The Oklahoma Bar Journal September 2025

barriers if not properly designed and implemented. Inaccessible websites are as exclu sionary to online clients with disabil ities as steps leading to the entrance of your law firm are to physical clients with disabilities. Law firms should ensure that their websites comply with applicable accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). 46 To do this, consider the typical fac tors that create accessible websites: proper text size, text/background color and contrast, alternative text for image description, captioning for videos, accessible online documents and keyboard (rather than mouse only) navigation. on ADA compliance in physical spaces, law firms should not ignore their digital presence. The DOJ continues to take steps to enforce online accessibility not only under Title II but also under Title III of the ADA. While the DOJ estab lished WCAG 2.1 Level AA 47 as the standard for Title II compliance, it promotes following the technical standards for web accessibility in private businesses. In its effort to enforce digital accessibility, the DOJ has entered into settlement agreements with companies such as Rite Aid Corp., Teachers Test Prep Inc., H&R Block and Peapod LLC because their respective web sites were found to discriminate against people with disabilities. What do these four companies have in common? They maintain an online presence in addition to their physical spaces. In contrast to the aforemen tioned settlement agreements, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Cases and Settlements Worth Noting While this article’s focus is

Firm policies should clearly articulate the firm’s commitment to accessibility and should provide specific procedures for handling accommodation or modification requests from employees and clients. These policies should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in best practices, regulations and technology. MOVING FORWARD: EMERGING ISSUES AND CONSIDERATIONS The landscape of ADA compli ance continues to evolve, with new technologies and changing work patterns creating both opportuni ties and challenges for law firms seeking to maintain accessible facilities and services. Technology Integration Modern law firms increasingly rely on technology for client services, from online consultation platforms to electronic document manage ment systems. While these tech nologies can enhance accessibility for some individuals with dis abilities, they can also create new

Developing Remediation Plans When accessibility barriers are identified, law firms must develop prioritized remediation plans, also known as transition plans, that address the most significant bar riers first. The readily achievable standard requires ongoing assess ment of what barrier removal is feasible as the firm’s resources and circumstances change. Remediation or transition plans should include specific timelines, budget allocations and responsi bility assignments. Plans should also address interim accommoda tions that can be provided while permanent barrier removal is being implemented. All law firm staff who interact with clients should receive train ing on accessibility awareness and appropriate interaction with individuals with disabilities. This training should address both legal requirements and practical con siderations for providing effective and considerate client services. Staff Training and Policy Development

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.

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THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL