As a business owner, you’re most likely beginning to hear more and more about ADA website compliance. At first, you may be confused about what this term actually means and whether it applies to your business. Fortunately, we can help shed some light on the topic.
Essentially, ADA website compliance requirements were put into place in order to make online content accessible to people with disabilities. This includes hearing, visual, motor, and cognitive disabilities. As such, if a website contains any text-based information, images, or videos that cannot be perceived by these individuals, this content should be appropriately developed in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the ADA.
This may seem like a big task, but there are several simple steps anyone can take to improve their website’s accessibility. For example, using high-contrast colors so that those who are visually impaired have an easier time reading the content; or providing captions and transcripts of videos so that those who have hearing impairments don’t miss out on any important information.
Who Needs An ADA Compliant Website?
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires companies to provide accessible online content for all individuals with disabilities. But does this apply to all companies? The simplest answer to this question is, yes.
Some will argue that there are business categories which are an exception to this rule. But if your business falls under ADA Title I or ADA Title III, then your website is definitely required to be ADA compliant. And the truth is that most companies fall under one of these two categories.
ADA Title 1 covers employment and it encompasses all businesses that have 15 or more full-time employees that operate 20 or more weeks each year. Title III covers public accommodations which encompasses public transportation, hotels, banks, etc.
What about online businesses that don’t have a physical location? Yes, “digital-only” businesses still fall under the same ADA website compliance regulations as traditional brick-and-mortar companies. This means that online businesses must provide accessible websites and other digital content that can be used by all visitors, regardless of their abilities.
In fact, it can probably be said that it is even more critical for online businesses to be ADA compliant since their website is the primary way consumers can interact with them. This means that these websites must have features such as text-to-speech functionality and alt text for images in order to ensure that everyone can fully engage with them.
It’s important to remember that while online platforms bring many benefits to consumers and businesses alike, they also come with certain responsibilities. By ensuring your business fulfills its obligations under ADA rules, you can help support a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone. However, it’s also important that you become aware of what can happen if your website is not ADA compliant.
What Happens If Your Website Is Not ADA Compliant?
If your business website is not ADA compliant, there are a number of serious consequences you could face. For one thing, non-compliant websites can be inaccessible to people with disabilities, which means that some of your potential customers may be unable to use or even view your site. This can significantly impact your ability to market and grow your business.
You may also receive criticism and negative reviews from consumers who are unable to use your website properly due to technical issues.
Additionally, businesses that are unable to meet ADA compliance standards may find themselves facing legal action from individuals who encounter accessibility issues on their websites. When users are unable to access important information on your site, you’re essentially putting yourself at legal risk and opening yourself up to potential lawsuits.
ADA Website Compliance Lawsuit
In recent years, there has been an increase in lawsuits over issues related to website accessibility. A number businesses, both large and small, have been sued for failing to make their websites accessible to users with disabilities. In 2022 alone, more than 20,000 lawsuits have been filed against local businesses in the U.S. for not having compliant websites. This can be due to a number of factors including outdated code, failure to meet design guidelines, or simply a lack of awareness.
Typically, these lawsuits have been brought forth by individuals with disabilities who have faced difficulty using websites due to things like poorly designed navigation menus or a lack of alternate text descriptions for images. But there are a number of factors that can make an organization susceptible to legal action, including poor accessibility practices and technical errors that can prevent visitors from being able to access needed information.
One key thing to keep in mind is the importance of testing your site thoroughly for issues with accessibility before it goes live. This also includes performing regular checks on functionality across different browsers and operating systems, checking text legibility under different display settings, and verifying that content can be easily viewed without color changes or distractions.
Making regular updates to keep your site functioning properly is also crucial for avoiding ADA website compliance lawsuits, as outdated technology may not be compatible with current web standards.
Working closely with web designers and developers who have experience creating accessible websites is the best way to avoid potentially costly legal troubles. A web development company will have the expertise to identify ways in which your site can be improved from an accessibility standpoint and ensure that all aspects of your website meet ADA standards.
With that being said, it’s also good practice for you to familiarize yourself with the requirements of ADA website compliance. Clear guidelines are available online from various sources, so it is important to spend time researching what is required in order for your website to be considered accessible to all. It is essential that you take proactive steps now towards achieving ADA website compliance if you want to avoid legal problems and costly fines down the road. After all, protecting your business should be your top priority!
ADA Website Compliance Services
While ADA compliance may seem like a big undertaking at first, with some planning and care it’s entirely possible to make your website fully accessible and compliant with the latest legal standards. And given the potential financial consequences of being caught out of compliance, this is definitely something every business owner should take seriously. So if you haven’t yet looked into ADA website compliance for your company, now is the time to do so.
As we previously mentioned, the simplest and safest way to ensure your website is meeting ADA compliance standards is by consulting with an experienced web developer who can help you understand the specific rules that must be followed in order to avoid legal trouble. Look for a web developer that offers ADA website compliance services.
Typically, these services encompass a range of different tasks including the testing and assessment of website content, the development of functional solutions, and ongoing support and maintenance to keep the website compliant.
By investing in these services, you’re taking proactive steps towards ensuring that your website is fully compliant with ADA standards and providing users with an optimal online experience. In return, this can help you attract and retain more customers, drive greater engagement, and increase ROI, while also making your business inclusive for all.
But how do you go about finding a company that offers ADA website compliance services? If you’re reading this, you’ve already found one. Here at The Alchemy Consulting Group, we work with companies to make sure their websites are meeting all ADA compliance standards. We add a special code to websites and landing pages that creates “readable links” which allow individuals with disabilities to interact with the sites.
And an added bonus — when you make your website ADA compliant, you can earn a 50% tax credit. There are stipulations that apply, but we can walk through those with you. So why not give your website a makeover and let the IRS cover half the cost?
You can learn more about ADA website compliance and how we can assist you by visiting our website, https://resolveada.com/. Also feel free to give us a call at 877-978-2110, or schedule a call at a time that is convenient for you: https://calendly.com/gordonvanwechel/lets-talk-15-minutes-clone.
