In 2023 alone, over 4,000 lawsuits were filed in the U.S. against businesses with inaccessible websites—a 15% increase from the previous year. In 2025, the stakes for ADA compliance are higher than ever. For website owners, ignoring accessibility isn’t just a moral oversight; it’s a legal and financial gamble. At RedTag, we specialize in turning compliance challenges into opportunities, ensuring your website is both inclusive and legally protected.

Understanding ADA Compliance in the Digital Age
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, has evolved to include digital spaces. Today, websites are considered “places of public accommodation,” requiring adherence to accessibility standards. The Department of Justice (DOJ) solidified this in 2023 by formally adopting WCAG 2.1 AA as the benchmark for compliance. This means:

  • Text must be readable by screen readers.
  • Navigation must work without a mouse.
  • Media requires captions and alt text.
  • Forms and buttons must be accessible to all users.

Non-compliance isn’t just about missing alt tags—it’s about excluding 26% of U.S. adults living with disabilities and inviting costly litigation.

The Legal Ramifications of Non-Compliance in 2025
In 2025, enforcement is expected to intensify. States like California and New York already impose stricter penalties, and the DOJ is prioritizing digital accessibility in its regulatory agenda. Unlike brick-and-mortar businesses, which operate within the bounds of state lines, online websites are accessible nationwide—and even globally. This means that businesses operating online are not insulated from stricter state laws, as users from states like California or New York can file complaints or lawsuits against any website they access under their jurisdiction. This further amplifies the importance of ensuring digital accessibility compliance across the board.

Recent cases include:

  • A major retailer settling a lawsuit for $6 million over inaccessible checkout processes.
  • A university facing penalties after students with disabilities couldn’t access online coursework.

Beyond fines, businesses risk reputational damage. A single lawsuit can spiral into negative press, eroded customer trust, and lost revenue.

Why 2025 is a Turning Point for Web Accessibility

  1. Stricter Regulations: The DOJ may mandate WCAG 2.2 updates, requiring proactive adjustments.
  2. Global Precedent: The EU’s Accessibility Act now mirrors U.S. standards, affecting multinational businesses.
  3. Consumer Expectations: 73% of users abandon sites with poor accessibility—a number rising with aging populations.

In 2025, “compliant” isn’t just a checkbox; it’s a competitive edge.

The Business Case for ADA Compliance

  • Expand Your Audience: Reach 61 million Americans with disabilities—a market with $490 billion in disposable income.
  • Boost SEO: Accessible sites rank higher. Proper headings, alt text, and structure align with search engine algorithms.
  • Enhance UX: Simplified navigation benefits all users, reducing bounce rates and improving conversions.

How RedTag Ensures Your Website Meets ADA Standards
At RedTag, we don’t just fix problems—we future-proof your digital presence.

  1. Comprehensive ADA Audit:
  • Automated Scans: Identify issues like missing alt text or color contrast errors.
  • Manual Testing: Our experts simulate screen reader and keyboard-only navigation.
  • Detailed Report: Prioritized fixes with actionable steps.
  1. Tailored Remediation:
  • Collaborate with your team to implement WCAG updates.
  • Optimize mobile accessibility, forms, and multimedia.
  1. Compliance-Built Design (New Websites):
  • Bake accessibility into every stage of development.
  • Ensure responsive design and ARIA labels from day one.
  1. Ongoing Monitoring:
  • Monthly scans to address new content or code changes.
  • Training for your staff to maintain standards.

The clock is ticking. In 2025, ADA compliance will be non-negotiable for businesses aiming to thrive—and avoid six-figure lawsuits.