With websites becoming more integral to daily life, it is becoming increasingly important that these same websites adhere to standards that make the Internet accessible to everyone.
What is ADA?
ADA refers to the American with Disabilities Act which states that common spaces should be accessible to everyone, even online.
While most businesses may not think ADA is required for private businesses, any organization that is open to the public should follow standards known as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines inform organizations and web designers of the ADA standards that websites should meet in order to be compliant such as assistive technology compatibility, descriptive alt text, color contrast, keyboard-only navigation, clear and consistent labels, and accessible PDFs.
Why is ADA Important?
There are many benefits to being ADA compliant besides the primary goal of overall accessibility.
- Accessibility – Of course, the most important benefit of being ADA compliant is the accessibility for all online users. Incorporating assistive technologies and adding alt text to images allows everyone to have equal access to the same web content.
- Legal Issues – In 2024 over 4000 lawsuits were filed against companies that were allegedly not ADA compliant (Source). While ADA compliance in regards to online spaces is still contentious, it is best to keep your site consistent with WCAG standards. GreenTech even assisted a prominent local restaurant when a lawsuit was filed against them alleging that their website was not compliant. Our experienced web department was aware that the restaurant’s website did, in fact, meet ADA standards and worked to fight back against the allegations. The lawsuit was eventually thrown out.
- SEO – Websites that are well structured and WCAG compliant are featured higher on search results. Search engine browsers can easily index an organized website and can better identify important information that users will search for.
- Improved User Experience – Users can appreciate a well-organized website. A structured website makes it easier for users to navigate, find information, and know that the page is safe to visit.
Websites that are Better for All
A website is a necessity for a modern business. Most people’s first reaction when hearing of a new business is to search them up online. However, ensuring your website is made correctly and adherent to the right regulations is just as important. The inclusion of all users, avoiding legal ramifications, accurate SEO optimization, and an improved user experience make following ADA regulations an essential step in website design.
For an ADA compliant and mobile-friendly website, reach out to GreenTech’s Web Department!