guide
Ghost accessibility for public-sector sites: setup, plugins, and audit checklist
Running an accessible Ghost site for public-sector sites combines two layers of responsibility: Ghost's platform-level accessibility, and the government-specific compliance frameworks — Section 508, ADA Title II, WCAG 2.1 AA — that layer on top.
Why Ghost for public-sector sites?
Ghost accessibility depends on theme choice — Ghost's default Casper theme targets WCAG 2.1 AA; custom themes vary widely. The platform itself supports semantic markup, alt text, and accessible editorial workflow but does not enforce it.
Government accessibility — the regulated reality
Government accessibility — at federal, state, and local levels — is mandated in the US by Section 508 (federal) and the DOJ's April 2024 Title II rule (state/local, WCAG 2.1 AA), in the EU by the Web Accessibility Directive (EN 301 549), and in Canada by the Accessible Canada Act, making the public sector the most regulated digital surface globally.
Ghost accessibility challenges that hit public-sector sites hardest
• Custom theme variance
• Inaccessible third-party newsletter integrations
Government pain points your Ghost site will likely have
• Inaccessible PDF forms and notices
• Inaccessible kiosks and ticketing terminals
• Outdated CMS platforms
• Procurement of inaccessible third-party services
• Lack of accessibility staff in smaller agencies
Setup steps
1. Use Casper or audit your theme: Casper is the reference accessibility-aware theme.
2. Editorial discipline on alt text: Ghost editor supports alt; require it.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Cited answers. Sourced. Updated as standards and case law change.
Can a Ghost site be made ADA compliant for public-sector sites?
Yes, provided the merchant or development team applies WCAG 2.2 AA at the source code and content level. No platform — including Ghost — guarantees compliance automatically.
What does the DOJ Title II final rule require?
WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance for web content, mobile apps, kiosks, and self-service terminals operated by state and local government entities. Compliance deadlines: April 2026 for entities serving >50,000 residents; April 2027 for smaller.
How does Section 508 differ from ADA Title II?
Section 508 governs federal procurement of ICT and applies to vendors selling to federal buyers. ADA Title II governs state and local government services. Both reference WCAG. A federal contractor often complies with both simultaneously via a single VPAT.
Is Ghost accessible?
Casper theme and Ghost editor support accessibility. Custom themes vary.
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