A Quick Guide for Louisiana State Agencies
“ADA compliance isn’t optional, it’s the law. And in 2025, Louisiana has new rules every state agency must follow.”
If your government agency, board, or commission operates in New Orleans, Metairie, or Baton Rouge, or anywhere in the state, your website is about to come under a lot more scrutiny.
In 2025, digital accessibility isn’t just about being inclusive, it’s a legal requirement, thanks to a combination of federal rulings and Louisiana’s own Policy and Procedure Memorandum 74 (PPM 74).
So, what does it really mean to have an ADA compliant website in Louisiana? What’s changing, and what steps should you take right now to stay ahead of the curve?
Let’s walk through everything you need to know in plain English.
What Is ADA Website Compliance?
ADA compliance, in the digital world, means your website is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
It’s rooted in Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires state and local governments to provide equal access to digital services. That means your agency website must:
- Be usable by people who rely on screen readers
- Allow full navigation without a mouse
- Offer clear contrast and readable fonts
- Include alt text for all images and graphics
If you’re serving the public digitally, this isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a must.
Louisiana’s 2025 ADA Compliance Standards (PPM 74)
Let’s talk about PPM 74, the major update that takes effect on June 9, 2025.
Issued by the Louisiana Division of Administration, PPM 74 sets clear expectations for Louisiana state agency web compliance moving forward.
What it requires:
- All executive branch agencies—including departments, boards, and commissions—must follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards (not 2.2 as previously proposed).
- Agencies must designate a Web Accessibility Coordinator by March 31, 2025.
- All new or redesigned websites must meet these accessibility guidelines from the start.
So whether you’re managing the site for a regional department or a statewide program, ADA compliance is now part of your digital strategy.
What Makes a Website ADA Compliant in Louisiana?
Let’s break down what your site actually needs to be accessible.
Text Alternatives
Every image, chart, icon, or infographic must have descriptive alt text. This lets screen readers translate visuals for users who can’t see them.
Keyboard Navigation
Users should be able to navigate every part of your site—menus, forms, pop-ups—without a mouse.
Readable Content
Use high-contrast colors, scalable fonts, and logical headers. Don’t bury information in PDFs or hard-to-read designs.
Screen Reader Compatibility
Structure content semantically (headings, lists, ARIA labels) so assistive tech can interpret the site correctly.
Accessible PDFs and Docs
Ensure all downloadable documents meet PDF/UA standards, with tagged headings, readable tables, and alt text.
Mobile App Accessibility
If your agency offers an app, it must also be accessible—touch targets, contrast, labels, and readable text.
These aren’t “techie extras.” They’re the foundation of ADA compliant websites in Louisiana.
Exceptions and Exemptions
Not everything has to be reworked immediately. PPM 74 includes a few important exceptions:
- Archived Content: Anything posted before April 24, 2026 that’s not actively used doesn’t need to be retrofitted (yet).
- Individualized Content: Secure login areas or documents intended for specific users are exempt.
- Public-Submitted Content: Comments, uploaded images, or social posts by users aren’t required to meet standards.
Still, these are limited scenarios—most of your content should aim for full accessibility.
How to Get Compliant (and Stay That Way)
Getting your site compliant is one thing. Staying compliant as your website grows is another.
Here’s how to do both:
-
Run an Accessibility Audit
Start by identifying issues using tools like WAVE or Axe, and hire accessibility professionals for manual testing. -
Assign a Web Accessibility Coordinator
Required under PPM 74 by March 31, 2025, this person leads your compliance efforts and coordinates fixes across departments. -
Use the Right Tools
Implement plugins that test contrast, and simulate screen readers—but don’t rely on them alone. -
Work with Experts (Like Us!)
Design the Planet, based in Louisiana, specializes in web accessibility and digital compliance. We help state agencies and organizations across the state, and in New Orleans, Metairie, and Baton Rouge meet ADA requirements without the headache.
Are There Penalties for Non-Compliance with PPM 74?
Failing to comply can be more than just embarrassing—it can be expensive and damaging.
Legal Risk
Lawsuits related to digital accessibility are increasing every year. If your site isn’t compliant, you’re exposed.
Funding & Grant Issues
Some public funding and partnerships may require accessibility compliance to continue.
Public Trust
When your website isn’t accessible, it sends a message that you’re not serving all constituents.
Final Thoughts + Free Checklist Download
ADA compliance isn’t a tech issue—it’s a people issue. It’s about giving everyone in Louisiana equal access to information, services, and opportunities.
By following WCAG 2.1AA accessibility standards and meeting the requirements of PPM 74, you’ll not only stay compliant—you’ll create a better digital experience for everyone.
Need help making your agency’s website ADA compliant?
Contact our Louisiana-based team at Design the Planet for a free accessibility consultation—plus get your downloadable ADA Website Compliance Checklist for 2025.
Get Your Free Checklist Now and stay ahead of the June 2025 deadline.
