At GriffinWink Advertising, we’ve long been champions for creating effective and engaging websites, and today we’re shifting focus to a topic that’s critical yet often overlooked – the importance of making your website ADA compliant.
What does ADA mean, you ask? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that was passed in the United States in 1990 to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. When it comes to your website, this means ensuring that all users, regardless of their abilities, can access, navigate, and understand your content.
In addition to the moral obligation, businesses are legally required to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities. Non-compliance can lead to legal troubles and hefty fines, not to mention a tarnished reputation.
But worry not, here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the nuances of ADA compliance for your website:
1. UNDERSTAND THE WEB CONTENT ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES (WCAG)
The WCAG is a set of guidelines that provide a framework for making web content more accessible. They include recommendations like providing text alternatives for non-text content, making content adaptable and distinguishable, and ensuring it’s easy to navigate and operate.
2. INCORPORATE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Technologies like screen readers, text-to-speech software, and voice recognition tools should be compatible with your website. This includes ensuring your content can be read aloud and that all navigation can be done with a keyboard.
3. USE ALT TEXTS FOR IMAGES
Every image on your website should include an alt text – a brief description of the image. This helps visually impaired users understand what the image is showing when they use screen readers.
4. MAKE SURE YOUR WEBSITE IS FULLY NAVIGABLE BY KEYBOARD
Not all users can use a mouse to navigate your website. Some rely on keyboard navigation. Ensure all website functionalities can be accessed through the keyboard alone.
5. INCLUDE CAPTIONS OR TRANSCRIPTS FOR AUDIO AND VIDEO CONTENT
Deaf or hard of hearing users need written versions of spoken content. Make sure to include captions for videos and transcripts for audio content.
6. DESIGN WITH COLOR CONTRAST IN MIND
Color contrast is an important aspect of visual accessibility. Poor contrast can make text difficult to read, especially for users with vision impairment. Use an online tool to check if your website meets the WCAG’s color contrast ratio.
7. REGULARLY TEST YOUR WEBSITE
To ensure ongoing compliance, you need to test your website for accessibility regularly. This can be done using automated testing tools, manual checks, and user testing with individuals who have disabilities.
8. CONSULT WITH AN ADA COMPLIANCE EXPERT
The best way to ensure you’re fully ADA compliant is to consult with an expert. At GriffinWink Advertising, we can thoroughly audit your website and provide recommendations to ensure your site is accessible to all users.
In conclusion, ADA compliance isn’t just about avoiding legal issues—it’s about embracing the ethos of inclusivity and ensuring everyone can access your content. We at GriffinWink Advertising are committed to helping your business become more inclusive and accessible. If you have any queries or need assistance with ADA compliance, feel free to reach out to us.
Remember, an accessible website is not just compliant. It is user-friendly and more likely to attract and retain a diverse audience. It’s not just good business—it’s the right thing to do.
