Types of Legal Support Available
Non-profit disability advocacy organizations often provide legal support, either directly or through partnerships: Start by contacting disability rights organizations in your state or national organizations focused on accessibility. Some private law firms specialize in ADA and disability rights litigation: General civil rights attorneys may handle accessibility cases, though with less specialization: If you have limited income, legal aid may be available:
Many offer free or low-cost legal consultations
Some have staff attorneys who handle accessibility cases
They understand disability discrimination in depth
They can advise on whether your case is viable
They often work on systemic accessibility issues
They have deep expertise in disability discrimination law
They can handle individual cases and class actions
They understand the technical aspects of web accessibility
They may work on contingency (payment depends on winning)
Consultation fees vary; some offer free initial consultations
They understand ADA law but may not specialize in web accessibility
Useful if you combine accessibility claims with other discrimination
May need education on technical accessibility issues
Check their experience with similar cases
Free legal services for low-income individuals
May not have accessibility specialists on staff
Can refer you to appropriate resources
Eligibility varies by location and income
How to Find Qualified Attorneys
Most Effective First Step These organizations are often the best entry point because they: Search for: "[Your State] disability rights organization" or "[Your State] accessibility advocacy group" State bar associations maintain referral services: Use specialized legal search platforms: Get recommendations from other people with disabilities: Some law schools have clinics focused on disability rights:
Know who handles accessibility cases in your area
Have relationships with qualified attorneys
Can vet cases before referring to counsel
Often provide free or low-cost initial consultation
Search their website for attorneys listing "accessibility" or "ADA"
Bar associations often have practice area directories
Some offer free consultation as part of referral service
Verify the attorney is in good standing
Search terms: "ADA attorney," "disability rights lawyer," "web accessibility attorney"
Check their listed expertise areas and past cases
Look for client reviews and case results (when available)
Call for consultation (many offer free initial calls)
Online disability communities and forums
Local disability support groups
Social media groups focused on accessibility
Word-of-mouth recommendations from people with similar experiences
Clinical professors who specialize in accessibility
Law students trained in disability rights
Often provide free or low-cost services
May work on innovative or test cases
What to Look for in an Attorney
Ask potential attorneys: Ideal candidates have handled multiple accessibility cases or have strong ADA litigation background. Does the attorney: You want someone who gets why this matters beyond the legal technicality. They should be able to: They don't need to be a technologist, but they need comfort with technical concepts. Does the attorney: Many accessibility attorneys work on contingency:
"Have you handled web accessibility discrimination cases?"
"How many ADA Title III cases have you brought?"
"Are you familiar with WCAG 2.1 standards?"
"Have you worked with technical experts or accessibility consultants?"
Respect disability as a civil rights issue (not charity)?
Understand different types of disabilities and their impacts?
Listen to your experience without dismissing barriers?
Communicate without ableist language or assumptions?
Explain WCAG standards in understandable terms
Understand how assistive technology works
Work with accessibility experts and engineers
Review technical evidence and expert reports
Explain things clearly without jargon?
Answer your questions and return calls promptly?
Explain the costs and fee structure upfront?
Discuss realistic expectations for your case?
You pay nothing unless you win
Attorney's fee comes from your settlement or judgment
You may still pay for court costs and expert witnesses
Get fee arrangements in writing
Preparing for Your Initial Consultation
Before meeting with an attorney, prepare: Put together a brief narrative:
Timeline of your attempts to access the website
Screenshots and videos showing the barriers
Copies of any communication with the website owner
Technical details (which assistive technology, what specifically failed)
Information about the website operator (size, type of business)
Notes on how this affected you (lost business, missed services, etc.)
When you tried to use the website
What you were trying to accomplish
How the barrier prevented you from accessing services
What you tried to do about it
What outcome you're seeking
"Do you think I have a viable case?"
"What would I need to prove?"
"What are the likely outcomes?"
"What's your fee structure?"
"What resources would I need to invest?"
"How long would this likely take?"
"Would we pursue settlement or litigation?"
Will an Attorney Take Your Case?
Be realistic about legal remedies:
Clear, documented barriers affecting core functionality
Website owner is a business or organization (public accommodation)
Multiple attempts to contact them with no response
Significant harm or damages (lost services, time, etc.)
Evidence the barrier affects many people, not just you
Website operator is large enough to afford remediation
Website is government-only (different legal pathway)
Website is purely informational with no impact
Barrier is extremely minor or easily circumvented
Website operator is genuinely attempting compliance
Limited damages or clear remedy available
They cannot force agencies to enforce accessibility
They cannot make laws or change federal standards
They cannot sue social media companies easily (still unclear in law)
They cannot guarantee a specific outcome
They cannot sue on your behalf without evidence you're damaged
Alternatives to Full Litigation
Your attorney sends a formal legal letter demanding remediation: Many cases settle before trial: For government websites, you can file complaints: If many people are affected, your case might become a class action:
Often prompts quick response from website owners
Much less expensive than litigation
Gives owner clear legal notice and timeframe
Creates record if litigation becomes necessary
Website owner agrees to fix barriers and pay damages
Faster than litigation, more certain outcome
Attorney can negotiate on your behalf
Can include compensation for your time and harm
Department of Justice (federal sites)
State human rights commissions
State attorney general's office
No attorney needed to file, but helpful to have one
Your attorney represents a larger group with similar claims
More leverage to push for systemic change
Broader impact than individual settlement
Individual class members may receive less compensation
Strengthen Your Case with Professional Analysis
Attorneys need solid evidence. Get a detailed accessibility audit to identify and document specific WCAG violations.