So, you’ve got a fantastic website that you’re proud of, but are you sure it’s accessible to everyone? Ensuring that your website complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is not only the legal and right thing to do, but it’s also essential for reaching a broader audience. So, taking steps to avoid ADA violations is basically a win-win-win!
In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to help you avoid ADA violations and make your website more inclusive.
What Is ADA Compliance for Websites?
Before we dive into the how-tos, let’s grasp the basics of ADA compliance. See, the ADA ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else, including when it comes to digital spaces. So, in the context of websites, ADA compliance means making your site accessible to people with disabilities, including those who use screen readers, have limited mobility, or experience other challenges.
Tips on Avoiding ADA Violations
So, how do you make sure you’re in compliance with ADA rules and regulations? Check out our tips below to make your website an ADA violation-free zone.
1. Alt Text for Images
For those with visual impairments, images on your website are a mystery unless you provide descriptive alt text. Alt text is a short description that screen readers can read aloud, allowing visually impaired users to understand the content of images. So, make it a habit to include alt text for every image on your site.
2. Video Captions and Transcripts
Videos are fantastic for engaging your audience, but they can pose accessibility challenges. This is why providing captions or transcripts for your videos can go a long way in making your website more accessible, as it helps ensure that individuals with hearing impairments or those who simply prefer to read can access the content.
3. Font, Colour, and Text Size
Choosing the right font, colour, and text size can significantly impact your website’s accessibility. For best results, opt for easily readable fonts and ensure that text can be resized without loss of content or functionality. This helps users with visual impairments, making your content accessible to a broader audience.
4. Testing and Validation
If you truly want to make sure your website is accessible, then testing and validation are your best friends. Fortunately, there are accessibility testing tools out there that can help check your website for compliance. These tools will identify areas that need improvement, so you can make the necessary adjustments.
5. Stay Informed
Finally, the digital world evolves at a rapid pace, and so do accessibility standards and guidelines. It’s therefore essential to stay informed about the latest developments in ADA compliance – or, at least, to hire an expert who does. By hiring an informed professional to help you make your site more accessible, you can ensure that any concerns about ADA violations are a thing of the past.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, avoiding ADA violations on your website is not only a legal obligation but also a step toward creating a more inclusive online space. By understanding the basics of ADA compliance, like providing alt text for images, offering video captions and transcripts, considering font and text size, regularly testing and validating your site, and staying informed about accessibility standards, you can make your website accessible to a broader audience while avoiding potential violations.
It’s a situation that benefits both you and your users, so why wait? Start making your website more accessible today!
Need a hand with website accessibility? If so, we’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with Canopy Media, and book your free online marketing consultation today.
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