ADA Compliance & PDF Remediation
But Compliance Has Never Been Easier
By 2026–2027, every township and city in Michigan must have an ADA-compliant website. The Department of Justice has made it clear: website accessibility is no longer optional — it’s the law. But more importantly, it’s about making sure every resident has equal access to the information they need to participate in community life.
Today, residents rely on websites more than ever for essential services: finding meeting agendas and minutes, accessing voting information, checking health and safety updates, or looking up transportation schedules. When your website isn’t accessible, just like steps at a building entrance without a ramp, people with disabilities are denied equal access to this critical information.
Those who are blind need the website to be readable by screen readers, those who are deaf or hard of hearing need captions on videos, and those who can’t use a mouse need the site to be able to handle voice recognition. A poorly designed website creates digital barriers that block access to the information they need.
Many townships and municipalities hesitate to move forward with ADA compliance because of the perceived cost and time commitment. DOJ estimates the following average annual costs per small entity using a 3 percent discount rate: county ($9,601), municipality ($18,269), township ($15,135), and community colleges ($449,163). But the flip side of not having an ADA compliant website is even more concerning, as just the first-time penalty is $75,000! Guello Marketing helps local governments solve this problem by providing ADA compliant websites starting at only $4,900 and providing an easy system for remediating PDF's used on the website with different packages to meet their needs. Click here for more info
The Guello Marketing Solution
Guello Marketing created a system designed specifically for ADA Compliant websites for townships and cities:
Affordable
Simple
Time-Saving
Certified
The Hidden Costs of Ignoring ADA Website Compliance
Failing to make your township’s website ADA-compliant isn’t just about missing a deadline — it carries serious legal, financial, and community consequences. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) now requires all state and local governments, including townships, to meet accessibility standards. Ignoring this mandate puts your community at risk in three major ways:
1. Legal and Financial Risks
- DOJ Enforcement Actions – The DOJ can investigate complaints of ADA non-compliance. If violations are found, townships may face court-ordered fixes and civil penalties — up to $75,000 for a first violation and $150,000 for subsequent ones.
- Private Lawsuits – Citizens with disabilities who can’t access your website can file lawsuits. Even if settled outside of court, townships often face legal fees, damages, and compliance costs.
- Inevitable Costs – Whether through enforcement or lawsuits, compliance will eventually be required. The longer a township waits, the higher the cost of remediation becomes.
- Rising Litigation – ADA website lawsuits are increasing nationwide, with some attorneys specializing in these cases. Non-compliant townships are easy targets.
2. Barriers to Public Service
- Denied Access – Residents with disabilities may be unable to read meeting agendas, obtain permits, pay taxes, or access emergency information online.
- Communication Gaps – Without accessible formats (captions, text alternatives, remediated PDFs), residents are excluded from civic participation.
- Community Exclusion – Non-compliance signals that residents with disabilities are not fully included in public life.
3. Reputational Damage
- Public Scrutiny – A lawsuit or complaint can quickly become public, leading to negative press and reputational harm.
- Eroded Trust – Residents expect township leadership to uphold basic civil rights. Failure to do so can cause lasting damage to community confidence.
Bottom Line
Ignoring ADA compliance now will only cost more later — in money, trust, and community inclusion. The good news is that Guello Marketing has made compliance both affordable and manageable, so your township can avoid these risks and move forward with confidence.
📞 Call us today or fill out the form below to find out how simply and cost-effectively your township can meet the new ADA standards with Guello Marketing.
