Imagine this: Sarah, a small business owner, spends months perfecting her website, excited to reach new customers. But when Mark, a potential customer who is visually impaired, tries to navigate her site, he encounters barriers—text without proper contrast, images with missing alt text, and forms that can't be completed using a keyboard. Frustrated, he leaves, choosing a competitor’s site instead.
Stories like Mark’s are common. The internet is a gateway to opportunity, but for millions of people with disabilities, it remains an obstacle course. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990—before the digital revolution—it now applies to websites under the concept of "public accommodation," as interpreted by the Department of Justice. This means that businesses and organizations must ensure their digital spaces are accessible to all users, not just because it’s the law, but because inclusivity is the foundation of an equitable digital world.
The Hidden Barriers You Might Be Overlooking
It’s easy to assume a simple website is accessible, but many subtle barriers can exclude users. Here are key accessibility issues to address:
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Color Contrast: Pale gray text on a white background may be annoying for some but completely illegible for those with low vision or color blindness. Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background, and don’t rely solely on color to convey information (e.g., use icons or text alongside red error messages).
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Alt Text for Images: Alt text should describe an image’s content and function, not just its file name. Users relying on screen readers need alt text that provides meaningful context.
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Keyboard Navigation: Can your site be navigated without a mouse? Interactive elements and forms should be fully operable via keyboard shortcuts.
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Accessible Forms: Forms should have clear labels, instructions, and helpful error messages to prevent confusion, especially for users with disabilities.
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Captions and Transcripts: Videos should include captions, and podcasts should have transcripts to accommodate users with hearing impairments.
The Legal Risks of Non-Compliance
ADA-related lawsuits targeting inaccessible websites are increasing, with the Department of Justice making enforcement a priority. These lawsuits don’t just impact small businesses; major universities, local governments, and corporations have also faced legal action. Notable cases include:
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Miami University was sued for having inaccessible web content.
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Nassau County, Texas faced legal action for an inaccessible online conference registration form that screen reader users couldn’t navigate.
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Teachers Test Prep was sued for failing to provide captions on their online courses.
Ignoring accessibility doesn’t just pose legal risks—it also excludes a significant portion of the population. Approximately 26% of U.S. adults live with some form of disability. Prioritizing accessibility ensures inclusivity and compliance while protecting your business from costly litigation.
How to Improve Your Website’s Accessibility
Here are actionable steps to enhance web accessibility:
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Ensure Keyboard-Friendly Navigation: All interactive elements should be operable without a mouse.
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Use Meaningful Link Text: Avoid vague links like “click here.” Instead, use descriptive text such as “Download our accessibility guide.”
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Implement Clear Headings and Titles: Structured headings help users scan content and navigate efficiently.
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Provide Captions and Transcripts: Videos must have captions, and audio content should offer transcripts.
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Design Accessible Forms: Include clear labels, instructions, and visible error messages.
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Conduct Regular Accessibility Audits: Periodic testing and updates ensure continued compliance.
WCAG: The Gold Standard for Accessibility
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) serve as the industry benchmark for accessibility. To be legally compliant, aim for WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance. WCAG is based on four key principles:
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Perceivable: Content must be accessible to all users, including those using assistive technologies.
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Operable: Users should be able to interact with the site, even without a mouse.
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Understandable: Content should be clear, logical, and easy to navigate.
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Robust: The site should be compatible with various assistive technologies and browsers.
Adopting an Accessibility-First Mindset
Automated accessibility checkers are useful but not foolproof. Manual audits by accessibility experts and direct feedback from users with disabilities are essential. Make it easy for users to report accessibility issues by offering multiple contact methods.
Beyond technical fixes, accessibility should be a core part of your diversity and inclusion efforts. This includes:
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Using clear and inclusive language
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Offering multiple communication channels (phone, email, physical address)
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Proactively providing support, rather than waiting for requests
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Involving people with disabilities in website testing and feedback
Accessibility is a Journey, Not a Destination
Web accessibility is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. It requires continuous learning, adapting, and improving to create a more inclusive digital experience. Every step toward accessibility makes a difference. If you’re unsure where to start, seek guidance from experts and available resources. Together, we can build a more accessible web, one website at a time.