Ensuring your website is ADA-compliant is not just about accessibility—it’s about legal protection and inclusivity. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses to provide equal access to digital content, and failure to comply can result in lawsuits and fines. A non-ADA-compliant website can create barriers for users with disabilities, leading to legal action from advocacy groups or individuals.
Understanding the steps to make your website accessible helps avoid penalties and ensures that all users, regardless of ability, can navigate your content effectively.
1. Understand ADA Compliance and WCAG Standards
ADA compliance for websites is typically measured using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines outline how to create web content that is:
✔ Perceivable – Users must be able to perceive information, whether through text, audio, or visual alternatives.
✔ Operable – Websites should be navigable using keyboards, screen readers, and other assistive technologies.
✔ Understandable – Content should be readable and structured for easy comprehension.
✔ Robust – Websites must be compatible with various assistive devices and browsers.
Following these principles ensures your site meets accessibility requirements.
2. Conduct an ADA Compliance Audit
Start with an ADA accessibility audit to identify non-compliant areas on your website. Common issues include:
✔ Missing Alt Text – Images without descriptions make it difficult for visually impaired users to understand content.
✔ Poor Color Contrast – Low contrast between text and background can make reading difficult.
✔ No Keyboard Navigation – Users with mobility impairments rely on keyboards to navigate.
✔ Inaccessible Forms – Forms should have clear labels and be easy to complete with screen readers.
✔ Lack of Captions for Videos – Deaf and hard-of-hearing users need subtitles for multimedia content.
Hiring an ADA website compliance attorney can help ensure your audit is thorough and aligns with legal standards.
3. Implement Website Accessibility Fixes
Once you identify compliance gaps, implement fixes based on WCAG guidelines. Key improvements include:
✔ Add Alternative Text (Alt Text) – Ensure all images and non-text elements have meaningful descriptions.
✔ Improve Keyboard Accessibility – Ensure all functions can be accessed using only a keyboard.
✔ Enhance Readability – Use high-contrast text, resizable fonts, and clear typography.
✔ Provide Transcripts & Captions – Offer text-based alternatives for audio and video content.
✔ Create Descriptive Links – Avoid generic phrases like “click here” and use meaningful link text.
These updates make your site more accessible and reduce legal risks.
4. Use Accessibility Tools & Testing
Regular testing ensures your website remains ADA compliant. Utilize accessibility tools such as:
✔ WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) – Detects WCAG compliance issues.
✔ AXE Accessibility Scanner – Analyzes web pages for accessibility errors.
✔ Google Lighthouse – Assesses accessibility alongside SEO and performance.
Conducting manual testing with screen readers and keyboard navigation further validates compliance.
5. Seek Legal Guidance from an ADA Attorney
Even after making updates, businesses may still face legal challenges. Consulting an ADA accessibility attorney can provide:
✔ Legal assessment of your website’s compliance
✔ Guidance on accessibility lawsuits and demand letters
✔ Assistance in developing an ongoing compliance plan
Firms like Zemel Law LLC specialize in ADA website compliance and can help protect businesses from litigation.
6. Establish an Ongoing Accessibility Plan
ADA compliance is not a one-time fix—it requires ongoing monitoring and updates. Best practices include:
✔ Regular audits and updates
✔ Training for web developers on accessibility standards
✔ Providing an accessibility statement on your website
✔ Responding to user feedback on accessibility issues
Maintaining compliance ensures an inclusive user experience and reduces legal risks.
Conclusion
A non-ADA-compliant website can lead to legal penalties and accessibility barriers for users with disabilities. Taking proactive steps—such as auditing your site, implementing WCAG standards, and seeking advice from an ADA website compliance attorney—can help your business stay compliant and inclusive. Firms like Zemel Law LLC offer expert legal support to navigate ADA compliance challenges.
