Is your website ADA Compliant?
Is your website accessible for those who are blind? It’s probably something most of you haven’t thought of. I myself hadn’t until recently when it was brought to my attention that businesses were being sued for not having websites accessible for the visually impaired.
Over 25 million Americans have trouble seeing, even with glasses on. If your website is not accessible not only may you be required by law and at risk of a potential law suit but you are also losing a lot of potential business.
Certain websites are required by law to be accessible not just for the blind but also those who have low vision, deafness, hearing loss, limited movement, speech disabilities, and photosensitivity.
IS YOUR WEBSITE LEGALLY REQUIRED TO BE ADA COMPLIANT?
- Private employers with 15 or more employees, that operates for 20 or more weeks every year
- Any business that falls under”public accommodation”, or for the benefit of the public. These include but but is not limited to:
- hotels
- Parks
- marinas
- banks
- All state and local government agencies.
ADA COMPLIANCY = EQUALITY
Initially when I heard about this I thought this was kind of crazy. How is a blind person going to ‘see’ these websites, and how do I make a website work for someone who can’t see the content?
I started to do some research and came across this short Ted Talk video. I highly recommend watching it. You will laugh and be touched and immediately realize the importance of making sure all websites are ADA compliant even those that are not required by law, because it’s the right thing to do.
Since initially finding out about these lawsuits I have educated myself on the process of making websites compliant with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and I take pride in helping those living with a visual, hearing or other type of impairment, find equal enjoyment in these sites and live a more independent life.
Test your website today, and make sure no one is being left out of enjoying your services or product.
CHECK YOUR WEBSITE
You can use the following WAVE tool to view your websites compliance issues.
BECOMING ADA COMPLIANT
If you feel you should or are required to be ADA compliant and wish to handle it on your own the following links can help you gain a better understanding, and assist you in making your website ADA compliant.
NEED HELP BECOMING ADA COMPLIANT?
If you need help in making your website ADA compliant contact me to get started.
SOURCES
Data source: American Foundation for the Blind, 2017, https://www.afb.org/research-and-initiatives/statistics/adults