What is ADA compliance? What does ADA compliance look like for websites? Every company should find out.
These questions are being asked more frequently by businesses due to the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design that the U.S. Department of Justice published in 2010. These standards require that companies offer accessible design and maintenance services to people with disabilities.
Your business can make your website accessible to everyone with resources such as the Web Content Accessibility (WCAG) guidelines and ADA Compliance Services. This proactive approach will help your company grow and show your commitment to users all over the world.
Continue reading to find out more about ADA compliance.
Find out if ADA accessibility standards apply to you and how to make your website ADA-compliant. Contact us online to learn more about ADA compliance for websites.
What is ADA compliance?
ADA compliance is defined as the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. This states that electronic and information technology (such as websites) must be accessible for people with disabilities. This is not identical to 508 compliance.
Who is responsible for adhering to ADA requirements?
You probably want to know if ADA compliance applies to you now that you have a clear understanding of its meaning.
These organizations must comply with the ADA requirements:
Agencies of the state and local governments
Employers with 15 or more employees
Businesses that serve the public
ADA compliance affects almost all businesses and webmasters, as electronic and information technology is included in the ADA. Sites (and their designs) don't get to ignore ADA requirements in most cases.
Even if you don't have to comply with the ADA, it is important to make a website that anyone can use.
What happens if your site isn't ADA-compliant?
If your website isn't ADA-accessible, you're legally liable.
If people with disabilities are unable to access your website, a lawsuit could be filed against you. Even if you didn't intend for your business to discriminate against or exclude persons with disabilities from using your website, lawsuits could be filed against your company that could cost thousands of dollars.
It is important to answer the following questions:
What does ADA compliance look like on websites?
Who is ADA compliance beneficial for?
How can you comply with the ADA?
Although the U.S. Department of Justice doesn't have any official guidelines for ADA compliance, it has made recommendations. These recommendations are what your company should use to make sure that your site and user experience is ADA-compliant.
What can I do to ensure ADA compliance on my website?
Let's talk about how to become ADA compliant.
The WCAG 2.0 guidelines are the best recommendation for websites that comply with ADA requirements. This resource outlines several goals and recommendations for making your site ADA-accessible to all users in the U.S.
These are the core principles that guide WCAG:
Perceivable: Users should be able to see all information on your website, including text, images, and video. You must provide alternatives for users who are unable to see or hear your website's content.
Operable: Users should be able to navigate your website and use its features. For example, any user should be able to access your main navigation and any tools on the site, such as calculators.
Understandable: Users should be able to comprehend your website content. This means that users will be able to understand the text, images, videos, as well as tools on your website. Your site might include instructions on how to use a feature such as a calculator, or contact form.
Robust: Users should have the opportunity to get the same experience regardless of whether they use assistive technology. For example, people reading your content should have the same experience as those who use voice readers.
So how can these principles be translated into concrete steps for ADA-compliant websites?
The good news is that the WCAG has compiled all of its principles into a simple-to-follow checklist.
The checklist has three levels.
Level A Create a website that certain users can access.
Level AAA: Create a website that nearly all users can access.
Level AAA Create a website that all users can access.
Most organizations recommend that you meet Level AA requirements to ensure compliance with the ADA.
How to comply with the WCAG 2.0 Level AA Guidelines for ADA compliance
These rules will help you comply with the Level AA WCAG2.0 guidelines for ADA compliance.
To speed up compliance, you can install an ADA compliance plug on a WordPress site.
These items can be started immediately to help your company move toward ADA compliance for your website.
Do you need help to become ADA compliant?
It can be difficult to achieve ADA compliance on your website, especially if you don't have a lot of time. But it is important to be ADA compliant. A lawsuit could result in your business losing thousands of dollars.
We're able to help you make your website ADA-friendly now rather than later.
Our ADA Compliance Services can help ensure that your website meets ADA standards. Contact us online to learn more about our team and how we can help.
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