ADA & WCAG Compliant App Development: Building Inclusive Digital Experiences

Creating an app today isn’t just about stunning visuals and smooth performance — it’s also about inclusion. If your app doesn’t work for people with disabilities, you’re missing out on millions of users, risking legal action, and falling behind competitors.
That’s where ADA and WCAG compliant app development steps in.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What ADA & WCAG compliance actually means
• Why it’s crucial for your business
• How to develop apps that are accessible to all users
• Compliance best practices, tools, and checklists
• And key FAQs to get you started

Let’s make your next app something everyone can use — not just some.

What Is ADA & WCAG Compliance?

ADA: The Americans with Disabilities Act

The ADA is a U.S. civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. While originally created for physical spaces, it’s now extended to digital spaces, including websites and mobile apps.

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that the ADA applies to websites and mobile apps.
Source: ADA.gov

As digital platforms have become the go-to spaces for business, accessibility must extend to apps, websites, and other online services. ADA compliance is no longer optional for many businesses, especially if they operate in the U.S.

WCAG: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

WCAG (currently WCAG 2.2) is a global standard created by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) to make digital content accessible. It outlines how to build apps that users with disabilities — like visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments — can navigate and use effectively.

WCAG is structured around four key principles:

1. Perceivable – Users must be able to perceive the information (e.g., text alternatives for images)
2. Operable – Users must be able to interact with the interface (e.g., keyboard navigation)
3. Understandable – Content must be readable and predictable
4. Robust – Compatible with current and future assistive technologies

View full WCAG guidelines on W3.org

Why ADA & WCAG Compliance Matters for Mobile Apps

• Over 1 billion people globally live with some form of disability
• Lawsuits related to digital accessibility are rising each year
• People with disabilities represent a market worth over $8 trillion
• Search engines prioritize accessible sites/apps in rankings

Failing to meet compliance standards isn’t just a legal risk — it’s a missed opportunity to serve a wider audience. Businesses that prioritize accessibility are also making a statement about their commitment to inclusivity, which enhances their reputation and broadens their user base.

Moreover, accessible apps and websites attract a higher level of customer trust, which often translates to long-term loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing. In the age of social media, inclusivity can go viral, helping your brand stand out in a crowded market.

How to Build an ADA & WCAG Compliant App

Here’s your step-by-step breakdown:

1. Start With Accessibility in Design

Accessibility begins at the design stage — not during development.

• Use high contrast color schemes to ensure readability for users with visual impairments.
• Ensure text is resizable and readable. Avoid relying on fixed font sizes or layouts.
• Include clear, consistent navigation that’s easy to follow for both sighted and non-sighted users.
• Use proper heading structures to make the app more easily navigable by screen readers.
• Avoid relying on color alone to convey meaning. This is essential for color-blind users.

Want help designing accessible apps? Check out our UI/UX Design Services

2. Use Semantic HTML and ARIA Attributes

For web-based apps and PWA-style builds:

• Use correct tags like <nav>, <main>, <button>, <label>, etc.
• Apply ARIA roles and labels for screen readers. This helps users who rely on assistive technology understand the layout and purpose of your app’s elements.

3. Enable Keyboard Navigation

Every interactive element — buttons, links, form fields — must be reachable via keyboard (Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, etc.). For users with motor impairments, keyboard navigation is critical. This ensures that users are not dependent on a mouse or touchscreen to navigate through your app.

4. Add Alternative Text for Media

• Describe images with alt attributes, ensuring that visually impaired users know what’s on screen.
• Provide captions and transcripts for videos, so users who are deaf or hard of hearing can follow along.
• Use clear descriptions for icons and visual elements. Instead of a generic “icon,” provide context, such as “search” or “submit.”

5. Build With Assistive Tech in Mind

Test compatibility with:

• Screen readers (VoiceOver, TalkBack, NVDA)
• Voice control tools
• Switch access for motor impairments

Testing with assistive technology ensures that your app performs well for users who rely on these tools, enhancing their experience and your app’s overall usability.

