There are several laws that must be followed when designing websites. The most commonly known are copyright and privacy laws. However, most small business owners I talk to are unaware of laws enacted globally to ensure that websites meet accessibility requirements.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Widely accepted as compliance for disabled individuals in a physical sense, the ADA has also been interpreted to require website accessibility, making compliance essential for most businesses.
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: For government agencies and federally-funded organizations, their website, information and communication technology (ICT), must ensure accessibility to all individuals with disabilities.
- The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA): The AODA is a law in Ontario, Canada, that requires Ontario-based website owners to ensure their websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Setting the standards shaping web accessibility across the globe, www.W3.org is the foremost authority on digital consistency and fairness. (For more detailed information click the link above.)
Why comply with accessible standards?
There are several reasons why having a compliant website is a good thing. Here are three:
Currently, over a quarter of the adult population in the United States is classified as disabled. Therefore, by ensuring your website is accessible your message will be reaching roughly over 60 million more individuals and effectively able to influence a wider audience.
It is the right thing to do and your organization will be known as an ethical organization who embraces all individuals. Accessible websites provide a richer experience for all audiences.
Possessing a website that complies with accessibility standards will be minimized will reduce the occurrence of legal hot water.
If you would like help in finding out if your website meets accessibility standards and would like to ensure those standards are maintained, Ess Factor Solutions will update and provide ongoing maintenance for your site. We are specialists certified in web accessibility. Simply reach out to schedule a conversation with us.
*accessiBe. (n.d.). Website legal requirements: What you need to know. https://accessibe.com/blog/knowledgebase/website-legal-requirements#section_requirements-under-web-accessibility-laws