42 Understanding ADA Compliance and the Digital World
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights law that protects the equal rights of individuals with disabilities. The law doesn’t just mandate the accessibility of physical spaces—organizations that fail to make their digital experiences accessible may also be found non-compliant.
In today’s increasingly online world, prioritizing ADA compliance for websites and other digital assets is not just a legal obligation. It represents a commitment to making the internet more open to everyone. In this article, we’ll explain what ADA compliance means with regard to digital content, and how it benefits organizations. We’ll also share practical tips for bringing digital experiences into alignment with the law’s requirements.
What does ADA compliance mean for digital experiences?
In the context of digital accessibility, ADA compliance refers to the process of ensuring that digital properties, such as websites and mobile applications, adhere to the requirements set forth by the ADA. At a high level, that means removing barriers that might prevent individuals with disabilities from accessing and using digital content effectively.
For state and local governments, ADA compliance involves conformance to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, which is a globally accepted set of best practices that promote digital accessibility. These include providing alt text for images, meeting minimum color contrast ratios, and captioning videos.
While the ADA does not provide a specific, technical compliance standard for private businesses, WCAG conformance is also recommended to reduce the risk of legal action.
Why ADA compliance matters
Failure to comply with ADA regulations can result in costly lawsuits and reputational damage. The legal landscape is rapidly evolving, and proactive measures to enhance accessibility can help organizations mitigate these risks.
However, the benefits of ADA compliance go beyond avoiding lawsuits. Digital accessibility plays a crucial role in providing inclusive user experiences. Millions of people with disabilities rely on assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to interact with digital content. By ensuring accessibility, organizations empower all individuals to engage with online information, expanding their audience and demonstrating social responsibility.
In addition, ADA compliance can enhance an experience’s overall usability. Many accessibility features not only remove barriers for individuals with disabilities, but also result in more intuitive experiences for all users, improving website performance and click-through rates.
Steps to get closer to ADA compliance
ADA compliance can’t be achieved with a handful of quick fixes. Meeting the law’s requirements is a process that involves understanding accessibility standards and implementing necessary changes. To get started, consider the following best practices:
1. Conduct an accessibility audit
An accessibility expert can help you identify areas where a website may fall short of compliance requirements. This process, called an accessibility audit, involves reviewing a website’s design, content, and functionality to ensure they meet WCAG standards.
2. Fix accessibility barriers
Using the insights gathered from your accessibility audit, your organization can start bringing your website into conformance with WCAG—a process known as issue remediation. This entails updating your website’s content and functionality to incorporate accessibility considerations such as:
- Alternative text for images
- Captions for videos
- Proper heading structures
- Keyboard-friendly navigation
- Readable fonts and sufficient color contrast
3. Design and build with accessibility in mind
Proactively incorporating accessibility principles into the design and development of new content prevents new issues from emerging. Take advantage of design plugins and developer integrations to help teams catch and fix errors before they impact users.
4. Educate teams
Many professionals within your organization may be new to digital accessibility. Educating everyone involved in digital content creation—web developers, instructional designers, faculty—ensures that ADA compliance becomes an integral part of a digital strategy moving forward. This training may cover different aspects of WCAG conformance and be tailored to specific roles.
5. Involve the community
Seeking feedback from end users will help you continually improve the accessibility of your digital experiences. Provide a mechanism for visitors to your website to share input on its accessibility, and ensure any concerns are promptly addressed.
6. Monitor your digital content regularly
With each new piece of content you publish, you risk introducing new barriers—so regularly reviewing your website’s accessibility is essential for maintaining compliance. Ongoing monitoring is also necessary to stay aligned with evolving standards, legal requirements, and technologies.
Common challenges in ADA compliance
Creating and maintaining ADA-compliant experiences isn’t optional—especially amid the high velocity of digital accessibility litigation today. However, many organizations face challenges in achieving full compliance, such as:
- Lack of awareness: Understanding accessibility requirements can be complex for those unfamiliar with legal standards.
- Technical barriers: Implementing accessibility features may require significant website modifications.
- Budget constraints: Smaller organizations may struggle to allocate resources for accessibility improvements.
Overcoming these challenges requires a strategic approach that balances compliance efforts with operational objectives.
ADA compliance: Removing barriers in the digital world
ADA compliance is a crucial step toward creating an inclusive digital environment. Organizations that prioritize accessibility not only enhance user experience but also contribute to a more equitable society. Complying with the ADA should not be regarded as just a one-time initiative, but as an ongoing commitment to inclusion and equal access for all.