Why Your Website Needs To Be ADA-Compliant Now

If your business has a website, ADA compliance is something you should know about.

But what does it all mean for your online presence, and why must your site be ADA-compliant now?

Let's take a look at what it is, why it matters, and how to confirm that your website meets the necessary standards.

What is ADA Compliance?

ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act. The civil rights law was enacted in 1990 to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. While the ADA initially focused on physical access to buildings and public spaces, the law evolved to include digital accessibility, including websites.

For websites, ADA compliance means that your site is designed and developed so individuals with disabilities can navigate and access its content. This includes people with visual, auditory, cognitive, and physical disabilities.

ADA compliance standards are meant to provide equal access to information and services provided by websites for people with disabilities.

Why is ADA Compliance Important?

There are several reasons why ADA compliance is essential for your site.

First, it's a legal requirement. Failure to comply with ADA standards could result in a lawsuit and potentially significant fines. You don't want that.

In 2021, there were over 3,000 federal lawsuits related to website accessibility filed, over triple the number from 2017.

With 2022 numbers still coming in, experts expect another record year of lawsuits. This mounting legal pressure makes having an ADA-compliant website increasingly vital for businesses hoping to avoid expensive litigation.

Secondly, it's an ethical responsibility to have a site that's accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Moreover, making your website ADA-compliant can also enhance its search engine optimization (SEO). The three pillars of SEO—authority, relevance, and experience—all require that your site is user-friendly and accessible. When your site is ADA-compliant, you can improve its user experience, which can help boost its authority and relevance on search engines.

How Can You Ensure Your Website is ADA-Compliant?

Making your site ADA-compliant involves several steps. One of the first things you can do is conduct an accessibility audit. This will help you identify any barriers on your site and the steps you need to take to address them.

Another way to make your site ADA-compliant is to have your website's design and development follow established accessibility guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.

These policies provide details like color contrast, keyboard accessibility, and more. Updating websites to meet these policies is recommended, given recent changes to ADA regulations.

Final Thoughts

How to know if your website is ADA-compliant?

To determine whether your site is ADA-compliant, you can conduct an audit or seek the assistance of an accessibility consultant.

What are the consequences of not being ADA-compliant?

Failure to comply with ADA standards could result in a lawsuit and potentially significant fines.

What are some resources for ensuring ADA compliance?

Resources for ensuring ADA compliance include accessibility consultants, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 or 2.1, and accessibility audit tools.

By following the established accessibility guidelines and conducting regular audits, you can be confident that your website meets the necessary standards.

FAQ’s

What are some key website elements I need to make accessible?

Some key website elements that need to be made accessible include text content, documents, images, multimedia, forms, captions, site navigation and structure, colors and contrast, keyboard compatibility, readability, headings hierarchy, and more. Ensure they follow the WCAG 2.1 guidelines.

Do ADA compliance rules apply to all websites?

Yes, ADA compliance applies to all commercial websites, regardless of company size, industry, or number of site visitors. Exceptions include private membership sites or intranets that are not available to the public.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Penalties may include paying the plaintiff legal fees, damages, fines, complete site redesign costs, and impaired public reputation. In 2021, the average cost to settle an ADA website lawsuit was over $40,000.

How can I tell if my site meets the necessary ADA standards?

Conduct regular accessibility audits using online tools, do user testing with disabled individuals, and hire developers trained in accessible coding. Also, ensure your site complies with WCAG 2.1 guidelines.

Does ADA compliance benefit my business?

Yes. An accessible site builds trust and reputation while expanding your target audience's reach. It also enhances SEO through improved crawler readability and user experience. Avoiding lawsuits saves money as well.