As the digital age continues to grow, more and more of our daily lives take place online. From banking to shopping to communication, the internet has become a ubiquitous part of modern society. However, for some individuals, the internet can be a difficult, if not entirely inaccessible, place to navigate. People with disabilities, particularly those with visual, auditory, or mobility impairments, may have difficulty accessing websites and digital content without additional assistance. This is where ADA compliance becomes essential for website managers and content creators.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was created in 1990 to mandate accessibility standards for physical spaces, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public accommodations. In 2010, the ADA was extended into the digital landscape with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), which require that websites and digital content be designed and maintained in such a way that accommodates all users, regardless of disability. It’s important to note that while the ADA does not specifically mention websites, several high-profile lawsuits have been aimed at making digital content accessible to people with disabilities.
One such lawsuit was filed against the Miami-based Winn-Dixie chain of grocery stores in 2017. The plaintiff, a blind man, sued the company for failing to make their website accessible to screen reader software, which he relied on to navigate the internet. The verdict ruled in favor of the plaintiff, stating that Winn-Dixie had violated the ADA and must comply with accessibility standards going forward, as well as paying the plaintiff damages and legal fees.
Another notable case was filed against the fashion company, Forever 21, in 2019. The plaintiffs were several individuals with visual impairments who claimed the Forever 21 website lacked proper alt-text for images, making it difficult for people using screen readers to access information. The case was settled out of court with Forever 21 agreeing to pay a hefty sum to the plaintiffs and promising to modify their website for more accessibility.
These cases, along with several others, illustrate the importance of ADA compliance for websites. Compliance with accessibility standards, including those laid out in the WCAG 2.1 and 508 standards, not only ensures that all users can access digital content, but also mitigates the risk of expensive lawsuits and legal fees. Website managers and content authors can take steps to ensure their digital content is ADA compliant, such as providing alt text for images, enabling keyboard navigation, and using headings and lists to organize content. Automated testing tools can also help identify potential accessibility issues and provide suggestions for remedying them.
ADA compliance for websites is crucial in ensuring equal access to digital content for all users, including those with disabilities. Not only does compliance help prevent costly lawsuits, but it also serves to create a more inclusive online environment. By following accessibility guidelines and incorporating accessibility features into digital content, website managers can help to bridge the digital divide and make the internet a more accessible place for all.
To become and remain ADA compliant, websites must ensure that their content and features are accessible to people with disabilities. This requires implementing a range of design and development best practices that include:
- Providing alternative text descriptions for all images and videos
- Using clear and descriptive headings and labels
- Ensuring that website navigation is easy to follow and accessible
- Providing captions and transcripts for audio content
- Designing forms that are easy to complete and have clear instructions
- Providing users with the ability to adjust the font size and colors
- Avoiding using flashing or blinking animations that may cause seizures
- Providing accessibility information and contact information for users to report accessibility issues.
To ensure that their website remains ADA compliant, site owners must regularly review their site for accessibility issues and make any necessary changes. It’s important to involve people with disabilities in the design and testing of the website. They can provide valuable feedback and insights that can help improve the website’s overall accessibility. Additionally, websites should stay up to date on ADA compliance regulations and standards to ensure that they are continuously meeting the necessary requirements.