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Web Accessibility in California

An informational overview of web accessibility expectations for organizations operating in California, plus practical first steps toward WCAG conformance.

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California is home to a large share of the country's businesses and a correspondingly active conversation about digital accessibility. Many organizations operating here treat WCAG 2.1 AA as a practical benchmark for making their websites usable by people with disabilities.

This page is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Why accessibility matters here

California's economy spans e-commerce, healthcare, hospitality, technology, and the public sector — all areas where customers and constituents expect websites to work for everyone. Building accessibility into your site reduces friction for users and demonstrates good faith in serving the whole public.

Practical first steps

  1. Run an automated scan to surface the most common, machine-detectable issues.
  2. Fix high-impact basics first: image alt text, form labels, color contrast, and keyboard operability.
  3. Establish an accessibility statement describing your commitment and a way to report barriers.
  4. Add manual testing for key flows — checkout, sign-up, contact — since automation only catches part of the picture.

Keep it ongoing

Websites change constantly. The organizations that stay accessible are the ones that fold checks into their normal release process rather than treating accessibility as a one-off audit.