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The Benefits of following ADA Guidelines
October 02, 2011
ADA Guidelines for the Web cover aspects of Web accessibility including the look and feel of the page, the alternate text of the images, and more. Usable Websites are sites that work for your readers. Make sure that your pages are accessible, usable and meet ADA and other guidelines so that your site will be accessible to all.
Why should you do it?
- Avoid legal lawsuits. In some cases, you are obligated by law. Websites, just like facilities, must be accessed by employees and users with disabilities. Businesses as well as city, state and federal agencies are obligated to provide web accessibility to the public and its employees.
- Better search ranking. When web content is accessible, it is also search engine friendly. Expect a better organic search result by following ADA Guidelines.
- It’s good for business! More customers can reach you online including through mobile sites and mobile applications. More business for you and not your competitor!
How can you achieve web accessibility?
- Text Alternatives: Provide text alternatives for any non-text content
- Time-based Media: Provide alternative content (closed captioned) for time-based media
- Adaptable: Create content that can be presented in different ways (for example simpler layout) without losing information or structure.
- Distinguishable: Make it easier for users to see and hear content especially separating foreground from background.
- Keyboard Accessible: Make all functionality available from a keyboard; navigation without having to use a mouse.
- Enough Time: Provide users enough time to read and use content.
- Seizures: Do not design content in a way that is known to cause seizures.
- Navigation: Provide ways to help users navigate, find content, and determine where they are.
- Readable: Make text content readable and understandable.
- Predictable: Make Web pages appear and operate in predictable ways.
- Input Assistance: Help users avoid and correct mistakes.
- Compatible: Maximize compatibility with current and future user agents, including assistive technologies.
Based on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Quick Reference List (latest recommendation by W3C dated Dec. 2008)
Reference:
Section 508 requires federal agencies to provide electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. Agencies must follow Section 508 standards when designing new websites. http://www.section508.gov/
Accessibility of State and Local Government Websites to People with Disabilities:
http://www.ada.gov/websites2.htm
How to Meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Requirements:
http://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG20/quickref/
Is Your Site ADA-Compliant or a Lawsuit-in-Waiting?
http://www.icdri.org/CynthiaW/is_%20yoursite_ada_compliant.htm
Your Local Partner for Website Accessibility
Looking to reach a new height through the Web? Contact Happy Pixel Studio, LLC, your local partner for website accessibility. HPS has created websites and mobile sites that are not only user-friendly, but search-engine friendly and accessible to the masses.
