ICBA recently released guidelines to help community banks respond to demand letters from law firms alleging that bank websites are noncompliant with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. While the Justice Department has not yet established rules and regulations governing website accessibility, this has not stopped many plaintiffs’ law firms from sending demand letters citing inaccessible websites.
Community bankers are advised to assess their websites’ compliance with the ADA and to seek legal counsel if they receive a demand letter. Additionally, Community Banker University® has a recorded webinar available for download that offers practical guidance to help banks respond to plaintiffs’ demand letters.
ICBA recently sent a letter to the Justice Department seeking intervention in the demand letters, such as interim guidelines, noting that the department does not plan to issue guidance until 2018. Read ICBA Guidelines.