Information and user interface (UI) design are displayed to users in ways they can understand.
Navigation and functionality can be carried out via various methods, from keyboard to screen readers.
Content and interactions are presented in a way that maximizes predictability and are easily interpreted.
ADA is the American with Disabilities Act and is a law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Its goal is to provide clear and comprehensive standards and regulations throughout all facets of life, including public accommodations and telecommunications.
ADA compliance covers a broad range of areas, but we’re focusing on websites here. The accessibility standards and regulations set forth by ADA are not very specific when it comes to websites. This is where the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) come into play.
The WCAG provides guidelines/documents for web accessibility, published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) — which is the main international standards organization for the Internet. Thus, the WCAG is used until the Department of Justice properly defines regulations specifically addressing the accessibility of websites.
For websites, ADA Compliance is essentially the following of specific techniques that WCAG provides guidance on.
Whether you target a small demographic or offer services to an array of customers, you can benefit from making your WordPress website more accessible to a broader range of individuals. Reach more visitors and keep them, by allowing screen readers to describe the images to the blind, ensuring your navigation can be used without a mouse for those with physical limitations, and more.
Search engines have changed — becoming more human-like in their approach to crawling, consuming, and understanding page content. By making your WordPress site more accessible, it also becomes easier for both search engines and screen readers to make sense of content and structure. Your accessibility efforts can enhance your SEO endeavors as well.
Show that your visitors are valuable and respected, by making their browsing experience a priority. Making an effort to include everyone will be apparent to those who need the accessibility that is implemented. Imagine they’ve been “getting by” on other websites, and are able to access your content with greater ease than expected thanks to our WordPress ADA compliance services.
With WordPress accessibility and compliance, it’s better to be proactive than reactive. Compliance should be done out of concern for your visitors — not for fear of legal action — but that can be a driving-factor for many website owners. Many esteemed brands and businesses have already been sued for lack of ADA compliance.
Some people proactively target websites that fail to meet ADA standards in search of a quick payday. As your website grows, it can become a bigger target for potential lawsuits.
To give you an idea, civil penalties for a first violation of ADA compliance can cost as much as $92,000. Subsequent violations carry higher penalties, with costs rising up to approximately $184,000.
That’s why WordPress ADA compliance is a must. On top of helping you avoid legal costs, high accessibility standards also translate to a better user experience for all of your visitors.