ADA Laws for Manufacturing in West Virginia

State Law Summary

West Virginia Does Not Have a Specific Website Accessibility Law for Private Businesses

West Virginia does not have a state statute that explicitly requires private business websites to meet accessibility standards.

Instead, accessibility requirements usually arise from the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Two sections of the ADA are relevant:

• Title II – applies to state and local government entities
• Title III – applies to private businesses that serve the public

Under Title III, businesses considered places of public accommodation must provide equal access to their goods and services. Courts increasingly interpret this requirement to include websites and online services, particularly when they are tied to a physical business.

Businesses typically covered include:

• restaurants
• retail stores
• hotels
• healthcare providers
• banks
• professional service providers.

Most ADA website lawsuits argue that accessibility barriers prevent individuals with disabilities from using a company’s online services.

Common barriers cited in complaints include:

• missing alternative text for images
• inaccessible online forms
• keyboard navigation failures
• poor color contrast
• incompatibility with screen readers.

Because the ADA does not specify a technical web standard, courts and settlements typically rely on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 or 2.1 Level AA as the practical benchmark for accessibility.

Website Compliance Rules

West Virginia Accessibility Policies for Government Websites

Although West Virginia does not have a dedicated website accessibility statute for private businesses, the state maintains accessibility policies for government websites.

The official WV.gov portal accessibility policy states that the site is designed to be accessible in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which governs accessibility for government technology.

These policies encourage agencies to ensure that:

• images include alternative text
• pages work with screen-reading software
• documents are accessible to assistive technology
• individuals can request materials in alternative formats if needed.

If a user cannot access content due to a disability, the state provides contact options to request accommodations or alternative formats.

Damages & Penalties

Accessibility Requirements for Public Universities and Schools

Public educational institutions in West Virginia must comply with accessibility laws under:

• ADA Title II
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

For example, web services and digital content at West Virginia University must meet accessibility standards and undergo accessibility testing before launch.

Universities typically follow WCAG accessibility guidelines to ensure compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers.