Website accessibility standards include both regulatory requirements and related technical guidelines for making a website equally accessible for individuals with disabilities.
What are Website Accessibility Standards?
Website accessibility standards refers to website accessibility guidelines, such as what's detailed in an ADA compliance checklist or 508 compliance checklist.
For example, website accessibility standards require a website to be structured in a certain way that makes the site just as easy to use for individuals with disabilities as the site is for those without disabilities. This includes developing and designing a website in a way that's compatible with assistive technology, such as screen readers.
Without website accessibility standards built in to a website, it can be time intensive or impossible for potential customers or clients with disabilities to find information about a company's products or services, place an online order or contact the company for services. For example, if a "skip navigation" feature isn't accounted for to accommodate screen readers, a screen reader will read everything on a web page, including the navigation menu any time someone goes from one page to another on a website. This can make it harder for people who rely on the use of a screen reader to find the information they're actually looking for. Website accessibility standards go beyond a "skip navigation" feature, with a high degree of attention to detail and technical skills required.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been updated to require businesses to make their information technology (like their website and/or app) just as easy to access for individuals with disabilities compared to those without disabilities.
Relatedly, 508 compliance refers to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies, as well as any organizations that interact with federal agencies, to make their website equally accessible for individuals with disabilities. 508 website accessibility standards apply to a wide variety of public and private organizations, such as banks or credit unions, health care companies, educational institutions and other types of organizations that are regulated by or receive funding from federal agencies.
Does My Organization Have to Comply with Website Accessibility Standards?
Nearly all types of organizations must satisfy website accessibility standards. Failing to meet website accessibility standards risks regulatory non-compliance fees and expensive, extensive lawsuits.
While 508 website accessibility standards are applicable for federal agencies and any organization that does business with the federal government, ADA website accessibility standards are required for nearly every type of business.
Why Do Website Accessibility Standards Matter?
Website Accessibility Standards Are a Legal Requirement
Federal regulations mandate that applicable organizations take specific actions to make their website equally accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Failing to Fulfill Website Accessibility Standards Leaves Organizations Vulnerable to Lawsuits
The Business Journal of Central New York has described lawsuits related to website accessibility standards as "arguably the fastest growing type of litigation in New York State." With website accessibility standards being applicable for federal regulations, this rapid growth in these types of lawsuits are a concern for companies across the United States.
Many businesses are already dealing with lawsuits for failing to meet website accessibility standards. One example is Blick Art Materials, LLC in Brooklyn, NY. A federal judge ruled in favor of a customer who sued Blick Art Materials, LLC because their website created obstacles for a customer with disabilities to learn about and buy products.
Complying with Website Accessibility Standards is Good for Business
It is much more cost efficient for organizations to update their website to satisfy website accessibility standards rather than dealing with costly, lengthy lawsuits.
Complying with website accessibility standards is not only cost efficient, but it also is important for sales or lead generation growth. With nearly 40 million Americans living with disabilities, failing to fulfill website accessibility standards can mean lost opportunities, forcing potential customers or clients with disabilities to take their business elsewhere.
Get on the Right Side of the Law and Make the Most of Your Business Opportunities. Partner with ACS Web Design and SEO to Comply with Website Accessibility Standards.
ACS Web Design and SEO is experienced in providing custom, professional website design services that empower companies to satisfy website accessibility standards. We have created custom website designs for a wide variety of businesses, helping our clients comply with both 508 website accessibility standards and ADA website accessibility standards.
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