Does My Website Meet Web Accessibility & ADA Compliance?
Khiana Jackson,
Copywriter
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Does My Website Meet Web Accessibility & ADA Compliance?
In the past, the target for ADA was physical accommodations, such as ramps and automatic doors, which are easily recognizable as accessibility measures at brick-and-mortar buildings. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) addresses the realities of navigating the world while living with a disability – and that includes the accessibility of websites. According to the Star Tribune and Accessibe, ADA compliance lawsuits targeting business websites have quadrupled since 2018. Continue reading to learn how the ADA may affect your business’s online presence and what steps you can take to make your site more accessible to everyone.
Regarding the internet and websites, federal legislation has no comprehensive digital ADA compliance standards; the Department of Justice directs courts to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines when settling cases.
The current push for growth and innovation in web pages has created challenges for website accessibility. Seen as a viable method of enacting change and improving user experiences for all, lawsuits address the shortcomings of design accessibility, which is usually an afterthought of website design. Many elements needed for SEO may conflict with ADA compliance.
Businesses that face litigation and are deemed inaccessible are required by the courts to reach the current standard of WCAG accessibility compliance. The best way to avoid suits for non-compliance is to ensure your website meets current ADA-compliant.
No Website Platform Itself Is ADA Compliant
What affects whether your website meets standards are design elements such as color, navigation, images, and if they’re labeled, and visible links within the pages and products.What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was established in 1990 as a civil rights law protecting individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Title III of the ADA requires that all businesses open to the public remove any barriers hindering a person’s access to goods or services.Regarding the internet and websites, federal legislation has no comprehensive digital ADA compliance standards; the Department of Justice directs courts to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines when settling cases.
Why are ADA-Compliant Sites Important?
ADA-compliant websites offer an equitable user experience and more pleasant browsing for everyone, and they may protect your business from on-the-rise class-action lawsuits. As technology advances, legal precedents surrounding web accessibility change, and companies must be proactive against potential challenges.The current push for growth and innovation in web pages has created challenges for website accessibility. Seen as a viable method of enacting change and improving user experiences for all, lawsuits address the shortcomings of design accessibility, which is usually an afterthought of website design. Many elements needed for SEO may conflict with ADA compliance.
Businesses that face litigation and are deemed inaccessible are required by the courts to reach the current standard of WCAG accessibility compliance. The best way to avoid suits for non-compliance is to ensure your website meets current ADA-compliant.
How Do I Know If My Website Meets ADA Compliance?
Ecreative has access to many tools and sites from which we can generate a report to show whether a website passes or what areas need to be addressed to meet compliance.Contact us today if you’d like a Free ADA Website Compliance test.
What Ways Can I Make My Website Meet ADA Compliance?
There are many solutions for updating a website to meet compliance standards. You can partner with consultants that run reports to list changes needed. For some government contracts, these may be needed for certain certificates. We have partnered with a company that, using AI, will update your website and have tools to let the user change their experienced to meet their disability needs.Understanding Changes to Make Your Website More Accessible
Optimizing your website for ADA compliance should not be an afterthought. Since compliant websites offer a better experience for all, here are some considerations for accessible web design.Does Your Website Support Keyboard Navigation?
While using a mouse for navigation is common for many computer users, individuals with limited mobility and motor function utilize keyboard navigation for ease and comfort. Including keyboard navigation in your web development is vital. The visual flow of the page should be cohesive, and forms, links, and webpage elements should be predictable and organized.
Is Your Color Palette Optimal?
Color is more than a creative choice, it can capture attention or highlight information. Since conveying messaging in color may exclude individuals with visual impairments, communications shouldn’t rely on color as the only visual cue. Text, labels, and even patterns can be additional indicators for information. Low contrast can also affect the visibility of text and images, be sure that contrast ratios are ideal for your page’s content.
Does the Page Use Focus Indicators?
Focus indicators refer to the visual markers that outline elements on a web page. Such indicators give guidance on pages, as well as show what is “clickable,” and quickly identify elements for users. Indicators must look different from the elements around them to be helpful accessibility tools.
Do Forms and Inputs Utilize Labels and Instructions?
Clear instructions on forms are standard for most websites, but if forms and inputs are not labeled properly, they may become inaccessible. Placeholder text without labels or instructions strains a user’s short-term memory because the text disappears once they navigate to the field. If the user forgets instructions, there is no option but to delete the text and click outside the form.
Screen readers may also experience difficulty with placeholder text. Known as non-label text, placeholder text is usually skipped over. Placeholder text may also be low contrast and challenging for individuals with limited vision.
Is Correct Markup and Heading Structure Used?
An accessibility tree orders the coding components and structure. Screen readers are powered by the communication between the code and the web browser’s rendering of the coded information. Site navigation through a screen reader occurs hierarchically by heading structure; proper markup allows users to listen to a list of headings and jump to their preferred content.
Contact Ecreative Today to Update Your Website to ADA Standards
Web accessibility issues continuously change as technology advances, and ADA compliance is not a “set it and forget it” aspect of your site. Sites that were previously compliant may no longer meet best practices. Regularly address web accessibility issues to align your site with current web development standards. Contact Ecreative to work with a digital marketer on an SEO program for assistance with accessibility and the user experience on your website.
Contact Us for Help with Website ADA Compliance
Disclaimer: This material does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer on any specific legal matter. Ecreative disclaims any liability with respect to this information.