by In today’s digital landscape, having a website that is accessible to all users is more than a good practice—it’s a legal obligation. If you’re not aware of the risks associated with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) non-compliance, this post will help you understand why web accessibility matters and how you can protect your business from potentially devastating lawsuits.
Understanding Web Accessibility
Web accessibility means designing and developing your website so that it can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. This concept encompasses a wide range of conditions, such as:
- Blindness and Low Vision: Ensuring that your site is usable with screen readers and supports text enlargement.
- Motor Impairments: Making sure your site can be navigated via keyboard or alternative input methods.
- Color Blindness: Designing with sufficient contrast and avoiding color-only indicators.
- Epilepsy: Avoiding flashing elements that could trigger seizures.
- Cognitive Disorders: Structuring content in a clear, easy-to-read format.
- Aging-Related Conditions: Accommodating changes in vision that come with age.
By adhering to web accessibility guidelines, you ensure that all users, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can effectively navigate and interact with your website.
The Importance of ADA Compliance
ADA compliance is about creating an inclusive environment for all users as well as fulfilling a legal requirement. Recent statistics underscore the rising importance of ADA compliance:
ADA compliance is not just about fulfilling a legal requirement; it’s about creating an inclusive environment for all users. Recent statistics underscore the rising importance of ADA compliance:
- 200% Increase in Lawsuits: From 2017 to 2018, there was a dramatic surge in the number of lawsuits and demand letters.
- DOJ Affirms ADA Applies to Websites: In November 2018, the Department of Justice clarified that the ADA applies to websites.
- Tripling of Legal Actions in 2019: The number of lawsuits and demand letters grew threefold in 2019 compared to the previous year.
- 150,000 Demand Letters Since 2017: Over 150,000 demand letters have been issued to businesses for failing to meet accessibility standards.
- High Settlement Costs: 93% of these cases settle out of court, with average costs ranging from $20,000 to $150,000.
These figures illustrate that ignoring ADA compliance can lead to expensive legal disputes that might jeopardize your business’s financial health.
Our Comprehensive Accessibility Service
To help you avoid these risks, we offer a comprehensive accessibility service for websites with fewer than 1,000 unique pages at a cost-effective rate of just $490 per year. Our service package includes:
- Accessibility Statement & Certification: Official documentation to prove your website’s commitment to accessibility.
- Compliance with WCAG, ADA, EAA & More: Ensuring adherence to all major accessibility standards.
- Screen-Reader & Keyboard Navigation Adjustments: Enhancements for improved navigation and usability.
- Interface Powered UI & Design Adjustments: Automated design improvements for better user experience.
- Monthly Accessibility Compliance Audits: Regular checks to maintain compliance with current standards.
- Automatic Daily Monitoring and Scans: Ongoing monitoring to identify and fix accessibility issues.
- Automatic Seamless Cloud Updates: Keeping your website updated with the latest accessibility standards.
Take Action Today
Ensuring your website is ADA compliant is not just about avoiding lawsuits; it’s about making your online presence accessible to everyone. Don’t wait for legal threats to motivate you—take proactive steps to protect your business and support web accessibility now.
Ready to make your website accessible and avoid costly legal battles? Contact us today to get started with our comprehensive accessibility service.