Is the Web covered by the ADA?
In 1996, the Department of Justice responded to an inquiry regarding Web accessibility indicating that ADA covered entities who use the Internet for communications regarding their programs, goods, or services "must be prepared to offer those communications through accessible means." Thus one could argue that the ADA does require accessible web sites. However, the Justice response went on to indicates that "instead of providing full accessibility through the Internet directly, covered entities may also offer other alternate accessible formats...to communicate the information contained in web pages." There has not been subsequent formal clarification of the ADA requirements for web access since this letter and the Department of Justice has not adopted any standards for web accessibility as a requirement for compliance with the ADA.
