Creating Accessible Websites: A Beginner’s Guide To ADA Compliance

Have you ever wondered how individuals with disabilities use the internet? Did you know inaccessible websites can prevent people with disabilities from accessing essential information, services, and products? The good news is that creating accessible websites is easier than you might think, and it’s the right thing to do.

In this beginner’s guide to ADA compliance, we’ll cover everything you need to know about creating accessible websites, from understanding disabilities to designing and developing accessible websites to ongoing maintenance. You’ll learn about the importance of complying with the ADA, the consequences of non-compliance, and how to avoid common mistakes. 

Understanding Disabilities: Creating Accessible Websites

The internet is a powerful tool that allows us to connect with others, access information, and complete tasks efficiently. However, for individuals with disabilities, using the internet can be a frustrating and challenging experience. That’s why website designers and developers must create accessible websites that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Common Types of Disabilities

Many different types of disabilities can affect a person’s ability to use the internet. Some common types of disabilities include:

1. Visual Disabilities: Individuals who are blind or have low vision may rely on screen readers, braille displays, or magnification software to navigate the internet.
2. Hearing Disabilities: Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may rely on captions, transcripts, or sign language videos to access audio content.
3. Motor Disabilities: Individuals with mobility impairments may have difficulty using a traditional mouse or keyboard and rely on alternative input devices such as a joystick, voice recognition software, or a switch.
4. Cognitive Disabilities: Individuals with cognitive disabilities such as dyslexia or ADHD may have difficulty processing information or navigating complex websites.

People with disabilities may use assistive technology to access the internet. Assistive technology can include screen readers, braille displays, text-to-speech software, speech recognition software, and alternative input devices. Some assistive technology works with standard web browsers, while others require installing specific software or hardware.

Despite the advancements in assistive technology, individuals with disabilities still face challenges when using the internet. Some common challenges include:

1. Inaccessible Design: Websites that do not provide alternative text for images, poorly labeled form fields, or non-semantic markup can make it difficult or impossible for individuals with disabilities to access the content.
2. Navigation: Websites with complex navigation structures or lack of clear hierarchy can make it difficult for individuals with disabilities to find the content they are looking for.
3. Time Constraints: Websites that impose time constraints on tasks can be a barrier for individuals with disabilities who may need extra time to complete tasks.
4. Incompatible Technology: Websites incompatible with assistive technology or requiring specific software or hardware can limit access for individuals with disabilities.

Creating accessible websites is crucial for ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access information and services online. Understanding the common types of disabilities, how individuals with disabilities use the internet, and their challenges is an essential first step in creating accessible websites that comply with the ADA. By designing and developing websites with accessibility in mind, we can ensure everyone can access the internet equally.

ADA Compliance

ADA compliance refers to the adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to goods, services, and information. This includes ensuring that websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind, deaf, or have mobility impairments.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are international guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) for making web content more accessible to individuals with disabilities. The guidelines are organized into three levels of accessibility: A, AA, and AAA. ADA compliance generally requires meeting at least the AA level of accessibility.

The ADA does not specifically mention website accessibility, but courts have also interpreted the law to apply to websites. Websites are considered public accommodations and, thus, must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Failure to make websites accessible can result in legal action against businesses and organizations.

The consequences of non-compliance with ADA standards for website accessibility can include legal action, fines, negative publicity, and loss of customers. In addition, businesses and organizations that fail to make their websites accessible may be missing out on a significant portion of their potential audience. Businesses and organizations need to ensure that their websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities to avoid these consequences.

Designing Accessible Websites

When designing accessible websites, it is essential to consider the needs of individuals with disabilities, such as those who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing or have mobility impairments. This includes considerations such as text alternatives for images, video captions, and keyboard accessibility.

There are several best practices for designing accessible websites, including:

1. Providing clear and consistent navigation
2. Using descriptive headings and titles
3. Using sufficient color contrast between text and background
4. Providing alternatives for non-text content, such as images and videos
5. Ensuring that all functionality is available through keyboard navigation
6. Limiting the use of flashing or moving content that can cause seizures
7. Ensuring that content is structured in a logical and organized manner
8. Providing a clear and easy-to-use interface

Some common mistakes to avoid when designing accessible websites include the following:

1. Using images of text instead of actual text
2. Failing to provide text alternatives for images, videos, and other non-text content
3. Using color as the sole means of conveying information
4. Failing to provide clear and consistent navigation
5. Using small font sizes or low contrast between text and background
6. Failing to ensure that all functionality is available through keyboard navigation
7. Using tables for layout purposes
8. Failing to use proper markup and structure for content

By following these best practices and avoiding common mistakes, designers can create websites that are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Developing Accessible Websites

Developers should consider technical aspects of website development to ensure accessibility. This includes using proper markups, such as HTML and ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) to provide additional information about content to assistive technologies. Developers should also consider the proper use of form elements, proper labeling of form fields, and semantic markup to provide a clear and logical structure for content.

Assistive technologies are software and hardware tools that assist individuals with disabilities in interacting with websites. Examples of assistive technologies include screen readers, text-to-speech software, magnifiers, and alternative input devices. Developers should design websites compatible with assistive technologies and allow users to navigate and interact with the website using alternative input methods, such as keyboard navigation.

Developers should test their websites for accessibility using automated accessibility checkers and manual testing. Automated accessibility checkers can quickly identify some accessibility issues, but manual testing is necessary to identify more complex accessibility issues. Developers should also consider user testing with individuals with disabilities to ensure that the website is accessible and usable for a diverse range of users.

Several tools and resources are available for developers to ensure the accessibility of their websites. These include:

1. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) – guidelines for making web content more accessible.
2. ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) – provides additional information about content to assistive technologies.
3. Accessibility checkers – automated tools that scan websites for accessibility issues.
4. Screen readers – assistive technology software that reads text aloud for individuals with visual impairments.
5. Color contrast checkers – tools that evaluate the contrast between text and background to ensure readability.
6. Keyboard testing tools evaluate the website’s compatibility with keyboard navigation.
7. User testing with individuals with disabilities – testing the website with individuals with disabilities to ensure accessibility and usability.

Developers can use these tools and resources to ensure their websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Maintaining Accessibility

Maintaining accessibility is an ongoing process that requires attention even after a website has been designed and developed. As technology and user needs evolve, websites must be updated to ensure continued accessibility. Ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure a website remains accessible to all users.

Regular accessibility audits should be conducted to ensure the ongoing accessibility of a website. Accessibility audits should include automated testing with accessibility checkers, manual testing with assistive technologies, and user testing with individuals with disabilities. These audits can identify accessibility issues and guidelines for addressing these issues.

Once accessibility issues have been identified, they should be addressed promptly. This may involve updating the website’s design, development, or content. Some issues may be simple, while others require more extensive changes. It is essential to prioritize accessibility issues and to work towards a more accessible website over time.

By maintaining accessibility, websites can continue to provide equal access to all users, regardless of ability. Regular accessibility audits and addressing accessibility issues can help ensure a website remains accessible and usable for all users.

Remember that designing and developing accessible websites isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance, updates, and testing. By prioritizing accessibility in your website design and development process, you’re ensuring compliance and demonstrating your commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

As you continue to build your website design and development skills, keep accessibility top of mind. By making your websites accessible to everyone, you’re contributing to a more equitable and inclusive online world.