ADA Accessible Web Content reduces risk of discrimination lawsuits for business & government-funded websites.
ADA Compliance Services
Help everyone. Avoid liability.
Why ADA Compliance?
ADA laws require website accessibility to avoid discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The risk of non-compliance is legal action and loss of reputation.
Standard Approach
The goal of an ADA compliant website is to ensure it is accessible to people with visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive disabilities. Typical best practices include:
Keystrokes
Ensure that all website functionality can be accessed using a keyboard-only navigation. Ensure that forms use invisible reCAPTCHA functionality (spam and bot filters) rather than user-activated versions.
Readable Text
Use headings to make it easy to navigate content, use meaningful link text instead of “click here,” use highly readable fonts (16pt minimum, san-serif, bold, high contrast to background). Provide alternative ways to access content, such as PDFs or HTML versions of documents.
Images & Videos Text
Include alternative text for in image meta data, so people using screen readers can understand the content. Provide captions or transcripts for videos, to make them accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Use closed captions (no more than 3 lines per screen), high accuracy (99%) and square brackets for sounds
Invite to Report
Place a notice of intent to be accessible and invite users to report anything that is not accessible.
Test Regularly
Conduct regular accessibility testing to identify and fix any issues.
ADA Compliance Plugins
The highest level of protection is afforded by ADA compliance plugin. These help with website accessibility, but still are not a total guarantee of liability insulation. Still, it’s your best chance of reducing risk include engaging a compliance plugin service with typical features including:
Periodic Testing
Most ADA plugins scan website content on a daily basis and report back any infractions.
Content Variations
Most provide auto-generated versions of content that is optimized to specific impairments. For example, a person with epilepsy will get a version of the website that has removed flashing items and has a subdued color scheme.
Surfer Choice
Most provide an accessibility icon on websites that allow users to select a version of the site that is specific to their disability.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of websites must comply with ADA laws?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions that provide goods and services to the public through a website must comply with ADA accessibility requirements. The U.S. Department of Justice has stated that Title III of the ADA applies to websites of businesses and nonprofit organizations that meet the definition of a “public accommodation.” Examples of businesses that must comply with ADA accessibility requirements include retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and healthcare providers. Any entity that operates a website that is considered a place of public accommodation must comply with ADA accessibility requirements.
What's my liability for not meeting ADA laws?
The liability exposure for not complying with ADA accessibility requirements for websites can be significant. Organizations that do not make their websites accessible to people with disabilities may be at risk of receiving complaints, demand letters, and lawsuits alleging discrimination. These complaints and lawsuits can result in costly legal fees, settlements, and damages. Additionally, the negative publicity and loss of business that can result from a lawsuit can have a lasting impact on an organization’s reputation and financial stability.
Why use an ADA service for websites?
Using an ADA plugin service for websites can help automate the process of making a website accessible, provide guidance on accessibility best practices, and offer ongoing monitoring and support to ensure continued compliance with ADA accessibility requirements.
What if I'm sued for ADA non-compliance?
If you are sued for ADA website noncompliance, the first step is to seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney who specializes in ADA website accessibility. You should also gather all relevant documentation related to your website’s accessibility, including any testing or remediation efforts that have been made. It is important to respond to the lawsuit in a timely manner and work with legal counsel to develop a strategy to defend against the allegations. In some cases, it may be possible to settle the lawsuit through negotiation or mediation.
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