Update: Extended Deadlines for Health and Human Services Website Accessibility Compliance 

On May 11, 2026, the Office for Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) filed an Interim Final Rule extending the deadline for counties that receive HHS funding to meet federal accessibility standards under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The compliance deadline has been extended from May 11, 2026 to May 11, 2027. 

In April, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) also filed an Interim Final Rule to extend the deadline for counties to comply with Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities. Click here to read more.  

Website accessibility is a vital step toward fulfilling the mission of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d). However, compliance with website accessibility standards is difficult for many county governments due to costs and technical challenges. This extension of the deadline provides counties with more time to make their websites and documents ADA-compliant and alleviate the threat of litigation. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Eric Lawyer elawyer@counties.org or sdowdall@naco.org.