Do you ever get frustrated when navigating a poorly designed website? Imagine that frustration multiplied tenfold for someone with a disability trying to access information online.
At Pronto, we are passionate about creating websites that work for everyone. We commit to building ADA-compliant websites that provide equal access to users with disabilities.
This post walks you through exactly what ADA website compliance is, why it matters, and how we at Pronto craft accessible online experiences.
What Does ADA Compliance Mean for Websites?
You’re probably familiar with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) in the context of physical spaces like restaurants or stores. But did you know it also applies to the virtual space of the internet?
ADA compliance means making sure your website works for people with disabilities like:
- Blindness and low vision
- Deafness and hearing loss
- Limited movement and dexterity
- Cognitive limitations
For example, an ADA compliant website has:
- Text alternatives for images so blind users can understand what’s in them
- Captions for audio content for those with hearing issues
- Keyboard access for those who can’t use a mouse
- Clear design and navigation for people with cognitive disabilities
Without these provisions, people with disabilities can’t access information or complete tasks on websites as fully as others.
The Stakes Are High: Fines, Lawsuits, Lost Revenue
Failing to make your website ADA compliant has serious consequences that impact your bottom line. You risk:
👉 Fines from $75,000 up to $150,000
👉 Costly legal battles
👉 Loss of revenue from excluded or frustrated customers
According to Seyfarth Shaw LLP, a law firm that specializes in ADA Title III compliance and litigation, in 2018 alone, there were at least 2,258 federal lawsuits filed over alleged website accessibility issues.
Clearly, non-compliance negatively affects both public image and profits. By contrast, embracing accessibility opens up your business to new markets and ensures you provide an equal experience to all customers.
Pronto’s Process: Precision from Start to Finish
Creating accessible websites requires care and attention to detail. At Pronto, we take compliance seriously, with a process including:
Planning
Theme Selection: First, we choose WordPress themes explicitly designed with accessibility in mind, following WCAG guidelines.
Plugins: We utilize accessibility-focused plugins like Userway to address specific areas like alt text, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility.
Learn more about Userway here 👇
Development
Code Validation: We validate client websites’ HTML, CSS, and JavaScript using W3C validators to identify and fix accessibility errors.
Manual Testing: Conduct manual testing using assistive technologies like screen readers and keyboard navigation to experience the site from a user with disabilities’ perspective.
Automated Testing: Utilize automated testing tools that scan your website for accessibility issues and provide detailed reports.
Maintenance and Support
Stay Updated: We keep your WordPress core, theme, and plugins updated to benefit from accessibility improvements and bug fixes.
Regular Audits: Schedule regular audits using automated and manual testing methods to identify new issues arising from updates or content changes. (Only on Dedicated Support)
Content Monitoring: Continuously monitor content creation and ensure all new content adheres to accessibility guidelines. (Only on Dedicated Support)
With this focus, we ensure all client sites provide equal access for all users while shielding them from legal exposure.
Experience You Can Trust
With a 16 year track record and hundreds of successful ADA compliant sites delivered, you can trust Pronto. Our experienced team keeps up with the latest web accessibility guidelines and regulations.
I hope this post clearly demonstrates both the importance of and our specialized approach to ADA-compliant websites.
We’re committed to using our web skills to create more inclusive online spaces. Because everyone deserves access to the transformational power of the internet.
