Websites that Work for EVERYONE
Accessible Websites
ADA Compliance and Accessible Website Designs
Disability rights activists and court rulings have agreed that websites need to be accessible for people with disabilities. U.S. courts now apply ADA accessibility requirements to the internet, meaning websites should comply with ADA rules. In 2022 the Department of Justice released new guidance on implementing web accessibility standards and practices, clarifying that the ADA covers web accessibility.
Click here for a comprehensive list of accessibility laws by region.
Legal Risk
Lawsuits related to website accessibility are up 300% since 2018.
What are the ADA standards for accessible website designs?
Broadly speaking, web accessibility is a set of rules, behaviors, code standards and design guidelines that are meant to allow people with disabilities to effectively use websites.
Accessibile Websites Must Be
Perceivable
The information and UI components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive, in other words, it can’t be invisible to all of their senses.
- Text alternatives for non-text content like photos
- Captions for multimedia
- Content can be presented in different ways
- Content is easier to see and hear
Operable
User interface components and navigation must be operable.
This means that the interface cannot require interaction that a user cannot perform. Not everyone can use a mouse, for instance.
- Functionality is available from a keyboard
- Users have enough time to read and use the content
- Content does not cause seizures or other physical reactions
- Users can easily navigate, find content, and determine where they are
- Users can use different input beyond a keyboard
Understandable
- Text is readable and understandable
- Content appears and operates in predictable ways
- Users are helped to avoid and correct mistakes
Robust
Content can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies, and the content must remain accessible as those technologies evolve.
- Content is compatible with current and future user tools
What are the Benefits of Having an ADA Compliant Site?
It’s the Right Thing to Do
The internet is where so much our lives take place. Can you imagine not being able to access it?
More Site Visitors
Are you missing site visitors who might like to view your content, shop at your online store, or access your services, but they are prevented by a disability?
SEO
While Google doesn’t use accessibility as a direct ranking factor. Users who come to your site and are turned away can have a negative impact on your SEO.
How do I make my website accessible?
The Accessibe plugin can help with many aspects of making your website accessible. It automatically provides users with an interface allowing them to change how the site works based on their particular need. If you’d like to see it in action, click the icon on the bottom left of this page!
The plugin, once installed, will take care of many accessibility issues automatically. However, it can’t do everything. For other issues that must be addressed manually (heading heirarchy, for instane) Accessibe will provide a report allowing for easy understanding of the issues.
Accessibility Articles
Website Headings and Accessibility
It’s important for website owners and blog writers to understand website headings and accessibility impacts. Click to learn more.
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