How to Ensure Your Software and Hardware Is ADA Compliant
Over the past several years, businesses of all sizes have faced a growing number of lawsuits that allege violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act related to digital accessibility. As a result, organizations now face increased pressure to address accessibility across their technology environments.
High profile companies including Target and Domino’s appear in ADA related lawsuits, proving that no organization is too large or too small to face risk. In addition to legal exposure, accessibility failures can harm brand trust and limit how effectively businesses serve customers and employees.
Understanding ADA compliance for software and hardware is now an essential part of responsible IT management.
What Is the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act protects individuals with disabilities by preventing discrimination in public life. The law applies to both government entities and many private businesses.
Specifically, Title II applies to state and local government organizations. Meanwhile, Title III applies to places of public accommodation, including private businesses that serve the public.
Although the ADA predates modern digital technology, courts consistently rule that digital platforms extend a business and must remain accessible.
What the ADA Means for Software and Hardware
The ADA does not explicitly list websites, software, or IT hardware. However, courts interpret the law broadly to include technology that customers or employees rely on to access services.
If your organization falls under Title II or Title III, ADA compliance for software and hardware applies to:
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Business websites and online portals
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Software platforms and cloud applications
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Mobile apps and digital forms
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IT hardware used by employees or customers
Ignoring accessibility can expose your organization to lawsuits, lost revenue, and long-term reputational harm.
Why ADA Compliance Matters for Businesses
Reduced Legal Risk
ADA related lawsuits continue to rise. Courts frequently rule in favor of plaintiffs. Therefore, proactive compliance helps organizations reduce legal exposure and unexpected costs.
Improved Accessibility
Accessible technology allows more people to interact with your business. For example, studies show that many users with disabilities leave websites they cannot navigate, which leads to lost revenue.
Better User Experience
ADA compliant software and hardware often improve usability for everyone. As a result, accessibility enhancements frequently lead to better engagement and satisfaction overall.
Using WCAG Standards to Guide ADA Compliance
The ADA does not provide specific technical instructions. For that reason, many legal decisions reference the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines as the benchmark for compliance.
The World Wide Web Consortium created WCAG standards and organized them around four core principles:
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Perceivable
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Operable
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Understandable
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Robust
Organizations can apply WCAG standards not only to websites, but also to software platforms, mobile applications, and other digital technologies.
Learn more about WCAG standards from the World Wide Web Consortium.
How to Improve ADA Compliance for Software and Hardware
Achieving ADA compliance requires more than automated scanning tools. These tools cannot detect every accessibility barrier that affects real users.
Instead, organizations should take a comprehensive approach that includes:
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Teams performing accessibility audits aligned with WCAG standards
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Manual testing with assistive technologies
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Ongoing updates as software and hardware change
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IT policies that prioritize accessibility from the start
Partnering with a managed IT services provider helps ensure accessibility remains part of a long term IT strategy.
How Artemis IT Helps with ADA Compliance
Navigating ADA compliance for software and hardware can feel complex. Regulations and enforcement continue to evolve, which makes expert guidance increasingly important.
Artemis IT helps organizations reduce risk and improve accessibility by delivering proactive IT management and compliance focused strategies. Our team supports businesses with:
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ADA compliance guidance for software, hardware, and websites
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Managed IT services that prioritize accessibility and security
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Regulatory compliance support including ADA, HIPAA, GDPR, SOX, and PCI DSS
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Ongoing monitoring and strategic IT planning
If you are unsure whether your technology meets accessibility expectations, Artemis IT can help assess your environment and create a practical roadmap toward compliance.