Fifty-four percent of adults living with a disability use the internet. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all websites are required to meet accessibility standards.
Microsoft Corporation defines accessible technology as, “…technology that enables individuals to adjust their user experience to meet their unique visual, hearing, dexterity, cognitive and speech needs.”
Accessibility refers to closed captioning, audio narration and alt tags.
To begin making your website accessible, have your web professional start with the low-hanging fruit:
- Add alt text for images; this is basically adding a line of simple hidden computer code to label the photograph which allows blind users to make sense of the image.
- Use HTML standards to include navigation within the page and ensure online forms can be completed by someone using assistive technology.
According to Venable LLP, “The ADA accessibility rules cover any entities (governmental or private) that open their doors to the public, including nonprofit organizations … Any nonprofit with a public website is directly affected by these accessibility rules.”
Adopting accessible design can be beneficial
“It makes for good business,” says George Breeden, CAE, director of product marketing for TMA Resources.
David Dikter, CEO of the Assistive Technology Industry Association, agrees. “Without ensuring that all visitors can access all aspects of your website, you’re missing dollars,” he says.
People with “invisible” disabilities such as a learning disability and an aging American population are likely to benefit from accessibility. Eyesight, hearing and motor skills can deteriorate as people age. An option for larger font sizes and volume controls could make for a better website experience.
How will rules be enforced?
Enforcement is tough. The government could use certain major websites as an example. However, it is more likely that a user will complain and identify an organization as noncompliant.
If a website is identified as inaccessible, there could be fines and penalties, injunctions and private rights of action.
Incorporating accessibility features on your website can improve the online experience for all visitors. Build accessibility into everything you do going forward. Use it as a process that can be built into your website’s normal lifecycle.
Consult your website professional to see if your website is accessible, and if not, develop a plan to become compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Resources
Officite http://www.officite.com/ada-website-accessibility-compliance-how-to-protect-your-practice/
