National Federation of the Blind Sues HHS, DOJ Over 1-Year Accessibility Delay
Updated
Updated · Progressive.org · Jun 8
National Federation of the Blind Sues HHS, DOJ Over 1-Year Accessibility Delay
3 articles · Updated · Progressive.org · Jun 8
Summary
A federal lawsuit accuses HHS and the Justice Department of unlawfully pushing back online accessibility deadlines by one year for government services and federally funded programs.
The National Federation of the Blind says both agencies violated the Administrative Procedure Act by extending the deadlines without advance notice or a public comment period.
The DOJ had required state and local governments serving more than 50,000 people to comply by April 26, 2026, and smaller entities by April 26, 2027, before moving both dates back a year in April.
HHS followed in May by delaying its 2024 Section 504 web-accessibility rule by a year, affecting digital access to services such as voting, telehealth, benefits, course materials and license applications.
The suit escalates a broader backlash from disability advocates, who argue inaccessible government websites still block blind, deafblind and deaf users from essential public information and services.
With accessibility deadlines delayed, how can governments ensure disabled citizens can access vital online services today?
Why do 95% of top websites fail accessibility tests despite decades of advocacy and clear legal risks?
Beyond regulations, what will it take for digital inclusion to become a core design principle, not a compliance burden?
Digital Accessibility Delayed: NFB Sues DOJ and HHS Over 1-Year Postponement of ADA Web Compliance Deadlines
Overview
In May 2026, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) sued the U.S. Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services after they abruptly delayed important digital accessibility rules. The lawsuit targets the postponement of federal web accessibility regulations meant to ensure equal access for people with disabilities. Without these rules, the NFB and the broader disability community face daily challenges and uncertainty in accessing essential services. The NFB argues that the delay violates the Administrative Procedure Act because the decision was made without proper public notice or opportunity for comment, highlighting the ongoing struggle for digital equality.