The Department of Justice has extended the ADA Title II web accessibility deadlines by one year, but organisations should not mistake this for a reason to wait. For larger public entities, the deadline is now April 26, 2027. Smaller public entities and special districts move to April 26, 2028 meaning the best time to prepare is now. The extension should be viewed as a planning advantage, not a pause button. Organisations that begin early can make smarter decisions, phase budgets responsibly, and avoid rushed remediation programmes later.
Why Starting Early Matters
Accessibility work takes longer than most organisations expect because issues are often spread across:
- Multiple websites
- PDFs and documents
- Mobile apps
- Third-party software
Waiting until the final months usually creates panic and poor prioritisation. Late-stage accessibility projects often become reactive, expensive, and narrowly focused on surface fixes rather than meaningful user outcomes. Starting now allows teams to work methodically and improve quality at every stage.
Step 1: Understand What You Own
Create an inventory of:
- Websites
- Portals
- Learning platforms
- Booking systems
- Mobile apps
- Document libraries
Many organisations discover hidden digital files only after starting. Legacy campaign sites, forgotten subdomains, unmanaged PDFs, and departmental tools regularly create hidden risk. A proper inventory gives leadership visibility and helps define scope, ownership, and budget requirements.
Step 2: Run an Accessibility Audit
Use a combination of automated and manual testing to identify barriers such as:
- Missing alt text
- Poor contrast
- Keyboard traps
- Broken forms
- Incorrect headings
- Screen reader issues
- Inaccessible PDFs
An audit gives you a realistic baseline. More importantly, it helps separate critical blockers from lower-priority issues so resources can be directed where they matter most. Strong audits also reveal recurring patterns that can be fixed once across multiple systems.
Step 3: Prioritise High-Risk Journeys
Not every page has equal impact.
Start with services users depend on most:
- Applications
- Payments
- Course registration
- Student services
- Contact forms
- Emergency information
- HR recruitment
When users cannot complete essential tasks independently, the reputational and operational impact is far greater than a minor content issue. Prioritising these journeys delivers immediate value and reduces exposure.
Step 4: Fix Systems, Not Just Pages
Repairing templates and reusable components can solve issues across thousands of pages.
Examples:
- Header/navigation
- Search tools
- Buttons
- Forms
- Accordions
- Menus
This systems-first approach is where the greatest efficiencies are found. One accessible component update can improve thousands of interactions instantly and reduce future maintenance costs.
Step 5: Review Third-Party Vendors
Your organisation remains responsible even when systems are outsourced as DOJ guidance notes vendor use does not remove accountability. Request accessibility documentation and remediation plans from suppliers. Contracts should include accessibility obligations, testing evidence, and timelines for fixes. Procurement is one of the strongest levers for long-term compliance.
Step 6: Train Your Teams
Accessibility should involve:
- Developers
- Designers
- Content editors
- Marketing teams
- HR
- Procurement
- Leadership
Without training, new barriers get reintroduced. The most successful organisations build accessibility into publishing workflows, design approvals, procurement checks, and release processes so standards are maintained continuously.
Special Advice for Education Institutions
Schools, colleges, and universities should focus immediately on:
- Lecture materials
- PDFs
- Admissions systems
- Student portals
- Timetables
- Video captions
Students rely on these systems daily. For education providers, accessibility directly affects participation, attainment, and student satisfaction. Improving these services now supports learners immediately rather than waiting for a future deadline.
Being ready does not mean perfection on one date. It means having:
- A clear roadmap
- Demonstrable progress
- Responsible ownership
- Sustainable systems
- Ongoing monitoring
It also means leadership accountability, measurable milestones, and evidence that accessibility is embedded into day-to-day operations. Regulators and stakeholders increasingly expect maturity, not excuses. The extra year is valuable, but only if you use it. Organisations that begin now can spread costs, reduce risk, and create genuinely inclusive digital services long before the deadline arrives.