Website Accessibility & ADA Compliance

Access to the internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a genuine need in our technology-driven society. From looking for new jobs to staying connected with family and friends, everyone needs to be able to get on the web and navigate and read it with ease. This is why we are sensitive to web accessibility and partner with accessiBe to make sure businesses have ADA-compliant websites, no matter what. We can retrofit almost any website by integrating the scripts needed to achieve compliance.

ADA Compliant Accessible Websites For All

Having an accessible website means that anyone can access it, regardless of any physical limitations or disabilities they may have. It is very important for everyone to have equal access to the endless source of information on the web. When Site Smart designs a WordPress website we have people with disabilities in mind – many members of our team are vision impaired. When we add the accessiBe widget it ensures the website will remain compliant over time, giving each visitor the ability to modify the website on the fly to meet their individual needs.

We create easy-to-use websites that are inclusive and accessible to people who have many common disorders or disabilities.

• Visual Impairments & Blindness
• Auditory Or Cognitive Disabilities
• Neurological Disorders
• Dyslexia & Other Learning Disabilities
• Epilepsy Or Photosensitive Seizures
• Physical Limitations
• Age-Related Limitations

Assistive Technology Devices For Websites

Did you know that there are millions of internet users who rely on assistive technology to access and navigate the web due to special needs? By designing your website with ADA compliance in mind, you can ensure that everyone, including those with disabilities, can access your content and have an optimal user experience. Lawsuits can be avoided when you ensure your website meets these legal requirements.

The technology people with disabilities use only works if the website is able to be scanned and understood properly by their assistive devices.

Some examples of assistive technology include:

• Text to Speech
• Reading Pens
• Voice Recognition Software
• Screen Readers
• Digital Recorders
• Visual Search Engines
• Alternative Keyboards

It’s about making sure that your website is accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities. With the right design and features, you can enhance the experience of those who rely on assistive technology. After all, everyone deserves to enjoy the internet, whether it’s for cat videos or something a little more serious.

Developing accessible websites helps these technologies function properly so that everyone can experience the wonders of the internet.

WCAG Standards & What That Means For You

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) state that website content must be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). Having a thorough understanding of these guidelines helps us to develop ADA-compliant websites.

• Perceivable — This means the components of the user interface must be developed so that all users can comprehend what you are presenting. This means creating content that makes it easier for users with disabilities to hear and see it. An example of this would be adding text alternatives for any content that isn’t text.
• Operable — Developing ADA-compliant includes creating a user interface that disabled users can interact with using their assistive technologies, such as specialized keyboards.
• Understandable — Creating an intuitive design helps all users navigate your website more easily. Using text that is clear and readable along with an interface that is easy to navigate makes it possible for users with disabilities to browse your site.
• Robust — Website accessibility includes creating content that will remain accessible as technologies evolve. We can help you create a site that is compatible with current and future assistive technologies such as special browsers and readers.

Website Accessibility Lawsuits Are On The Rise

In the United States, there are laws that protect individuals with disabilities and their ability to access the web. It is recommended by the ADA to provide reasonable access for all websites to avoid any legal action. While federal agencies and their contractors must adhere to the WCAG standards, when it comes to private businesses, the rules are a little less clear.

The safest bet is to create an inclusive website that all users can interact with and use with ease. If your business is open to the public, then it must also be accessible to people with disabilities both online and in-person.

WordPress Websites + SEO + Accessibility

We take website accessibility seriously at Site Smart Marketing. With the help of our partnership with accessiBe, we can create a brand new website or retrofit your existing website to become user-friendly for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Schedule time with us today to learn more about how your website can be more inclusive.