Common Accessibility Features in Compliant Apps

• Text resizing & adjustable UI scaling: Users should be able to change text size without breaking the layout.
• Dark/light modes with high contrast: Dark mode with a high contrast design helps users with visual impairments or light sensitivity.
• Text-to-speech & voice control support: Some users may need the app to read content aloud or operate it via voice commands.
• Closed captions & transcripts for audio/video: These features are necessary for users with hearing impairments.
• Focus indicators for keyboard navigation: Clearly visible focus indicators help users who navigate with keyboards or other non-mouse devices.
• Adjustable reading speeds: Allow users to adjust the speed of content delivery, especially for audio or video elements.

Bonus Tool: Try Google’s Accessibility Scanner or Apple’s Accessibility Inspector during development. These tools help identify areas where your app may need improvement in terms of accessibility.

Industries That Need ADA & WCAG Compliant Apps

While all industries benefit from accessibility, these are especially critical:

• Healthcare Apps – for patients with physical or cognitive impairments, including features such as appointment scheduling, medical records access, and telemedicine consultations.
• E-commerce Platforms – enabling inclusive online shopping experiences for all users, including those with disabilities who may rely on screen readers or keyboard navigation.
• Banking & Finance – ensuring all users can manage their money, transfer funds, and access essential financial services.
• Government & Legal Apps – legally required to meet compliance standards to serve all citizens, including those with disabilities.
• Educational Platforms – to support all learning styles, especially for students with visual, auditory, or cognitive challenges.

Creating an inclusive healthcare solution? Explore our Custom App Development Services for accessibility-first builds.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

• Fines & Lawsuits – Several companies have paid six-figure settlements for failing to meet ADA standards. Legal actions are rising, with many businesses facing costly consequences.
• App Store Rejection – Apple and Google both review accessibility before allowing apps into their stores. If your app fails accessibility checks, it may be rejected or removed.
• Lost Users & Revenue – Excluding users with disabilities means losing a significant portion of the market. Many people with disabilities are loyal customers once they find accessible platforms.
• Negative SEO Impact – Poor accessibility equals lower search visibility. Search engines like Google favor accessible sites, so failing to comply may affect your rankings.

How We Help Build ADA & WCAG Compliant Apps

At Nascenture, we specialize in:

• Building WCAG-compliant interfaces from scratch
• Designing apps that pass accessibility audits and provide seamless user experiences
• Adding accessibility features without sacrificing UX
• Consulting on ADA readiness for existing platforms

We ensure that your app not only meets legal standards but also provides a positive, inclusive experience for all users.

Need expert support? Our Mobile App Accessibility Consulting is designed to get you compliant — fast.

FAQs: ADA & WCAG App Development

Q1. Is ADA compliance mandatory for mobile apps?

Yes — especially if your business is in the U.S. or operates there. Courts have ruled that mobile apps must be accessible under the ADA. Failure to comply could result in lawsuits and other legal consequences.

Q2. What’s the latest version of WCAG?

As of now, it’s WCAG 2.2 (published in October 2023). It includes additional guidelines on input modalities and cognitive impairments, providing even more ways to support users with various disabilities.

Q3. Can I retrofit accessibility into an existing app?

Yes — but it’s more cost-effective and efficient to build accessibility in from the start. Retrofitting often requires design and code restructuring, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Q4. How do I test if my app is accessible?

Use tools like:

• Apple’s Accessibility Inspector

• Google’s Accessibility Scanner

• Manual screen reader testing
• External audits from certified accessibility firms

Manual testing is essential because it captures user experience, which automated tools alone can’t always assess accurately.

Final Thoughts: Make Your App Work for Everyone

ADA & WCAG compliant app development isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a mindset shift. It’s about building apps that are usable by everyone, regardless of ability.
Inclusion isn’t just ethical — it’s good business.