[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” flex_column_spacing=”0px” type=”flex” padding_right=”0″ padding_left=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_repeat=”no-repeat” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”true” hover_type=”none” first=”true” background_blend_mode=”overlay” min_height=”” link=””][fusion_text hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″]Ensuring your website is accessible isn’t just good business, it’s increasingly required by law. In California, both public sector entities and private businesses face growing legal expectations to make their digital content accessible. Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Assembly Bill 434 (AB 434) – California State Agencies
  • Applies to: California state agencies and departments, including their contractors.
  • Requirements:
    • Comply with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, or a subsequent version (e.g., 2.1/2.2).
    • Post a signed accessibility certification (by the agency director and CIO) on the homepage, initially by July 1, 2019—and every two years thereafter.
  1. Unruh Civil Rights Act & ADA – Private Sector Implications
  • Unruh Civil Rights Act:
    • A California law that prohibits disability-based discrimination in private businesses and public accommodations.
    • Individuals can sue for violations—with statutory damages up to approximately $4,000 per incident, plus attorney’s and punitive fees.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title III:
    • At the federal level, the ADA requires that businesses provide accessible experiences—and this includes all websites.
    • Organizations must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA to reduce risk of costly litigation.
  1. The Role of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

WCAG, developed by the W3C, serves as the technical standard that underpins most accessibility regulations:

  • Current versions: WCAG 2.0, WCAG 2.1, and WCAG 2.2 (released in 2023).
  • Level AA compliance is considered the latest regulation.
  1. What’s Next: Proposed Legislation AB 1757

A newer bill—Assembly Bill 1757, also known as the Accessibility for All Californians Act—is under consideration:

  • Would apply to: Nearly all websites and mobile apps accessible from within California.
  • Would enforce: WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance statewide.

Accessibility Is Not Optional—It’s an Opportunity

Accessible websites aren’t just compliant—they’re more inclusive, user-friendly, and future-ready. Ensuring your site meets WCAG standards is one of the smartest investments you can make for your brand and bottom line.

Need help making your website accessible? Contact Atlas Buying Group today—we’ll help you meet California’s legal requirements and build a site that works for everyone.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]