Do Websites Have to Be ADA Compliant？ [+5 ADA-Focused Tips]

Are you aware that over 70% of potential customers may abandon a website due to lack of accessibility? To retain customers on your site, it’s crucial to develop a user-friendly platform. If you’re seeking clarity on the question, “Do websites need to be ADA compliant?” you’ve landed on the right page.

This page delves into the necessity of ADA compliance for your site, the advantages of such compliance, and five strategies to enhance your website’s accessibility. Seeking assistance in creating an ADA-compliant website? Reach out to us online or call at 888-601-5359 to speak with a strategist.

The primary query businesses have regarding ADA online regulations is, “Do websites have to be ADA compliant?” The answer is nuanced. Title I of the ADA mandates compliance for businesses with at least 15 full-time employees operating for 20 or more weeks annually.

Under Title III, “public accommodations” such as hotels or transportation services must also cater to disabled individuals. How does this apply to your website? There are no explicit rules or regulations for achieving ADA compliance. This ambiguity leads many businesses to believe they don’t require an ADA-friendly site.

Remember, ADA compliance differs from Section 508 compliance. So, do websites have to be ADA compliant?

In summary, yes.

Lack of an ADA-friendly website exposes your business to two risks.

The first is the potential for legal action. Despite the absence of formal guidelines for accessible websites, businesses are expected to endeavor towards ADA compliance. Disabled individuals can file lawsuits against companies with websites that do not accommodate various disabilities.

Secondly, a non-ADA compliant website risks losing valuable leads. If disabled individuals seek your products or services, you don’t want to lose them as customers due to inaccessible websites. Whether your business falls under Title I or III, an ADA-compliant website is in your best interest to avoid exclusion.

Following ADA website compliance ensures a positive experience for every visitor.

There are several reasons to adhere to ADA website compliance. Let’s explore four key reasons to champion website accessibility.

1. Inclusivity for Your Audience

Not accommodating individuals with disabilities excludes a segment of your audience. One in five Americans lives with a disability. There’s a high likelihood someone with a disability will visit your site, and it’s essential to create a site that is accessible to all.

By ensuring compliance, you make all customers feel welcome. Every visitor can access your content in a manner that suits them best.

2. Enhanced SEO Ranking

Improving your site’s ADA accessibility also boosts your SEO ranking. Features like video transcripts and alternative image text enhance accessibility for your audience. This process provides search engines with more information about your site.

This aids search engines in understanding your content better and ranking your site more accurately. Enhanced SEO ranking benefits disabled visitors while making your information more accessible.

3. Enhanced Reputation

ADA accessibility demonstrates your commitment to catering to your audience’s needs, enhancing your business’s reputation. Imagine a disabled individual seeking information on competitors’ sites, only to find they lack ADA compliance.

When they discover your ADA-compliant website, they can access the information they need. This positive experience reflects well on your brand, making customers happy and encouraging them to share their positive experiences.

4. Improved Site Usability

The user experience is a critical aspect of your website. You want to ensure users have a positive experience. An ADA-compliant website provides a better experience for all visitors, delivering valuable information and addressing potential user experience gaps.

Without established guidelines for ADA website compliance, it’s challenging to ensure accessibility for disabled individuals. If you’re ready to enhance ADA compliance, consider these five tips.

1. Provide Text Alternatives

Text alternatives are a crucial starting point for ADA compliance. These are especially important for website images and videos. Visual impairments may prevent some users from viewing images, but alternative text can help them understand the content.

For hearing-impaired users, captions or video transcripts provide access to the information. Text alternatives enable disabled visitors to access information in the most suitable manner.

2. Offer Visual Alternatives

For visually impaired users, providing alternative ways to view your site can simplify navigation. Features like adjustable font size and high contrast options make content more readable.

This not only enhances accessibility but also improves the user experience for all visitors.

3. Design for Keyboard Support

Many users rely on keyboard navigation due to disabilities. Ensure your site supports keyboard use, with features like anchor links and accessible navigation for non-mouse users.

This design approach makes your website more navigable for keyboard users and screen reader software.

4. Implement ARIA Landmarks

Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) landmarks aid ADA compliance by assisting disabled individuals in navigating webpages. These landmarks define important areas of your site, making it easier for assistive technologies to process the content.

ARIA landmarks enhance user understanding of the content and its structure, contributing to a more accessible website.

5. Utilize Assistive Technologies

Using the same technologies that disabled individuals use to access your site can provide valuable insights into their needs. This approach allows you to test and ensure that your ADA-friendly elements are compatible with assistive technologies.

This understanding aids in creating a more user-friendly site for all visitors.

Besides the aforementioned options, you can also invest in ADA compliance products or services.

Prices vary, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your website’s size and compliance requirements.

Creating an ADA-compliant website fosters a sense of inclusivity among your audience. It results in a more user-friendly site and a positive experience for everyone.

At WebFX, our team of over 500 experts is ready to leverage their expertise to help grow your business. We can assist you in adapting your site to be more ADA compliant. If you’re ready to create an ADA-compliant website, contact us online or call at 888-601-5359 to speak with a strategist.