ADA Website Compliance Exemptions – Who Is Actually Exempt?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doesn’t explicitly mention websites. Because of that, it’s not always clear whether your website needs to comply with the ADA or qualifies for an exemption.

In this guide, we’ll explain who qualifies for ADA website compliance exemptions, so you can understand whether the rules apply to your website.

Who Is Exempt from ADA Website Compliance?

Under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), most public-facing businesses are required to make their websites accessible. However, there are specific exemptions:

• Businesses that don’t serve US customers. If the website doesn’t offer sales, services, or marketing to people in the US, the ADA doesn’t apply.
• Religious organizations. If the website is owned by a church, mosque, synagogue, or any religious group, it is exempt from ADA compliance.
• Private clubs. If the website belongs to a private, members-only club that’s not open to the public, the ADA doesn’t apply.

If your website doesn’t fall into any of these categories, it is expected to be ADA compliant.

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Scan your website for free to check if it is ADA compliant.

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What to Do If Your Website Is Not Exempt

If your website isn’t exempt from ADA compliance, the next step is making sure it meets accessibility standards. The ADA itself doesn’t give technical instructions, but the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recommends following the WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

Here’s how you can start:

• Run an automated accessibility scan to catch common issues like missing alt text, poor contrast, or inaccessible forms.
• Manually test key pages to check real-world usability, as automated tools can’t catch everything.
• Test with assistive technologies, like screen readers or keyboard-only navigation, to experience how users with disabilities interact with your site.

This process helps you find and fix barriers that stop people from using your website. After addressing these issues, it’s a smart move to publish an accessibility statement that outlines your commitment to inclusion and ongoing improvements.

We’ve put together a complete guide on how to make a website ADA compliant. If you’re ready to start, the first step is simple – run a free accessibility check on your website.

You Should Make Your Website Accessible Either Way

Even if your website is technically exempt from ADA compliance, making it accessible is still the right thing to do. An accessible website allows people with disabilities to navigate, interact, and benefit from your content or services without barriers.

Also, it improves your website overall. Better accessibility means better usability for all visitors, stronger SEO, faster performance, and a wider reach. Plus, it shows that your brand values inclusivity and cares about offering equal access to everyone.

And keep in mind that the ADA isn’t the only accessibility law out there. Even if your website doesn’t fall under the ADA (for example, if you don’t serve US customers), you could still be subject to other accessibility laws like the EAA, the AODA, or similar regulations in your region.

In short, accessibility is good for your users, your brand, and your business. So, does your website need to be ADA compliant, or rather accessible in general? Well, if you ask us, yes – from a legal, ethical, business, and broader compliance perspective.