According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are an estimated 1.3 billion people with disabilities.
That represents around 16% of the entire world's population!
That's why online accessibility is one of the seven most important factors for creating seamless User Experiences (UX).
Neglecting it can severely affect your online presence!
What's more, accessibility requirements are not just a moral obligation but a legal obligation.
Ensuring your website complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is mandatory for all businesses in the US.
Let's explore how you can ensure you have an ADA-compliant website!
What is The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that users with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else.
The law initially covered physical environments such as private and public spaces, then moved to employment, education and transportation.
However, in 2010, recognizing the growing importance of online communication technologies, the ADA released the Standards for Accessible Design.
These standards ensure the creation of accessible websites for people with disabilities.
Examples include screen reader compatibility, keyboard access and color contrast between layered elements and background color.
How To Make A Website ADA Compliant?
The best course of action to achieve ADA compliance is following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
The WCAG is a standard that Web Developers and businesses can implement to ensure compliance with the ADA.
The WCAG is categorized into three levels: A, AA, and AAA.
WCAG A is the most basic level of accessibility. Likewise, WCAG AA represents a medium level and WCAG AAA denotes the highest level.
Organizations that want to comply with the ADA should at least reach a WCAG AA Level, as it is considered a good practice.
The 4 WCAG Digital Accessibility Principles
1. Perceivable Digital Accessibility
The perceivable principle states that "information and UI components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive."
Users should recognize every element or piece of information on your website using at least one of their senses.
If your website has video content or audio content, it should have captions or transcriptions for users who are deaf.
Proper color contrast ensures that all elements are easily perceivable for users with low vision or color blindness.
To achieve this, the WCAG recommends a level AA color contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.
The numbers before the colon (4.5) indicate the relative luminance of the lighter colors.
The number after the colon (1) represents the relative luminance of darker colors.
2. Operable Digital Accessibility
Operativity involves creating functional websites that users can navigate easily.
Components, input fields, form controls, and other functionalities should be accessible using a keyboard.
Websites should have a logical content structure and follow a meaningful sequence throughout these sections.
This includes clear header and subheadings and keeping users informed about their current location on the site.
Furthermore, text elements like links should be as clear as possible.
Instead of a vague phrase like "Click Here," opt for something more descriptive, such as "Learn more about our products."
This helps users get provide additional information about the products on your solution.
Websites should give users enough time to complete the tasks and avoiding content that flashes more than three times in one second.
This last item helps prevent physical reactions.
3. Understandable Digital Accessibility
Websites should be consistent and easy to navigate, enabling users to understand how to find the information they need.
Navigation and usage should be predictable and straightforward, using the "clearest and simplest" language possible.
If users are required to input information to complete an action, it's important to provide clear instructions or labels.
Also, companies should clarify the meaning of unusual words or abbreviations.
Websites should also offer clear suggestions for correcting input errors.
4. Robust Digital Accessibility
Creating robust websites implies ensuring users can access them using a broader range of "user agents" and "assistive technologies."
User agents refer to software that can render web content, such as web browsers, browser extensions and media players.
On the other hand, assistive technologies allow users to interact with web content.
Examples of assistive technologies include screen readers and switch devices, like button switches.
People with disabilities can use these instead of a keyboard or mouse.
The robust principle ensures that features and content are compatible with user agents and assistive technologies.
How to Assess ADA Compliance?
If you've worked with an agency that adheres to WCAG guidelines, your website is likely already ADA-compliant.
Partner with someone who understands the importance of compliance standards from both a design and development perspective.
You can use accessibility checkers to determine whether your website complies with accessibility standards, including ADA.
Consider reaching out to a professional Web Design agency that builds websites that meet accessibility standards, such as Capicua.
They can provide valuable insights and assist you in ensuring accessible solutions!
Why is ADA Compliance Important?
Ensuring ADA compliance shows empathy towards your users! It also demonstrates that you care about their comfort while navigating your site.
Besides, making your website accessible to everyone not only helps you reach a broader audience but also fosters inclusivity.
Additionally, web accessibility plays a significant role in providing a seamless UX. It can potentially boost conversion rates by up to 400%!
While accessibility isn't a direct ranking factor, it enhances user-friendliness, which can improve your site's SEO performance.
Showing a commitment to inclusivity through ADA compliance can also strengthen your brand's reputation.
Nonetheless, compliance with the ADA is also a civil rights law. Failing to adhere to it can lead to serious legal repercussions.
Conclusion
Ensuring ADA-compliant websites is a moral responsibility to create inclusive digital experiences!
By adhering to the WCAG principles, businesses can significantly enhance their website's accessibility regardless of the ability of people.
Investing in accessibility compliance not only protects your business from potential legal issues.
It also fosters a positive brand image and drives business growth.
As a UX-driven Product Development, we fully understand the benefits accessible websites bring to everyone.
Feel free to reach out if you'd like to hear about our unique approach to bringing even the most disruptive business ideas to life.
