Why Should My Website Be ADA-Compliant?

In today’s digital age, having a website is crucial to connect with your audience and generate revenue. However, it’s equally important to ensure that your website is accessible to all users – including those with disabilities.

Recent data shows that discrimination lawsuits due to non-compliant websites and applications are on the rise each year. This means that non-compliance not only has legal consequences but could also damage your brand’s reputation.

It’s true that there are only regulations for certain industries that make ADA compliance a necessity. But it would be wise for any business to have a website that is accessible to everyone. This needs to include those users who may be blind, deaf, or otherwise need assistive technologies in order to properly digest website content.

Your chosen marketing team should work together to further our collective business goals to generate revenue for your business while providing the best overall user site experience. To see what sets Creative MMS apart from other local web developers in creating compliant websites, visit our Accessible Web Design page.

Read on to discover why having an ADA-compliant website is crucial, not just from a business standpoint, but also from an ethical one.

 

 

#1: Regulatory Changes in ADA Compliance

The new Title II sets ADA compliance standards related to state and federal government domains. It serves to set standards around what thresholds need to be crossed to make a local, state, or federal government website compliant for Americans with disabilities.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that private businesses will forever be untouched. Some private businesses in certain industries like hospitals, medical care, life sciences/healthcare, and educational institutions have been mandated for compliance.

If you’re not sure whether your site is accessible, here are some signs that you may need a redesign:

• Low contrast between the text and the background. Individuals with limited vision or color blindness will struggle to read your website content if the contrast is poor.
• Lack of captions on videos. Those with hearing disabilities may not be able to understand the context of your website’s videos without captions.
• No alt text on photos. People who are partially or fully blind will not be able to understand the purpose of the imagery on your website if alternative text hasn’t been added.
• Font choice is difficult to read. It’s important to choose a typeface that is easy to read and not too small on the page.
• Lack of keyboard navigation. Individuals who use a keyboard to access web content rather than a mouse won’t be able to navigate your site without keyboard navigation.

Why not stay ahead of the curve and your competitors and make your B2B website accessible to everyone?Regardless of ability, anyone can benefit from accessible design.

 

#2: Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance

Not complying with ADA guidelines on your business website can have serious legal consequences, including discrimination lawsuits. These lawsuits are becoming increasingly common as individuals become more aware of their rights to access the Internet without discrimination.

Businesses that do not adhere to accessibility standards may face:

• Discrimination lawsuits filed by private citizens
• Fines ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars
• Damage to brand reputation
• Exclusion from public tenders and government contracts
• Loss of customers due to non-compliance

Updating non-compliant websites in order to be fully accessible is our specialty. Our web developers provide a detailed audit with a plan to make your B2B website ADA compliant. You’ll also gain the expertise to implement those changes quickly and get your site running at 100%.

 

 

#3: Who Should Be Most Concerned About Website Accessibility?

From a brand reputation standpoint and overall customer generation, there is no reason not to make your website accessible and open to everyone. But you may be asking, “Can I wait to get it done right?”

While our B2B web designers are ready to help any business rise above the compliance standard, below are businesses that should prioritize a redesign:

• State & Local Government Organizations
• Private Organizations with 15 or more employees
• Places of business that are considered a place of public accommodation
• Organizations that work for the public’s benefit: educational institutions, medical facilities, public transportation, grocery stores, hotels, etc.

Providing this accessibility can increase your market reach, leads, and revenue by attracting a broader audience. It also demonstrates that your business values diversity and inclusivity in today’s socially conscious world.

 

Work with a B2B Web Development Agency that Protects Your Brand

Making your website ADA-compliant may seem daunting, but it’s simpler than you think. Partnering with an experienced B2B web design and development agency can ensure that your website is easily navigable with assistive technologies such as screen readers and voice commands.

Ready to get ahead of your competition with a fully accessible website? We have almost 2 decades of experience creating engaging, user-friendly websites. Contact us today to learn about the results we can drive for you!