After 34 Years of the ADA, Why Are So Many Websites Still Inaccessible?

More than three decades after the Americans with Disabilities Act became law, digital inclusion is still far from achieved. The newly released 2025 WebAIM Million Report found that only 5.2 percent of the top one million websites meet basic accessibility standards. The remaining 94.8 percent fail to comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, the recognized benchmark under the ADA, Section 508, and many state and federal regulations.

For public libraries, these statistics are not abstract. They represent real barriers that prevent patrons with disabilities from using essential online services such as library catalogs, digital collections, and event registrations. When a library website is not accessible, it is not only inconvenient, it is a civil rights issue that limits equal participation in public life.

Why Many Institutions Still Struggle

One reason accessibility remains stagnant is perception. Many institutions still see it as a legal requirement rather than a core element of public service. There is also a lasting belief that accessibility improvements are costly and provide little return. In practice, accessible design enhances usability for everyone, strengthens public trust, and fulfills the ethical obligation to serve all members of the community.

Another issue is the false confidence in automation. Automated testing tools can detect only a small portion of accessibility problems, often less than one third. True accessibility requires human evaluation, lived experience, and expert verification. The popularity of accessibility overlays and quick fix widgets has made matters worse. These tools claim to provide compliance through a line of code but often interfere with screen readers and other assistive technologies. Websites that rely on them remain out of compliance and vulnerable to complaints and even lawsuits.

Making Accessibility Part of Everyday Practice

Digital accessibility is not something that can be achieved once and forgotten. Each new post, image, or software update can introduce barriers. To stay compliant, accessibility must become part of everyday digital management. This includes regular testing, staff training, and accountability for everyone who publishes or updates online content.

Libraries that work with vendors should request clear accessibility documentation, testing plans that include assistive technology, and transparent pricing that identifies accessibility work separately from design and development. Treating accessibility as an ongoing responsibility rather than a checklist item creates lasting results and fewer legal risks.

Building Long-Term Commitment

Accessibility is not a single milestone. It is a continuous practice that evolves as content and technology change. Each update or new feature can affect accessibility, which is why ongoing monitoring is essential.

Regular audits, periodic reviews, and staff education should be part of every library’s digital strategy. Staying informed about updates to WCAG standards and accessibility best practices ensures that compliance keeps pace with progress.

Most importantly, accessibility should be shared across the entire organization. Everyone involved in creating or managing digital content contributes to maintaining equal access. When accessibility becomes part of daily operations rather than an occasional review, inclusion becomes a lasting reality.

Equal Access Is the Heart of Public Service

Libraries exist to guarantee access to knowledge for every member of the community. That mission now extends fully to digital spaces. Accessibility is not an add-on; it is the foundation of public service in the modern age.

At Public Libraries Web Accessibility Advocates (PLWAA), we continue to monitor and evaluate public library websites to ensure they meet the standards of ADA Title II and WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Equal digital access is not optional. It is a public responsibility that reflects the true purpose of a library in the modern age.