ADA Website Litigation
We are committed to protecting credit unions by fighting the recent flood of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website litigation targeting the industry.
Our Position
We strongly support the protections of the ADA and fully support efforts to ensure individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against and have equal access to vital financial services. However, costly lawsuits against well-intentioned credit unions exploiting an unsettled area of law take dollars out of the hands of credit union member-owners. We are fully engaging with Congress, state Attorneys General, and the DOJ on this issue and urges that clear guidance and standards for website compliance must be achieved to combat meritless lawsuits. In addition, we continue to support the credit union industry and has filed numerous amicus briefs across the country.
How This Impacts You
Currently, there is a regulatory void with respect to standards for website accessibility for entities like credit unions. The ADA and the DOJ’s regulations are silent on website accessibility standards. For many years, the DOJ has gathered information on standards for website accessibility, but in December 2017 withdrew this initiative from its rulemaking agenda and even rescinded two related advanced notices of proposed rulemaking.
Our views come from you. Make your voice heard.
NAFCU continues to work with member credit unions facing litigation over unclear website accessibility requirements under the ADA. If you need assistance, please reach out to us today!