The ADA landscape continues to shift rapidly as 2026 brings major compliance deadlines, ongoing federal regulatory activity, and important court decisions. Here is what you need to know about the most significant recent developments in ADA law, disability rights, and accessibility policy.
April 2026 Title II Digital Deadline Approaching
The most significant near-term development is the April 24, 2026 compliance deadline for large public entities under the updated Title II of the ADA. State and local governments serving populations of 50,000 or more must ensure their websites and mobile applications meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards. Organizations that have not yet begun remediation are in a critical position and should prioritize an immediate accessibility audit.
Several federal rules finalized in 2024 have compliance deadlines hitting in 2026. This means organizations must act now, not merely plan.
ADA Today
DOJ Regulatory Rollback
In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice removed 11 guidance documents from the ADA website as part of a broader regulatory rollback. These documents had provided practical guidance to businesses on service animal policies, accessible customer service, and similar topics. Importantly, this removal does not change the underlying legal requirements of the ADA — businesses and government entities are still legally obligated to comply with the law. However, the removal places a greater burden on organizations to seek out current information and engage legal or accessibility expertise proactively.
Section 504 Healthcare Updates
The Department of Health and Human Services completed a major update to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, providing enhanced protections in medical settings. Healthcare providers receiving HHS funding must ensure their websites and digital tools are accessible. Most providers had a two-year compliance window, meaning 2026 is the year patient portals, telehealth platforms, and digital forms must be fully operational for people with disabilities.
State-Level Developments
Activity at the state level has also been significant. Maryland has moved to regulate the use of service animals, simplify voting access for people with disabilities, and introduce mandatory access to repairs for power wheelchairs. California introduced resources through its Civil Rights Department on disability discrimination protections. Several states are considering or have enacted legislation expanding employment protections and housing accessibility requirements. People with disabilities are encouraged to research the specific legislative landscape in their state.