ADA Laws for Banking in Ohio

State Law Summary

The requirements for website accessibility in Ohio differ significantly depending on whether the entity is a public institution (like a state agency or public university) or a private business. While there is a very clear and recent state policy for public sector entities, private businesses are primarily governed by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

For a quick overview, the table below summarizes the key differences:

Requirements for Public Entities in Ohio

Ohio has taken significant steps to mandate digital accessibility for public sector organizations through a formal state policy.

• Ohio Administrative Policy IT-09: This policy, updated in January 2025 by the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS), establishes minimum digital accessibility requirements for all state agencies, boards, and commissions . It requires that all web content and mobile applications made available to the public must comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA .
• Alignment with Federal Law: This state policy aligns with and reinforces the new federal regulations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The U.S. Department of Justice's final rule also mandates that state and local government entities, including public universities like The Ohio State University and Bowling Green State University, conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA .
• The Compliance Deadline: Both the state and federal requirements share a firm compliance deadline of April 24, 2026 . This gives public entities a clear timeline to audit and update their digital properties.
• Who and What is Covered? This applies to a wide range of public entities, including:
  • All state agencies, boards, and commissions under the Governor's authority .
  • Public universities and community colleges .
  • Public schools and other local government entities .
• The requirements are broad and cover all digital content a public entity provides, such as:
  • Official websites and web pages .
  • Mobile applications .
  • Online learning platforms and course content (like materials in Canvas) .
  • Documents (PDFs, Word, PowerPoint) and videos .
  • Content from third-party vendors and commercial-off-the-shelf software purchased by the agency .

Website Compliance Rules

Implications for Private Businesses in Ohio

For private businesses, the legal landscape is different. There is no specific Ohio state law (like IT-09) that directly sets website accessibility standards for the private sector . However, this does not mean businesses are exempt from legal requirements.

• Federal ADA Title III: Private businesses that are considered "places of public accommodation" are covered under Title III of the federal ADA . Federal courts have increasingly interpreted this to include websites, meaning they must be accessible to people with disabilities.
• The Legal Standard: While the Department of Justice has not issued specific technical rules for private businesses, the WCAG guidelines (typically WCAG 2.1 Level AA) have become the de facto legal standard referenced in lawsuits and settlement agreements . A notable example is the case against Miami University (Oxford), where a settlement required the university to conform to WCAG 2.0 AA .
• Ohio Law Support: The aims of the ADA are supported in Ohio by state laws like the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4112, which prohibits unlawful discriminatory practices in various contexts . This reinforces the importance of accessibility for Ohio businesses.

Damages & Penalties

Risks of Non-Compliance and Real-World Examples

Failing to ensure website accessibility can lead to serious consequences, as illustrated by lawsuits in Ohio.

• Legal and Financial Consequences:
  • Federal Penalties: First-time ADA violations can result in federal fines ranging from $55,000 to $75,000. Subsequent violations can lead to fines of up to $150,000 .
  • Lawsuit Costs: Beyond fines, businesses face legal fees, court costs, and settlement payments. Settlements for small businesses can range from $5,000 to $25,000, not including legal fees . For example, a Columbus restaurant was sued in 2023 for an inaccessible website, costing them $12,000 plus legal fees .
  • Operational Disruptions: Lawsuits can force businesses to make expensive, retroactive website overhauls under court order .
• Reputational Damage: Publicized lawsuits can lead to negative reviews, boycotts, and loss of customer trust, which can take years to rebuild .
• Lost Revenue: In Ohio, approximately 36% of adults have a disability . An inaccessible website shuts out a significant portion of the potential customer base, leading to lost sales opportunities .
• Examples of Lawsuits in Ohio:
  • Youngstown State University: The U.S. Department of Education found its website inaccessible, leading to an agreement to make the site fully accessible with third-party consulting .
  • U.S. DOJ v. Miami University (Oxford): The university settled a case alleging inaccessible technologies, agreeing to conform web content and learning management systems to WCAG 2.0 AA and paying $25,000 in compensation .