from officials, advocates are worried about the impact this will have on people with disabilities. Key areas of concern advocates have are the following:
Long-term Exclusion: People using screen readers or other assistive tools will still find government websites and mobile apps hard to use, making it difficult for them to access information on their own.
Limited Access to Services: Important services like emergency alerts, public transport details, and vaccine appointments might still be hard to access, which could affect people’s safety and health.
Challenges in Education: Students with disabilities, especially those who are blind or have low vision, may continue to struggle with accessing online courses and materials at public colleges, affecting their studies.
Unequal Participation: This delay makes it harder for parents with disabilities, voters, and those seeking public benefits to fully participate in society.
Disability rights organizations, such as the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), have strongly opposed the extension of web accessibility compliance deadlines, calling the extensions a “serious setback” to digital equity.
The DOJ and HHS are inviting the public to share their opinions on extending the deadlines for making websites accessible until 2026. You can submit comments for the DOJ’s extension online using the docket number DOJ-CRT-2026-0067 until June 22, 2026. For the HHS extension related to Section 504, comments are accepted until July 6, 2026.
The feedback period offers a pivotal opportunity for both individuals and organizations to voice their concerns and suggestions, potentially shaping the future of accessibility standards. It is crucial for all advocates to engage in this process, ensuring that the final regulations effectively balance practical use for providers and the rights of individuals with disabilities. The pursuit of digital equity remains a shared responsibility, one that requires ongoing commitment and collaboration from all.