In today's digital age, websites are an integral part of our daily lives. They are a primary source of information, communication, and transactions for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. However, not all websites are accessible to everyone, particularly those who are differently-abled. To ensure that websites are accessible to all users, it is essential to audit and remediate them to be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant within the guidelines of the WCAG2.1 (Website Content Accessibility Guidelines). Let’s discuss the reasons why a website should be ADA compliant.
It is important to understand what ADA website compliance means. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas of life, including employment, education, transportation, and public accommodation. The law vaguely requires that all digital content, including websites, be accessible to individuals with disabilities, such as those with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments.
Now we can get into the reasons for compliance:
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Legal Compliance
The most obvious reason is to comply with the law. The ADA says that all digital content, including websites, should be accessible to differently-abled individuals. Failure to comply with the ADA can result in legal action, including lawsuits and fines, so avoid legal issues and ensure that your website is accessible to all users.
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Increase Your User Base
When your website is ADA compliant, it becomes accessible to a wider range of users, including those who are differently-abled. This means that people who would not have been able to access your website before can now do so, increasing your user base. By making your website accessible to everyone, you can reach a larger audience, which can increase traffic, engagement, and revenue.
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Improved UX (User Experience
A compliant website is more user-friendly and easier to navigate for all users. If a website is designed with text that is tiny or has low contrast, it can be difficult for users with visual impairments to read. Improving the UX for all users leads to increased engagement and user satisfaction.
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Boost Your SEO
ADA compliance requires websites to use descriptive text for images and videos, which feeds search engines more info about your website, which improves the website's search engine ranking. We talk a bit more about this idea here>>
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Juice Your Brand Reputation
The company behind an ADA compliant website is committed to accessibility and inclusion. This improves your brand's reputation and enhances its image.
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Ethical Responsibility
It's important to recognize that differently-abled individuals have the same rights as everyone else and should have equal access to digital content. By making your website ADA compliant, you can fulfill your ethical responsibility to create an inclusive and accessible online environment.
There’s a slew of reasons to pick up the phone, send an email, or fill out the form below to discuss your website today. It can’t hurt to at least find out where you stand (and our initial audit is free).