Website accessibility lawsuits are on the rise.
“But, I’m “just” a small business—I wouldn’t get sued!”
Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
“Small businesses are increasingly being targeted for digital accessibility lawsuits, with 73% of lawsuits in 2023 filed against companies with less than $25 million in annual revenue.” –Google
Whether you aren’t aware that you need to make your website ADA-compliant, or you haven’t been sure how to do it easily and affordably, we’re here to help!
What is Website Accessibility?
Web accessibility ensures that websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed to provide equal access and opportunity to people of ALL abilities. This encompasses a wide range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities. It’s more than just people who can’t see or hear. Think color blindness, seizures—even ADHD can affect how someone interacts with your website.
Why is Website Accessibility Important?
- Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity:
- The internet should be a level playing field where everyone has the same opportunities to participate, learn, and contribute. Web accessibility is a fundamental right that promotes inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind. For your business, this means that people of all abilities can access your website and purchase your services.
- Legal Obligations:
- Many countries have legal requirements mandating web accessibility. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) outline how to make your website more accessible. Not implementing or meeting these guidelines can leave you vulnerable to a lawsuit.
- Improved User Experience:
- Accessible websites are often more user-friendly for everyone. Remember last time you were in a public place and wanted to watch a video but there were no captions? Features like captions, readable fonts, and alternative text for images benefit all users, including those without disabilities. A better user experience can lead to increased engagement and satisfaction with your website for all users.
- Expanding Market Reach:
- By making websites accessible, businesses can reach a larger audience, including the estimated 1 in 4 adults in the United States (28.7% according to the CDC) that have some type of disability. This not only opens up new customer bases but also demonstrates social responsibility in your business.
- SEO Benefits:
- Many accessibility practices align with best practices for search engine optimization (SEO). For instance, providing alt text for images, using proper heading structures, and ensuring website content is readable and navigable can improve search engine rankings.
What can you do about it?
With over 80 pages of technical jargon, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), doesn’t make DIY’ing your web accessibility very practical.
First, you’ll need to do a full audit of your existing website for accessibility compliance using both automated tools (like WebAim or the WAVE evaluation tool) in addition to manual testing.
Then, those changes need to be implemented with software and manual edits.
AND, because you don’t already have enough to do as a business owner, you’ll need to stay up-to-date on these constantly changing requirements and accessibility trends.
But . . .
We’re Here to Help!
We can help you Conduct a Full Accessibility Audit on your website and then implement the changes necessary to make your website more accessible.
Our Website Accessibility Audits are only $250 for a limited time (usually $500).
The audit includes:
- A full assessment of your website with automated and manual testing
- A comprehensive checklist of required changes and recommendations
- A 10% discount on any additional work related to implementing our accessibility recommendations*
*The 10% discount is valid for 3 months after your audit is completed.
Access for Everyone
Web accessibility is not just a technical requirement but a social imperative. By prioritizing accessibility, we contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and user-friendly internet for everyone. At Studio One44, we are committed to making our digital spaces welcoming and usable for all, bridging the digital divide, and championing equal access for everyone.
