WCAG 2.1 Help Blog
ADA website compliance basics for product teams (2026)
If your team owns a public-facing site, accessibility is part of product quality. This guide summarizes common expectations without legal jargon.
ADA vs. WCAG: how teams usually connect the dots
The ADA is a civil rights law. It does not spell out technical web requirements, so organizations often use WCAG as the practical standard for website accessibility.
Most accessibility remediation efforts map issues to WCAG 2.1 AA because it is specific, testable, and widely referenced.
What teams are expected to show
You generally need evidence of accessibility effort: documented audits, remediation work, and a plan for ongoing improvements.
This is as much about process as it is about individual fixes.
- An audit with issues mapped to WCAG criteria
- A prioritized remediation backlog
- Retesting and verification notes
- An accessibility statement and contact method
Key takeaways for 2026 planning
Budget for accessibility like you would security or performance. It is a continuous practice, not a one-time checklist.
This article is informational, not legal advice. For legal interpretations, consult qualified counsel.