The Importance Of the ADA Website Accessibility Compliance
Creating an accessible experience for everyone visiting your website is not only an ethical way to do business but also a smart one. Understanding your prospect’s needs and adhering to ADA compliance standards shows that you care about your business and those accessing its content online. Taking time to make sure everyone can easily find the information they need, regardless of any physical or mental handicaps, is a great way to encourage more customer loyalty and better outcomes all around. Committing to this level of customer service is an essential step forward in becoming the kind of online business you wish to be.
What Is ADA Compliance?
Thirty years ago, a set of critical standards were implemented to ensure that individuals with disabilities are protected across the United States. This landmark legislation, popularly known as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), was enacted in order to prevent discrimination based on ableness. As it celebrated its 30th birthday in 2020, we have much to thank this courageous act for – from prohibiting discrimination in employment to providing greater access to public transportation and public areas. The ADA has been instrumental in empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting an integrated society free of segregation and unfairness.
Important Of Website Accessibility
Making a point to adopt these ADA best practices on your website or e-commerce site is a great way to ensure everyone can use them, despite any potential issues. With accessibility comes more than just accommodating those with special needs; allowing individuals with visual impairments the ability to read articles using screen readers or providing high-contrast color options creates an overall more user-friendly experience for everyone who visits your site. Fulfilling your customer’s needs, regardless of their diversity, ultimately helps build reputation and trust in your business. So don’t forget that taking steps to ensure accessibility is essential in staying ahead.
Why Is It Necessary To Follow This Compliance?
ADA compliance is essential for businesses and organizations. However, its importance goes beyond the legal requirement to do so. Those guilty of failing to adhere to the ADA’s standards can face steep fines and other costly repercussions. Litigation by a private citizen or federal government may land you in hot water – and make no mistake; the federal government can enforce its will if they feel that laws aren’t being met. What’s more, with an increasing number of ADA complaints finding their way to certain agencies, organizations must ensure they meet the highest compliance standards or risk being investigated. Failing to comply with ADA regulations is not a risk worth taking.
As companies like Target, Amazon, and Beyoncé know too well, ADA website accessibility lawsuits have become more rampant in recent years. The number of court cases has nearly tripled from 2017 to 2019 – a statistic that means more than just lost time, money, and legal fees for those on the wrong end of the stick. It also means a decreased ability to reach potential customers and earn revenue. Ignoring the ADA website standards might seem like a short-term gain of saving time and money for inaccessible improvements, but it’s only opening yourself up to issues with financial ramifications down the road. In other words: if your website isn’t ADA-compliant, you don’t want to push your luck.
ADA compliance is essential for all businesses, whether small or large. It helps ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can access the same products and services available to everyone else. This guide can help you ensure your website adheres to ADA standards; you’ll protect yourself from potential legal action while also helping the cause of inclusivity and equality.
With access to your products or services, everyone can come together more equitably – something we could all use a little more of these days. Taking the time to ensure you have an ADA-compliant website will benefit everyone in the long run.