What is ADA Compliance and
How Does it Apply To My Website?
We all know about the American Disabilities Act (ADA) which passed in 1990 for businesses to accommodate people with disabilities navigate through public life. This includes employment, schools, transportation and public and private places open to the general public. In it’s entirety, the ADA was created to give people with disabilities the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
Did you know it also applies to websites? This means your website needs to be accessible to people who have disabilities such as audible, visual or physical capacities.
In fact, most companies know about the regulations for their place of business, but sometimes, they hear about the ADA law and how it applies to their website because they received a demand letter or a lawsuit. However, word is getting around that this can happen if your website is not ADA compliant. These days more companies are seeking an ADA compliant website instead of waiting for that demand letter or federal lawsuit.
Developing an ADA accessible website is great for end-users but it can be a scary task for business owners. There are a million+ web developers on the internet, but not many have the experience to develop an ADA compliant website.
Why is an ADA compliant web design important?
Responsiveness: We already know about mobile responsiveness, but many tools used by people with disabilities are different than people without disabilities. Therefore, the website needs to accommodate many types of screen readers, keyboard navigation and alternative options if necessary.
Lost Business: Almost 20% of the population has at least one type of disability which they need assistive technology. If you cannot afford to turn away 20% of your business, it might be a good idea to make the changes to your website.
Influence: Are you an influencer in your market? How will your reputation fare if a group of individuals cannot access your website? Can you handle the negative publicity?
SEO: Yes, you read that correctly. Most ADA compliance measures are also SEO indicators. Therefore, it’s a win-win. You can help people with disabilities experience your website and Inch your way up to Google with an ADA compliant website design.
Costly Mistake: If you have a non-compliant website, you are legally vulnerable. When I mentioned above that the first sign of a non-compliant website is a demand letter and a federal lawsuit, I’ve witnessed this. There are ADA organizations that ask their members to find non-compliant websites. Therefore, it’s simply a matter of time before your website is called out.
Although the last reason seems to be what drives businesses to want an ADA compliant website, there are so many other benefits.
An ADA compliant website design is critical to business owners.
But many don’t know if their site is or is not ADA Compliant.
Unsure if your website is ADA compliant? Reach out to us. We can help.
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