If you’re trying to understand ADA vs WCAG 2.2 in 2026, here’s the simple version: the ADA is the legal requirement, while WCAG 2.2 is the technical standard used to measure website accessibility today.
WCAG 2.2 introduced new success criteria that directly impact how U.S. businesses must evaluate accessibility in 2026.
What Is the ADA? (Quick Overview)
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires businesses to provide equal access to services.
On websites, this means:
- No barriers for people using assistive technology
- Clear navigation
- Usable forms
- Readable content
- Accessible media
ADA violations can lead to demand letters or lawsuits.
To understand how ADA and WCAG pricing, legal risk, and ongoing compliance fit together, you can review our full ADA Website Compliance 2026 guide for a complete business-level breakdown.
What Is WCAG 2.2? (The Official Standard Used to Judge ADA Compliance)
WCAG 2.2 is the newest version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
It defines measurable requirements for accessibility, including:
- Navigation
- Input controls
- Error prevention
- Visual contrast
- Enough time to interact
These criteria are what auditors and courts use to evaluate compliance.
What Changed in WCAG 2.2 (Compared to 2.1)?
1. New Requirements for Controls & Interactions
WCAG 2.2 added success criteria that focus on:
- Target size
- Dragging movements
- Focus appearance
- Hidden controls
These changes affect nearly every modern website.
2. More Emphasis on Cognitive Accessibility
Websites must now support users with:
- ADHD
- Dyslexia
- Memory impairments
- Processing disorders
This means simpler navigation, clearer buttons, and predictable layouts.
3. Stronger Rules for Mobile Experience
WCAG 2.2 expanded mobile accessibility requirements such as:
- Touch target sizes
- Interaction timing
- Input assistance
ADA vs WCAG — Which One Do You Follow in 2026?
Follow WCAG 2.2 as your operational standard.
That’s what courts, auditors, and accessibility tools use to determine ADA compliance.
For a full breakdown of the new requirements and how they affect pricing, see our Website Management Cost 2026 guide: https://theclaymedia.com/website-management-cost-2026
Real-World Example (What This Means for Your Website)
If your site has:
- Small buttons
- Hidden dropdown menus
- Drag-and-drop features
- Weak focus indicators
- Complex forms
…it may fail WCAG 2.2 and put you at ADA risk.
For official WCAG documentation, visit the W3C page: https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/
Is WCAG 2.2 Legally Required?
Officially, no law says “WCAG 2.2 is mandatory.”
The biggest confusion businesses have in 2026 is understanding ADA vs WCAG 2.2 and how each affects legal compliance.
But in practice:
- Every lawsuit references WCAG.
- Every settlement requires WCAG compliance.
- Every auditor checks WCAG success criteria.
So yes — you follow WCAG if you want ADA protection.
Any business evaluating ADA vs WCAG 2.2 in 2026 should know that courts rely on WCAG criteria even though the ADA is the governing law.
How WCAG 2.2 Will Affect Businesses in 2026
Expect more:
- Lawsuits
- Demand letters
- Compliance audits
- Government attention
- Accessibility updates required
Especially for sites using older themes or heavy plugins.
For a full breakdown of ADA website compliance requirements, costs, and 2026 legal risk updates, see our complete ADA Website Compliance 2026 guide.
Hyperlink “ADA Website Compliance 2026 guide” →
Need an ADA Audit or Compliance Upgrade?
We provide:
✔ WCAG 2.2 audits
✔ Full ADA remediation
✔ Ongoing accessibility monitoring
✔ Developer fixes
✔ Legal-safe reporting
👉 Contact us: https://theclaymedia.com/contact/
📞 949-444-2001
📍 Orange County, CA
