Digital Equity is Non-Negotiable
Public libraries are founded on the mission of universal access, yet thousands of their websites remain digitally inaccessible, effectively denying services to patrons with disabilities.
We’re here to change that.
Public Libraries Web Accessibility Advocates (PLWAA) is a national initiative dedicated to ensuring every public library website in the United States meets the accessibility standards required under ADA Title II and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Our goal is not punishment—it’s progress. We advocate for training, inclusive design, and responsible vendor selection so libraries can rebuild trust and ensure their digital services are truly accessible to all.
We conduct manual, expert evaluations and formally report digital platforms that exclude patrons with disabilities from vital public information and services. Compliance is not optional—it’s the law.
Who We Are
PLWAA is a growing coalition of accessibility experts, library patrons, usability specialists, and assistive-technology users united by one mission: to make digital library spaces as inclusive as their physical ones.
We formed in direct response to the institutional negligence and cynical excuses that block access. We have documented countless instances of libraries stating:
- “We should not change our website for a small group of people.”
- “Accessibility will make the website ‘ugly’ or ruin the design.”
- “We don’t care about accessibility; we have insurance and will deal with a lawsuit when it happens.”
- “The website will be done my way, not the public’s way.”
Furthermore, we are targeting the systemic failure of procurement: libraries failing to request proof of accessibility (VPATs) from vendors and knowingly selecting inaccessible platforms.
Our enforcement actions are not arbitrary. They are a consequence of this systemic bad-faith behavior. If we are taking action, it is because these cynical attitudes forced our hand.
Our Mission
To mandate public library accountability for ADA-compliant digital services, promote transparency, and advocate for true functional accessibility
Our Values
- Accountability: Digital access is a civil right, not a convenience or a feature.
- Equity: Every patron deserves equal access to information and resources.
- Integrity: Neutral, expert evaluation without vendor influence, bias, or paywalls.
OUR PROCESS
1. Expert Functional Testing & Legal Standard Audit
Our diverse team of accessibility experts and patrons with disabilities conducts manual functional testing to confirm compliance failures against WCAG 2.1 AA Success Criteria. These comprehensive audit findings are retained by PLWAA for use in legal enforcement and complaint filing.
2. Notification of Non-Compliance & Mandate for Remediation
We formally notify the library of confirmed compliance failures and issue a Mandate for Independent Remediation. We confirm the existence of violations but do not provide a full audit report. This initial opportunity for voluntary remediation is reserved for libraries demonstrating a commitment to digital equity. However, for libraries that exhibit willful disregard for accessibility—including those opting for known inaccessible websites, implementing deceptive overlay widgets, or failing to act after clear notice—we reserve the right to bypass this step and proceed immediately to formal Title II ADA complaint filing. The library must contract its own qualified accessibility expert to conduct a comprehensive audit and establish a firm remediation timeline. Failure to acknowledge the violations and commit to this independent remediation constitutes institutional non-compliance.
3. Formal Complaint Filing & Enforcement Action
If the mandate is rejected or ignored, we file a formal Title II ADA complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). This action initiates a federal investigation, potentially leading to a legally binding Resolution Agreement or a lawsuit.