Separate responsibilities from product features
The U.S. Department of Justice explains that ADA requirements apply to state and local governments and to businesses open to the public. Its web accessibility guidance describes common barriers and practical considerations. The guidance also points readers to separate, newer requirements for state and local government websites.
The ADA is a law. WCAG is a technical standard. A software feature is a capability a product offers. Those are related subjects, but they are not interchangeable. Adding a text-size control does not, by itself, establish that every part of a website meets its applicable obligations.
Public-sector requirements need their own review
State and local government websites and mobile apps are subject to a specific Title II web accessibility rule. The DOJ’s current rule fact sheet explains the technical standard, covered content, exceptions, and compliance timing. Consult that current guidance rather than applying a generic business checklist to a public-sector organization.
For an organization’s legal obligations, deadlines, or a particular claim, obtain qualified advice. This guide explains how to think about website work; it does not make a legal determination for your organization.
Start with the tasks people came to complete
Choose a representative journey: find a service, read eligibility information, book an appointment, complete a purchase, or submit a request. Follow that journey from its entry page to a meaningful finish. Include error states, confirmations, and any external service involved.
Record where the experience breaks down. “The error message is not announced after submission” gives a team a better starting point than “the page needs accessibility.” Assign each finding to someone who can change the relevant content or component, then retest the same journey.
What tools can contribute
AbleBrowse gives visitors control over reading, display, and navigation preferences. Its reporting route gives people a way to describe a problem. Automated checks can help identify some issues, while human evaluation examines use in context. W3C’s evaluation overview explains the role and limits of evaluation approaches.
Keep the layers connected: usable defaults, visitor choice, evaluation, source fixes, and follow-up. AbleBrowse does not claim government approval, legal certification, or that installing a toolbar alone resolves every accessibility barrier.