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Getting Started with Digital Accessibility: An Introductory Workshop on Complying with the New ADA Title II Regulations

Handouts

Scheduled at 4:15 pm in Penrose 2 on Wednesday, November 19.

#41274

Speaker(s)

  • Ken Nakata, Principal, Converge Accessibility

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 1-hr
  • Format: Lecture
  • Expertise Level: Intermediate
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

This workshop offers a practical roadmap for public entities to comply with the new ADA Title II digital accessibility rules. It covers how to build a high-level accessibility plan, assess existing systems, embed accessibility in procurement using a risk matrix, and guide staff with a document flowchart. Attendees will gain tools and strategies to build sustainable, scalable programs aligned with WCAG 2.1 A/AA.

Abstract

In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice amended its ADA Title II regulations to require all state and local government entities to conform to WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA within two years—or three years for smaller jurisdictions. This is the first time WCAG has been formally adopted as a binding federal standard, marking a major shift in digital accessibility enforcement.

This workshop is designed for public sector professionals responsible for launching or organizing digital accessibility efforts. Rather than focusing on technical standards, it offers a practical, structured approach to building a sustainable foundation for compliance.

The session begins with how to develop a high-level Digital Accessibility Plan that separates technology categories—such as web applications versus PDFs—and outlines tailored strategies for each. We’ll then explore how to assess existing applications, prioritize efforts based on legal and operational risk, and distinguish between vendor-created and internally generated barriers. Next, we introduce a simple risk matrix to integrate accessibility into procurement decisions early and consistently. Finally, we present a document accessibility flowchart to clarify staff roles, define expectations, and streamline the creation of accessible new content.

Attendees will leave with a clear roadmap for getting started and building internal momentum—grounded in defined responsibilities, actionable tools, and scalable processes. This approach not only supports compliance with the new ADA requirements but also reflects the hallmarks of a mature digital accessibility program.

Keypoints

  1. How to comply with the new ADA Title II web regulation
  2. Creating a mature digital accessibility program
  3. Simplifying accessibility

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Legal, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Ken Nakata

Ken Nakata is a technology-focused civil rights attorney. His work focuses on web accessibility from both a legal and technical perspective. He also helps organizations manage the change towards accessibility in all aspects-including crafting policies, developing stakeholder ownership, and forging awareness and commitment to the legal and business case supporting accessibility. Ken worked for twelve years as a Senior Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. He has argued on behalf of the United States government many times before the federal courts and has helped shape the government’s policies for the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. In addition to litigation, he also helped developed many of the Department’s policies, including Accessibility of State and Local Government Websites to People with Disabilities and which reflects the Department’s current view towards ADA compliance for state and local government websites. Ken is a frequent speaker on both law and technology and is equally adept at conducting one-on-one workshops with programmers and developers as well as explaining law and policy to large audiences. He is a Founding and former Board Member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). Ken is admitted to the bars of New York, Washington, and the District of Columbia and is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He also received his undergraduate degree in mathematics from the Johns Hopkins University. He is also certified as a privacy professional with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Principals (CPACP) with the IAAP, and a Sun Certified Programmer for the Java 2 Platform.

Handout(s)