A core function of any library is providing access to content, often through web-based platforms. April 26, 2026, and April 26, 2027, are two deadlines for public institutions
to ensure web content and mobile apps comply with the U.S. Department of Justice’s 2024 Final Rule on Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires all web content and mobile applications provided or made available by public libraries
to be accessible to people with disabilities. This involves complying with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, with limited exceptions for certain kinds of content.
But what if your library has or provides access to content that doesn't comply? This session will review the legal obligations, techniques for meeting the standards, and mitigating legal risk, while focusing on what’s most important: library access for all.
Registrants will be able to submit questions in advance and during the session.
Who Should Attend: This session is for public libraries, library systems, and archives or museums that are part of a government or public educational institution. Private educational institutions, often held to the same ADA standards in New York State,
are also encouraged to attend.
All library staff including directors, librarians, trustees, academic officers responsible for libraries, general counsel, equity and inclusion personnel, IT workers, and anyone concerned about accessibility of digital resources are welcome to join us.
Presenter: Stephanie "Cole" Adams, The Law Offices of Stephanie Adams PLLC
Stephanie “Cole” Adams is an attorney who represents libraries, educators, students, and creative professionals. Cole’s law firm, the Law Office of Stephanie Adams, provides the Empire State Library Network's Ask the Lawyer service. Cole is a member of the
First Amendment Lawyers Association and the ALA Lawyers for Libraries faculty. She is a former board member of the Freedom to Read Foundation, a graduate of SUNY Buffalo School of Law, and interned at the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund during her undergraduate
studies at Hampshire College.
CE Credits:
2
CTLE credit and certificates of attendance will be available for attendees.
This event is made possible by the Empire State Library Network (ESLN) and the WNYLRC Resource Sharing Committee and is free for all ESLN/NY Council members.
