The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public-facing businesses to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities. This ensures everyone can navigate and use your site, just like they would a physical store. It’s the law, and it also makes good business sense. Public-facing businesses, such as retail stores and service providers, are required to make their websites accessible under ADA Title III, which prohibits discrimination based on disability.
read more about the requirements on the ADA.gov website
Why ADA Compliance Matters for Your Business
- Legal Requirements: Websites must be accessible under the ADA, or businesses risk lawsuits.
- Broaden Audience: Over 25% of U.S. adults have some form of disability. Making your website accessible ensures you’re not alienating potential customers.
- Reputation: ADA compliance shows inclusivity and care for all users, building trust and goodwill.
How to Make Your Website ADA Compliant with Good Website Design Techniques
Use Alt Text for Images
Every image on your site should have descriptive text (alt text) that explains what the image shows. This helps screen readers describe the image to visually impaired users.
Use High Contrast Text
Ensure text stands out clearly against its background. Light text on a dark background or vice versa makes it easier to read for people with low vision.
Use Video Captions
If you use video or audio content, always include captions or transcripts so users with hearing impairments can follow along.
Make Forms Accessible
Label form fields clearly. Use descriptions like “Email Address” rather than generic ones like “Enter Text” so people using screen readers know what to enter in each field.
Prep for Keyboard Navigation
Not everyone uses a mouse. Make sure all interactive elements, like menus and buttons, can be accessed using just a keyboard, enabling users with motor disabilities to navigate.
Use Descriptive Links
Instead of links that say “Click Here,” describe the link's purpose, like “Read Our Services,” to help users understand where the link will take them.
I know a lot of small businesses get hit with lawsuits because their website is not ADA compliant, and it's an awful situation when that happens. By default, I make all of my websites compliant by implementing good web design techniques and using an Accessibility widget. If a business would like even more of a compliance safety net, I recommend that they opt for the premium version of the accessibility widget at a monthly or yearly cost.
There are many accessibility widgets and tools out there, as well as screen readers, and some of these screen readers still have bugs that haven’t been fixed. There is no 100% perfect solution to accessibility compliance, as the tech landscape is constantly changing. However, I do everything I can to make sure things are done correctly to the best of my abilities.
Conclusion
Making your website ADA compliant not only protects your business from legal risks but also shows that you care about creating an inclusive experience for all users. By following good web design practices and using tools like accessibility widgets, you can easily ensure compliance. If you’re looking for a professional to build a small business website that’s fully ADA-compliant from the start, I’m here to help. Let’s make your site accessible, effective, and legally sound.
Contact me for more details about my web design services
