Frequently asked questions
Does the Microsoft Accessibility Checker make me ADA compliant?
No tool does that on its own, and that includes Accessmith. The Microsoft Accessibility Checker and Accessmith are both automated checkers. The Department of Justice says automated checkers "can be helpful tools" but "need to be used carefully", and that "a 'clean' report does not necessarily mean everything is accessible" (DOJ, Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA). Use a checker to find and fix common issues, then have a person review the document. Accessmith is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft.
What standard does the ADA Title II web rule use?
WCAG 2.1 Level A and Level AA success criteria and conformance requirements (28 CFR 35.200(b)).
When do the Title II requirements start?
April 26, 2027 for public entities with a total population of 50,000 or more (other than special district governments), and April 26, 2028 for entities under 50,000 and special district governments. DOJ extended the original dates in an interim final rule published April 20, 2026.
Do Word and PowerPoint files count?
The Title II rule covers web content a public entity provides or makes available, which includes documents posted on its website. 28 CFR 35.201 lists exceptions, for example some conventional electronic documents posted before the requirement date, unless they are currently used to apply for, gain access to, or take part in services. Ask your counsel how they apply to you.
Is Section 508 WCAG 2.1?
No. The Revised 508 Standards use WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA (E205.4). Non-web documents such as Word and PowerPoint files are exempt from four criteria: 2.4.1, 2.4.5, 3.2.3 and 3.2.4. WCAG 2.1 includes all WCAG 2.0 success criteria, so checking against 2.1 AA also covers the 2.0 AA criteria.
Is my document content sent to Accessmith?
No. Accessmith checks and fixes the open document inside Word or PowerPoint (in your browser for Word and PowerPoint on the web). Its content is not sent to our servers. Microsoft hosts and processes your files under your own agreement with Microsoft. See the privacy policy.
What can't Accessmith check?
Whether alt text is accurate, reading order on complex slides, meaning carried by colour alone, captions, and plain language need a person. Some checks depend on what Office allows add-ins to read; the pane says when something must be checked by hand.
Is this legal advice?
No. Accessmith is software that helps you find and fix issues against WCAG 2.1 AA. For what a law requires of your organization, ask your counsel.
Sources (checked 25 October 2026): DOJ, Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA (Mar. 18, 2022); 28 CFR 35.200 (eCFR); 28 CFR 35.201 (eCFR); DOJ interim final rule, 91 FR 20912 (Apr. 20, 2026); Revised 508 Standards, E205.4 (U.S. Access Board).