This article highlights the most urgent U.S. and European updates–so you can quickly assess whether your website is lagging behind in accessibility and what to do next.
Who is Affected by New Website Accessibility Regulations—and Why?
In the U.S., ADA obligations primarily come through two channels: Title I (for businesses with over 15 employees) and Title III (for businesses that serve the public). While the ADA doesn’t explicitly spell out web standards, court decisions increasingly treat websites and apps as covered– especially when they have a physical location open to the public.
For online-only companies, the picture is murkier as to what obligations businesses have to keep their goods and services accessible. For instance, some states dismiss lawsuits without a physical location, while states like California maintain stricter standards and continue to see high volumes of accessibility litigation. Now, courts are more likely to rule against businesses that operate both brick-and-mortar spaces and websites, since digital barriers can directly limit access to goods and services.
Not all businesses are affected equally. If your business operates in healthcare, sells products or services online, or has an international digital footprint, these regulations may already be knocking at your door.
Industries Affected by New 2025 Accessibility Guidelines
Here’s how the new regulations are playing out across major sectors—and what each industry needs to know.
Healthcare
Healthcare organizations are on the front line of new accessibility rules. The Department of Health and Human Services’ Section 504 Final Rule requires that any healthcare provider or related entity receiving federal funding—think hospitals, clinics, dentists, nursing schools, and even child welfare agencies—bring their digital content and apps into compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards by 2026 for larger organizations and 2027 for smaller ones.
Takeaway: In healthcare, inaccessibility creates direct barriers to care. Beyond legal risk, it undermines trust, excludes vulnerable populations, and erodes equity.
Finance
Financial institutions face heightened exposure when it comes to digital accessibility. While no new finance-specific regulations have been introduced, banks, credit unions, and lenders are considered public accommodations under the ADA because they operate physical branches and sell services directly to individuals.
This combination makes them more likely targets for lawsuits when their websites or mobile apps create barriers to core services like online banking, loan applications, or account access. Beyond legal risk, accessibility has a direct impact on customer trust and retention as people with disabilities are “three times more likely to be unbanked” according to the FDIC, effectively denying them access to essential financial services if digital platforms lock out users with disabilities.
Takeaway: For finance, accessibility isn’t just compliance—it’s a core necessity for an equitable customer experience. Excluding users effectively denies them essential financial services.
E-commerce
E-commerce has become the primary target of accessibility lawsuits, surpassing every other industry with a startling 77% of 2024 web accessibility lawsuits. Lawyers now press that the ADA applies to all “places of public accommodation”, a definition traditionally tied to physical locations. Courts have since split on whether online-only retailers fall under that definition, with some states dismissing cases against businesses without a brick-and-mortar presence, while others apply stricter standards and see heavy litigation.
This uncertainty hasn’t slowed lawsuits. Plaintiffs’ firms continue to target online retailers whose sites lack accessible navigation, alt text, or checkout processes, creating both legal and reputational risks.
Takeaway: For e-commerce companies, accessibility is no longer optional—it’s a defensive strategy against litigation and a competitive advantage for reaching more customers.
Global Businesses
For companies with international customers, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is the game-changer. Starting June 28, 2025, any business selling goods or services into the European Union must make its digital platforms meet WCAG‑based accessibility standards or risk facing significant fines, regardless of where the business is headquartered.
Like the GDPR before it, this law extends beyond Europe’s borders—U.S. companies can face fines and enforcement if their sites or apps don’t comply. The ripple effect is expected to normalize accessibility across industries that operate globally, especially e-commerce and service providers that cross international markets.
Takeaway: In short, if your business reaches European customers, accessibility isn’t just best practice—it’s a legal requirement with international reach.
Education
Higher education institutions face mounting requirements under ADA Title II, Section 504, and related state-level rules. Colleges and universities must ensure that digital learning platforms, course materials, and student services are accessible to all learners.
With students increasingly relying on online resources, inaccessible systems can block equal participation and academic success. Institutions are also under growing scrutiny from advocacy groups and regulators, making proactive compliance essential.
Takeaway: For higher education, accessibility isn’t just a compliance issue—it’s central to student equity and institutional credibility.
Prepare Now or Pay Later
Accessibility compliance isn’t just a legal box to check anymore—it’s becoming a baseline expectation across industries. With the HHS Final Rule setting firm deadlines for healthcare providers, the ADA continuing to drive lawsuits in e-commerce and finance, and the European Accessibility Act (2025) extending requirements across borders, the legal environment is tightening quickly.
That means businesses can no longer afford to wait for clarity; the burden is higher for industries like healthcare, finance, and e-commerce, but any organization with a digital presence is at risk.
Takeaway: Prioritizing accessibility now protects against legal exposure, opens the door to more customers, and signals a commitment to equity and inclusion.
How Mostly Serious Can Help
At Mostly Serious, we know this shifting legal landscape can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We specialize in creating fully accessible, WCAG-compliant websites.
Or, for existing sites, our Accessibility Audits are designed to meet businesses where they are, with three levels of support:
- Starter ($3,000 flat) – A focused accessibility health check to catch primary issues. Best for organizations not yet facing urgent legal pressure.
- Growth ($10,000) – A comprehensive one-time audit that combines automated scanning and manual testing. Perfect for most websites needing a clear compliance roadmap.
- Pro (starting at $20,000+ annually) – An ongoing program with year-round testing, monitoring, and support. Designed for higher-risk organizations that need continuous peace of mind.
Accessibility matters more now than ever—and whether you’re just getting started or ready for a fully managed solution, we’ll help ensure your website stands up to both the law and the expectations of your customers.