What ADA Compliance Means for Government Software

Accessibility for constituents isn’t just about ramps and elevators—it’s also about technology. As more government services and operations move online, ensuring digital accessibility is just as important as ensuring physical spaces are accessible. 

Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local governments are required to provide equal access to all programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities. That obligation extends to the software applications employees use internally and the digital tools citizens rely on to interact with their government. As governments modernize, it is important to consider accessibility of the applications and tools they employ.

Behind every public service is a workforce that depends on software to get things done—HR systems, finance tools, case management apps, and more. ADA compliance ensures that employees with disabilities can perform their job duties independently and effectively, without barriers introduced by technology.

Some of the key elements accessible systems must provide: 

• Assistive technologies. Applications must work with assistive technologies such as screen readers, speech recognition software, screen magnifiers, and alternative input devices so users can understand and navigate forms, dashboards, and pages effectively.
  

• Keyboard accessibility. All functionality should be available via keyboard, not just a mouse.
  

• Sufficient color contrast and readable text. Visual design must meet contrast and text-size standards for users with visual impairments.
  

• Clear navigation and labeling. Buttons, icons, and links must be properly labeled so assistive technologies can interpret them accurately.
  

• Error identification and guidance. Forms and workflows should provide clear, meaningful feedback when users complete forms or take action.

When accessibility is designed into government systems, employees can contribute fully to the mission, without needing special accommodations or separate tools. Accessible software helps agencies attract and retain diverse talent while fostering a more capable and resilient workforce.

For citizens, ADA compliance means equal access to digital government services—from applying for benefits to paying taxes or submitting public feedback. As governments expand online self-service options, they must ensure those services are accessible to everyone.

Most state and local governments follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards for digital accessibility. WCAG compliance means that websites and portals provide:

• Equal access to online services. People with disabilities must be able to apply for benefits, pay bills, submit forms, and access public information online.
  

• Compatibility with assistive tech. Applications must support screen readers, captions, and alternative input methods.
  

• Accessible documents and media. Visuals like images and icons must include alternative text, captions, and structured formatting.

If a government service can be accessed online, it must be accessible to everyone—regardless of ability or device.

Digital accessibility is not just a compliance requirement—it’s a reflection of a government’s commitment to public welfare and good governance.

Accessible software ensures that no citizen or employee is left behind because of a disability. Accessibility fosters public trust and demonstrates that government is responsive to the needs of all its constituents—showing that digital transformation is about inclusion as much as innovation. A digitally advanced government that leaves some users behind isn’t modern—it’s incomplete.

Noncompliance with ADA digital accessibility standards can expose agencies to lawsuits, Department of Justice investigations, and costly retroactive fixes. Building accessibility into systems from the start prevents these issues and reduces the long-term cost of maintenance.

Accessibility and usability go hand in hand. Features like clear navigation, responsive design, readable text, high-contrast visuals, and consistent layout improve the experience for all users—not just those with disabilities. Accessibility often leads to simpler, cleaner, and more efficient software design overall.

As agencies adopt AI, low-code platforms, and cloud-based applications, accessibility should remain a foundational design requirement. Embedding accessibility into modernization efforts ensures that new technologies provide access for all users, rather than create new digital divides.

Ensuring digital accessibility doesn’t have to slow down modernization. Modern low-code platforms like Appian embed accessibility into the foundation of every application, making it easier for agencies to meet ADA and Section 508 WCAG standards from day one. 

Many accessibility features are built in automatically—like clearly labeled form fields, responsive design that works on any device, and focus management, which helps users keep their place when navigating with a keyboard or assistive technology. Developers still configure applications thoughtfully, but the heavy lifting is handled by the platform, which is powerful and configurable enough to meet their specific needs. This lets agencies create accessible workflows and citizen-facing services without writing complex code—reducing the risk of violations and saving time and effort.

Accessibility requirements change—Appian keeps up so agencies don’t have to. Updates to the platform continuously enhance accessibility, from improving focus indicators to keeping pace with emerging standards like WCAG 2.2. Each quarterly release includes documentation highlighting improvements, helping agencies maintain compliance without costly rework.

Accessibility with Appian isn’t limited to individual applications—it’s built into the entire citizen and employee experience. From online portals and forms to back-office workflows, the platform ensures services are usable, understandable, and accessible for all users. Agencies can modernize legacy systems, improve citizen experiences, and stay ADA compliant—all in one seamless process.

Learn more about Appian’s ADA-compliant platform for state and local government.