AD. This is a pre-written post.
ADA compliance is important, as it allows people with certain disabilities to access sites online without difficulty. That is why you need to maintain an accessible website – one that can be used by all visitors. Whether you are a web designer, an SEO expert, or are upgrading your own website, you need to keep this factor in mind.
So, what defines an ADA compliant website?
To understand the definition of an ADA compliant website, you need to learn more about the legislation that supports the ruling.
The American Disabilities Act
ADA stands for the American Disabilities Act – a law that provides accommodation for disabled people for access to physical locations. It also covers gaining access to websites online. While a business with at least 15 full-time employees that operates 20+ weeks is required to comply, you should still follow accessibility guidelines, regardless of your business’s size.
Again, you want to enable access to all people, as doing so will also assist you in expanding and increasing your presence online. Also, it’s simply a kind thing to do. You are extending a helping hand to others, making it easier to access your site.
Title III
Under Title III of the American Disabilities Act, businesses that provide public accommodation, such as public transportation companies, banks, to hotels, must comply with the law set out by the ADA. Therefore, all the legal aspects of the ACT apply – from physical to digital accommodation and assistance.
By maintaining an ADA-compliant platform, you will protect yourself against penalties and lawsuits while giving your customers all the necessary support to navigate your site. Therefore, your site should provide access to anyone who needs to use assistive technologies.
Assistive Technologies
Below are examples of assistive technologies:
- Screen readers, used to read, through audio, online text
- Voice recognition software, which converts the spoken word to text
- Switch devices that replace mice and keyboards so users have better control when using digital devices
- Reading assistants, used to customize types and spacing, or adapt the navigation to simplify comprehension
- Subtitles or closed captioning, so hard-of-hearing or deaf people can watch videos
- Motion eye tracking software, which allows a user to direct a mouse pointer with a part of their body or eyes
The user experience extends past creating an ADA compliant website, as you want to consider everyone’s needs when accessing your website. Make sure your website can be accessed by anyone with a physical, cognitive, auditory, visual, or neurological disability, or people with a temporary impairment, such as a broken arm or leg.
If you need to learn more about how to set up an ADA-compliant site, you should sit down and talk with an attorney that specializes in matters involving disability law.
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