How to Make Your Site ADA Accessible, and Why it Matters

When you think of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), what comes to mind? If you’re like most, probably nothing at all, or maybe you think of a person in a wheelchair. We don’t tend to think about things that don’t regularly affect us. But for those of us with disabilities, it is groundbreaking legislation from 1990 that ensures equal access to public spaces, among other things (there are actually five categories of requirements). It is a tool that makes daily life just a little easier by mandating certain accommodations by businesses and government agencies, and it goes WAY beyond handicap parking and ramps (though those are obviously incredibly important).

The ADA provides standards for minimally acceptable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Set in 1991 and updated in 2010, the most current standards include making digital content accessible to people with disabilities. It’s actually been a priority for the Department of Justice since 1996, which makes it crazy that it’s still not widely known and understood almost 30 years later. As someone with an invisible disability myself, even I didn’t initially understand what kinds of accommodations might be needed online. I knew of a person once who was blind and had a tool that read websites to him, but I didn’t think beyond that. 

A few years ago, when I first learned of website accessibility falling under the ADA, it opened my eyes to what kinds of barriers a person could encounter on a website, and how making changes could open the world up in ways affected individuals couldn’t previously imagine. My company immediately implemented necessary changes and we began to educate our area business community by bringing in speakers on the topic. At the time, it was a costly investment, but one that I believe continues to be worth its price, because ultimately, people are (or should be) at the core of any business. If you’re not as emotionally attached to this as I am, you could also consider the financial ramifications of being sued for noncompliance.

Inaccessible web content can exclude people just as much as only having stairs in front of a building, or not having an audible speaker at a crosswalk. While there isn’t a specific set of rules for websites, adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA is the widely accepted standard. The WCAG outlines four principles for maintaining an ADA compliant website, using the POUR acronym: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.

Perceivable issues are those that affect a user’s ability to find and process information on a website. Operable issues are those that impact a visitor’s ability to navigate and use a website. Understandable issues concern a user’s ability to discern and comprehend all information and navigation on a website. Robust issues involve a website’s ability to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of users with disabilities. Virid helps businesses increase their accessibility online by auditing your site and providing a roadmap for improvements. 

Here are some tips for ADA compliance:

1. Know the Law
   Read the legal documentation so you understand what is expected of you and your business. The ADA.gov website has comprehensive guidelines on web accessibility under the Guidance & Resources tab. Just filter by the Web access category.
2. Provide Alternative Text for Images
   Include descriptive alt text for images so screen readers can interpret them for visually impaired users.
3. Use Semantic HTML
   Properly structure your website using headings, lists, and landmarks to assist screen readers in navigating content.
4. Ensure Keyboard Accessibility
   Make sure all functions can be accessed and operated using a keyboard alone, without relying on a mouse or touchpad.
5. Use Descriptive Links
   Use descriptive text for hyperlinks instead of generic phrases like "click here" to provide context for screen reader users.
6. Implement Captions and Transcripts
   Include captions for videos and provide transcripts for audio content to accommodate users with hearing impairments.
7. Ensure Color Contrast
   Maintain sufficient color contrast between text and background to aid users with visual impairments in reading content.
8. Test with Accessibility Tools
   Utilize various accessibility tools and assistive technologies to test your website's accessibility.
9. Provide Accessibility Options
   Offer options to adjust font size, contrast, or customize the display to accommodate different user needs.
10. Conduct Regular Audits and Updates
    This will help you identify and address accessibility issues, and keep your website updated with the latest accessibility standards.
11. Educate Your Team
    Ensure your team is aware of ADA compliance standards and integrate accessibility into your design and development process. It can help to keep in mind the types of disabilities you aim to accommodate.

And some tools for ADA compliance testing:

• WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool: Helps identify and fix accessibility issues.
• WebAIM's WAVE Browser Extension: Offers detailed accessibility analysis for web content.
• axe Accessibility Checker: Provides comprehensive reports and recommendations for accessibility improvements.

Creating an ADA-compliant website isn't just about meeting legal requirements–it's about making the online world accessible to everyone. By implementing these guidelines and regularly auditing your site for accessibility, you are demonstrating an ongoing commitment toward ensuring a more inclusive experience for all users. As technologies evolve, so do accessibility standards. By prioritizing inclusivity in your website design and development, you are contributing to a more equitable digital landscape. Start today by requesting an audit.