ADA Compliance for Websites: Plan for Accessibility
15% of the world’s population experiences some form of disability. The ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, to ensure that people with disabilities are protected from discrimination. According to ADA.gov,
The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, following many years of advocacy by the disability and civil rights communities.
Since then, the ADA has transformed American society, guaranteeing that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs.
The ADA was modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The ADA is an equal opportunity law for people with disabilities.
Many companies are actively monitoring and adjusting their websites to meet ADA compliance for web accessibility. According to a recent Forbes article,
There has been a significant increase in website accessibility lawsuits in recent years where plaintiffs claim that they cannot access websites because they are incompatible with assistive technologies. In such cases, plaintiffs usually cite ADA Title III violations.
While some companies are making changes to avoid legal action, it is important to note that accessibility benefits everyone. Making sure that your website is accessible should be a priority. Not only is it good for your business and sales overall, but it also benefits the reputation of your brand.
The W3C WAI (Web Accessibility Initiative) develops international guidelines for web accessibility.
If you are interested in building or changing your website to meet current ADA requirements, Ocoos Web Consulting is here to help you! We have been providing quality websites and graphic design to Ocala and the surrounding areas for ten years. We love working with small businesses to make their web presence and branding something they are truly proud of. We also help business owners to implement ADA compliant features on their website. We aim to be your one stop web shop as we provide services such as: SEO, virtual tour and drone photography/video, graphic design, content writing, digital marketing, and more! Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!
