Understanding Website Accessibility & Why It Matters for Your Business
Accessibility: Creating a Digital World for Everyone
At Leverage Digital, we understand that accessibility isn’t just a feature—it’s a necessity. The internet should be a space where everyone, regardless of ability, can engage, connect, and thrive. But what does accessibility mean in the digital sense, and why is it so important? Let’s break it down.
What Is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility refers to designing and building websites that can be used by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. This encompasses considerations for visual, auditory, motor, cognitive, and neurological differences, ensuring no one is excluded from accessing vital content or services.
What Are the Laws, and Who Enforces Them?
Accessibility isn’t just an ethical obligation; it’s a legal one. In the United States, several laws address digital accessibility:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Title III of the ADA requires businesses to provide equal access to their websites, just as they do for physical spaces. This applies to public-facing businesses.
- Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: This law applies to federal agencies and their contractors, ensuring that digital content meets accessibility standards.
- Texas Human Resources Code, Chapter 121: This state-specific law protects the rights of individuals with disabilities, requiring businesses operating in Texas to ensure accessibility.
- If a business does not follow these guidelines and contracted their website to be build by a bendor, they are still liable for court ordered repair. The business can choose to then sue that vendor, but no court outcomes have a guarantee.
These laws are enforced by federal bodies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and through private lawsuits. In recent years, ADA-related lawsuits have surged, with over 4,000 cases filed in the first half of 2024 alone. Texas has seen its share of high-profile cases, including lawsuits against businesses for failing to provide accessible websites. For example, companies have faced penalties for missing alt text, inaccessible navigation, and unreadable forms.
How Does Noncompliance Impact Site Owners?
Failing to provide an accessible website comes with serious risks:
- Legal Consequences: Businesses can face fines of up to $92,383 for a first-time violation and $184,767 for repeat violations under the ADA. In Texas, additional penalties under Chapter 121 can apply.
- Lawsuits: Private individuals can file lawsuits for noncompliance, leading to costly settlements and legal fees. For example, a Texas-based business was recently sued for failing to provide screen-reader compatibility, resulting in a settlement that included compliance costs and damages.
- Reputation Damage: Noncompliance signals a lack of inclusivity, potentially alienating clients or customers.
- Missed Opportunities: Accessible websites perform better in SEO, reaching awider audience and improving engagement for all users.
Why Accessibility Matters to Us
How We Can Help
This is personal. At Leverage Digital, we’re no strangers to invisible disabilities. We understand firsthand the challenges of navigating a world that isn’t always designed with everyone in mind. That’s why we are deeply committed to building websites that aren’t just compliant but also empowering. Accessibility is about more than checking legal boxes—it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Whether you’re starting fresh or refining an existing site, we can help you design user experiences that work for everyone. Our approach includes:
- Audits and Improvements: Identifying existing accessibility barriers and providing actionable solutions.
- Inclusive UX Design: Creating intuitive layouts and user-friendly interfaces.
- Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring ongoing alignment with WCAG, ADA, and other relevant standards.
Connect with LeverageDigital Today!
Your Website Should Work for Everyone
Accessibility isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about doing the right thing. Together, we can ensure your site represents the inclusive, client-focused brand you’ve worked so hard to build. Whether you need updating to be compliant, something new built or drafted design - send us a message. We can do an audit and work together to ensure #everyclienteveryvisit gets served well.
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