Government websites are required by law to provide equal access to all users, including people with disabilities. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, public sector sites must meet specific accessibility standards. For agencies using WordPress, this means building, maintaining, and auditing sites that are compliant with WCAG 2.1 guidelines to ensure usability for everyone.
Why ADA Compliance Matters
Accessibility is not just a legal obligation, it’s a public service responsibility. Government websites distribute critical information about healthcare, education, safety, and community programs. When these sites are not accessible, it excludes millions of Americans who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice navigation, or alternative input devices.
Failing to comply with ADA standards can also result in:
- Legal penalties under federal accessibility laws
- Loss of public trust and damage to reputation
- Reduced website engagement from users who cannot navigate content effectively
Key Standards: WCAG and Section 508
To achieve ADA compliance, government websites should adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA. These standards outline how to make digital content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (POUR).
Common WCAG principles include:
- Providing text alternatives for images and multimedia
- Ensuring keyboard accessibility for all interactive elements
- Maintaining color contrast ratios for text and backgrounds
- Creating clear navigation and logical heading structures
- Avoiding content that causes flashing or motion triggers
For U.S. federal, state, and local agencies, Section 508 aligns closely with WCAG 2.1, making it the benchmark for compliance.
How WordPress Supports Accessibility
WordPress offers strong accessibility features, but compliance depends on proper configuration and theme selection. Many default and community themes are partially accessible out of the box, but full ADA compliance often requires customization and testing.
Key WordPress steps include:
- Choosing WCAG-compliant themes
- Using accessible plugins that support screen readers and keyboard navigation
- Installing alt text optimization plugins to ensure every image has descriptive text
- Leveraging ARIA labels in menus and custom elements for assistive technologies
- Testing forms, tables, and widgets for input validation and focus order
Tools for Accessibility Auditing
Regular audits are critical to maintaining ADA compliance, especially when updating content or adding new features.
Recommended tools and methods include:
- WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)
- axe DevTools browser extension
- Lighthouse Accessibility Audit in Chrome DevTools
- Screen reader testing (NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver)
- Manual keyboard testing for navigation and input elements
These tools identify missing alt text, contrast issues, and ARIA errors that can be fixed directly within WordPress.
Building an Accessible WordPress Workflow
To maintain compliance long-term, agencies should integrate accessibility into their entire web management workflow.
- Design phase: Use high-contrast color palettes and test prototypes with assistive tools
- Development phase: Follow semantic HTML and ARIA best practices
- Content creation: Train staff to use accessible headings, links, and media
- Quality assurance: Run audits before launch and after each major update
- Ongoing monitoring: Schedule quarterly accessibility reviews
Accessibility and Civic Engagement
Accessible websites don’t just meet legal requirements, they enhance civic engagement. When citizens can easily apply for services, submit forms, or access public data, agencies see higher satisfaction and fewer support requests.
WordPress can power this accessibility when built correctly, giving every visitor equal access to the tools and information they need.
How WordHerd Can Help
At WordHerd, we specialize in migrating CivicPlus and other government CMS platforms to WordPress with full ADA compliance. Our migration process includes:
- Accessibility-ready theme design
- Automated and manual WCAG audits
- Plugin configuration for compliance and performance
- Staff training on accessible content publishing
We ensure your new WordPress site meets federal standards and serves all users effectively.
Conclusion
ADA compliance for WordPress government websites is both a moral and legal necessity. By following WCAG and Section 508 standards, using accessible WordPress tools, and performing regular audits, agencies can create inclusive digital experiences for all citizens.
Accessibility is not an add-on, it’s a foundation for transparent, equitable governance in the digital age.