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NAFCU senior staff will meet today with the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Disability Rights Section to discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the need for clear guidance and standards for website accessibility requirements under the act.

NAFCU representatives who will attend the meeting include: Vice President of Legislative Affairs Brad Thaler, Vice President of Regulatory Compliance Brandy Bruyere and Director of Regulatory Affairs Alexander Monterrubio.

Credit unions, banks and other entities have faced a rash of lawsuits in the past year related to website accessibility – NAFCU is aware of demand letters and litigation in at least 24 states. Two credit unions' lawsuits over ADA have been dismissed this year.

NAFCU has urged the DOJ for months to address website compliance concerns, but current ADA and DOJ regulations remain unclear on website accessibility standards. The DOJ has never promulgated regulations regarding website accessibility for public accommodations and in December withdrew previously issued advanced notices of proposed rulemakings on this subject.

NAFCU and its members strongly support the protections of the ADA and efforts to ensure individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against and have equal access to financial services. However, this is best achieved through clear guidance and standards for website compliance, not through meritless and costly lawsuits.

NAFCU continues to engage with other stakeholders on this issue as well, including with Congress and states' attorneys general, to clarify regulatory standards for websites.

Resources for dealing with the ADA issue can be found here.