Introduction to Website Accessibility
Imagine trying to open a door to a store, but there are steps in the way and you can't get in. That's what it's like for many people with disabilities when they visit websites that aren't accessible. Accessibility means making sure everyone, including people with disabilities, can use and enjoy your website.
This is really important because it doesn't just help people with disabilities—it also helps your business reach more customers and avoid legal trouble. In fact, having a non-compliant website could lead to financial penalties. In the United States, businesses of all sizes, including small businesses, can face lawsuits and significant fines if their websites are not accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In Canada, fines under the Accessible Canada Act can reach up to $250,000.
<aside>⚡ All of our websites comes with an accessibility statement and a form for people to reach out if they encounter any accessibility issue on our client’s websites.
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By choosing a web design company that takes accessibility seriously, like ours, you're making a smart choice. We ensure your website is welcoming to everyone and meets all the necessary legal standards. This not only protects you from potential fines but also shows your commitment to inclusivity and excellent customer service.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a critical law in the United States that ensures people with disabilities have equal access to all public services, including websites.
Who it applies to
The ADA applies to all businesses open to the public, regardless of size, including small businesses, as well as state and local governments. This means if you have a website for your business, it needs to be accessible to everyone, not just those without disabilities.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If your website isn’t accessible, you could face serious legal consequences. This includes lawsuits and significant fines. Non-compliance with the ADA can be costly, both financially and reputationally. Even small businesses are not exempt from these penalties, highlighting the importance of meeting accessibility standards.
What makes a website compliant
To meet ADA requirements, your website should be easy to use for people with disabilities. This includes:
- Providing text alternatives for images, so that screen readers can describe the content to users who are blind.
- Ensuring videos have captions for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Making sure the website can be navigated without a mouse, using just a keyboard, for those who cannot use a mouse.
Learn more detailed information on how we meet ADA guidelines here.
Accessible Canada Act (Bill C-81) and Provincial Laws
In Canada, there are important laws to make sure websites are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. One of these laws is the Accessible Canada Act, also known as Bill C-81.
Who it applies to
This act mainly applies to organizations under federal jurisdiction. This means it affects businesses and organizations that operate at the national level. However, each province in Canada also has its own rules about accessibility that can apply to businesses of all sizes.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If your website doesn’t follow these laws, you could face big fines. For example, the Accessible Canada Act can fine businesses up to $250,000 if they don’t make their websites accessible. These penalties are serious, so it’s important to make sure your site meets the rules.
What makes a website compliant
To comply with these laws, your website needs to follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This means:
- Making text easy to read and see
- Providing text descriptions for images so that people using screen readers can understand them
- Ensuring videos have captions
- Making sure the website can be used with a keyboard, not just a mouse
Learn more detailed information on how we meet Bill-C81 guidelines here.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, or WCAG, are the go-to rules for making web content accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
Who it applies to
WCAG guidelines are for anyone involved in creating or maintaining a website. This includes web designers, developers, and businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a small business or a large organization, these guidelines help ensure your website is usable by everyone.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Not following WCAG guidelines can lead to serious consequences. You might face legal risks, including lawsuits and fines, and damage to your reputation. It’s like having a store that’s hard to enter—you could lose customers and get into trouble.
What makes a website compliant
To comply with WCAG, your website needs to meet certain standards. These are organized into levels (A, AA, AAA) and cover various aspects of accessibility, such as making text readable, providing text alternatives for images, and ensuring the site can be navigated using a keyboard.
Learn more detailed information on how to meet WCAG guidelines here.
Conclusion
Making sure your website is accessible is incredibly important. It’s not just about following the law—it's about making your website usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. This helps your business reach more customers, avoid legal trouble, and show that you care about all your visitors.
Choosing a web design company that understands and prioritizes accessibility, like ours, ensures your website meets all the necessary standards. Whether it's following the WCAG guidelines, complying with the ADA, or meeting the requirements of the Accessible Canada Act, we're here to help you every step of the way.
Explore our detailed guides to learn more about each standard and how to make your website accessible. Let's work together to make the web a more inclusive place for everyone!
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