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We live in a digital world with information at our fingertips. However, for people who have disabilities, it can be challenging to access that information. While ADA compliance is legally required in many cases, it also plays a crucial role in ensuring that everyone has equal access to information. That’s why your business’s website needs to be ADA website compliant, so you can provide a more inclusive online experience.
what is ADA compliance?
ADA compliance refers to the requirement to meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to public spaces, services, and digital content. As a result, all electronic information and technology must be accessible to people with disabilities, which includes your business’s website.
why is ADA website compliance necessary?
ADA website compliance is mandatory for two kinds of websites: those funded by the state or local government, and public organizations. However, even if your website does not fall under this category, it is still essential to follow ADA-compliance requirements. If your website has inaccessible web content, people with disabilities are excluded from accessing important information about your products or services. Prioritizing ADA compliance can widen your audience while strengthening your business’s brand reputation.
how to make your website ADA-compliant
determine your website’s accessibility barriers
The first step in improving your website’s ADA accessibility is recognizing the following potential barriers:
- Poor color contrast between the text and background
- Lack of or no text alternatives
- No captions on videos
- Inaccessible online forms
- Mouse-only navigation
You can perform an ADA compliance test for your website with the help of an accessibility checker tool, which will identify potential issues.
apply ADA best practices
text
Make sure there is sufficient color contrast between your website’s text and background so people with limited vision or color blindness can read the text easily, while also including text cues for people who cannot perceive the color. You should also ensure that your browser has zoom capabilities so that website users can increase the font size.
video
To make videos accessible for people with disabilities, you can add synchronized and accurate video captions that identify speakers in the video.
online forms
All forms on your website need to have clear instructions and labels. This helps people who are blind and those using screen readers understand what they need to do within each form field. These forms should also alert readers that they have filled out a form field incorrectly.
headings
Separate website copy by visual headings, allowing people who are blind to easily navigate and understand the layout of the page.
keyboard navigation
It’s also important that people can navigate through your website by using keystrokes if they are not able to use a mouse.
ADA compliance for your website isn’t just a protocol, it’s also a reflection of your business as a whole. When you improve your website’s accessibility, you can continue to protect and grow your business.
