Alex and Ben have written previously about new trends in accessibility and design, specifically that “design isn’t hampered by accessibility, design IS accessibility” and we couldn’t agree more. But building an accessible website involves many development considerations as well – more than just visual design.
Most organizations have heard of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but few are clear on exactly how it affects the way they operate their business — especially online. In recent years, many federal courts have ruled that the act extends to websites – which means you’ll likely need to modify some parts of your site to ensure that all features and functionality comply with the ADA.
In short, the new legal standard says that you’re just as liable for making your website accessible as you are for ensuring that an office or store is accessible. While this is a relatively new standard, it’s critical that you update your site as soon as possible to avoid potential future lawsuits from visitors who may not be able to use your services due to disabilities.
The good news is that the basic principles of the ADA are easy to adhere to, even online, and many run in parallel with SEO best practices that you’re likely already following.
In our comprehensive guide, we walk you through some of the easiest updates you can make to help bring your website into compliance. We also discuss Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), their success criteria, and share some resources should you want to take a deeper dive into higher levels of compliance (and you should!).
We’ve got the full guide in a 20-page PDF right here – no signups or opt-ins necessary. Enjoy!
