In today’s digital age, accessibility is of paramount importance. With over 1 billion people worldwide living with a disability, it is essential that businesses and organizations ensure that their websites and digital content are accessible to everyone. One way to ensure this is by complying with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The ADA is a civil rights law passed in 1990 to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public spaces. In 2010, the ADA was updated to include specific provisions related to digital accessibility, and WCAG 2.0 was introduced as the standard for accessibility on the web. In 2018, WCAG 2.1 was released, providing updated guidelines to further improve web accessibility.
So why is ADA WCAG compliance so important? There are several reasons:
- It’s the law. The ADA requires that all public-facing digital content be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in legal action and costly lawsuits.
- It’s good for business. By making your website and digital content accessible, you are opening your doors to a wider audience. People with disabilities make up a significant portion of the population, and they deserve equal access to information and services.
- It improves user experience. Accessibility features such as alt tags, closed captions, and keyboard navigation not only make your website more accessible to people with disabilities but also improve the user experience for all users.
- It promotes social responsibility. As a business or organization, it is your responsibility to ensure that everyone has equal access to your services and information. By prioritizing accessibility, you are demonstrating your commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity.
To ensure ADA WCAG compliance, there are several steps you can take:
- Conduct an accessibility audit of your website and digital content to identify areas that need improvement.
- Implement accessibility features such as alt tags, closed captions, and keyboard navigation.
- Ensure that your website and digital content are compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers and braille displays.
- Train your staff on the importance of accessibility and how to create accessible content.
In conclusion, ADA WCAG compliance is essential for businesses and organizations to ensure equal access to information and services for individuals with disabilities. It’s the law, good for business, improves user experience, and promotes social responsibility. By taking steps to ensure compliance, you are demonstrating your commitment to inclusivity and creating a better experience for all users.
Author: Joseph Poirier
Joe built his first website in 2003. Way back then, he moved his Real Estate company into email marketing and then social media marketing on MySpace – yes, you read that right – MySpace. Since then, he’s stayed immersed with all digital marketing channels and is a guru at ‘all things Google.’ Analytics, SEO and simplifying/optimizing complex sales funnels are his passions in the digital world, while his daughter, fishing, and various non-profits rule his free time.