Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that all “places of public accommodation” (all business open to the public) are legally required to remove any “access barriers” that would hinder a disabled person’s access to that business’s goods or services. ADA guidelines do not explicitly define website accessibility as a protected service.
However, one of the requirements under Title III does address the denial of participation requirement: “A public accommodation shall not subject an individual or class of individuals on the basis of a disability or disabilities of such individual or class, directly, or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, to a denial of the opportunity of the individual or class to participate in or benefit from the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages or accommodations of a place of public accommodation” which may include websites.
Why is website accessibility important to golf course owners and operators?
If a golf course’s website is determined not to be fully accessible by those with disabilities, the course can face a lawsuit, plus the cost of re-developing their website.
What is the NGCOA doing about website accessibility?
The NGCOA recognizes that the ADA Title III regulation fails to provide businesses with clear guidance for determining a compliant website, so we've partnered with industry experts to create and share the latest information, education and recommendations for minimizing golf course owners risk of lawsuits.
What steps golf course owners and operators take to be compliant?
We encourage you to use the tools we provided to assess your website(s) and determine if they meet the industry-recognized protocols. If not, work with your website developer to update your site. Learn more about this topic and discuss it with your peers.