The ADA was signed into law in 1990, as a result of many veterans who came home from foreign wars and needed accommodation. At the time, the internet was at its infancy. The focus was on physical spaces. With the advent of Title III of the ADA and court interpretation, businesses with websites found themselves in an awkward legal situation.

ADA Title III prohibits discrimination in “places of public accommodations.” The Department of Justice (DOJ), the organization that enforces the ADA, has clearly stated it believes Title III applies to websites.

In the recent past, there have been many cases against businesses whose websites were not accessible to people with disabilities. Notably, in the Domino’s Pizza lawsuit that made its way to the Supreme Court. A blind man sued Domino’s Pizza claiming neither its website nor its mobile app was accessible for him. The Supreme Court refused to hear the case, upholding the lower court’s decision that the ADA applies, handing a victory to the man who brought the suit. Domino’s Pizza eventually settled the case.

Other high-profile cases include those against Target, Netflix, Nike, Amazon, Beyoncé, and more. Thousands more legal demand letters, a precursor to lawsuits are sent out monthly.

To reduce risk of a web accessibility-related lawsuit your first step should be getting a free audit report as a step towards making your website and web content accessible for people with disabilities.