The Department of Justice (DOJ) in July intends to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to apply American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility guidelines to state and federal government websites.

"Many states and localities have begun to improve the accessibility of portions of their websites," the DOJ explained. "However, full compliance with the ADA's promise to provide an equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities to participate in and benefit from all aspects of the programs, services, and activities provided by state and local governments in today's technologically advanced society will only occur if it is clear to public entities that their websites must be accessible."

The department may also extend those guidelines to public websites such as online shopping sites, observers have speculated.