Why ADA Compliance Matters for Websites
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public spaces, including the digital world. Websites that fail to meet ADA requirements risk legal consequences, loss of potential customers, and exclusion of users with disabilities. In Minneapolis and across Minnesota, businesses and web designers must prioritize accessibility to enhance usability and meet compliance standards.
Key Principles of ADA Compliance for Websites
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide the framework for creating ADA-compliant websites. The guidelines focus on four main principles:
- Perceivable – Content should be available in multiple formats (e.g., text alternatives for images, captions for videos).
- Operable – Navigation should be accessible via keyboard and screen readers.
- Understandable – Text should be readable, and the website should function predictably.
- Robust – Websites should be compatible with assistive technologies.
Tips for Creating an ADA-Compliant Website
To ensure ADA compliance, follow these best practices:
1. Use Accessible Website Design
Maintain a logical structure with clear headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.).
Ensure high color contrast between text and background.
Avoid relying solely on color to convey information.
2. Provide Alternative Text for Images
Use descriptive alt text for all images so screen readers can interpret them.
Avoid generic descriptions like “image” or “photo.”
3. Ensure Keyboard Navigation
Make sure users can navigate all website elements using only a keyboard.
Provide clear focus indicators (e.g., outlines around links or buttons when tabbed through).
4. Include Captions and Transcripts for Multimedia
Add captions to videos and provide text transcripts for audio content.
Use automated tools or manual captioning for accuracy.
5. Create Accessible Forms
Label all form fields clearly.
Provide error messages with suggestions for corrections.
Ensure forms are navigable via keyboard and screen readers.
6. Test Website Accessibility Regularly
Use accessibility testing tools to identify issues and improvements.
ADA Compliance Tools & Resources
Here are some helpful resources for businesses and web designers in Minneapolis:
- WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) – wave.webaim.org
- Google Lighthouse – Chrome DevTools for accessibility audits
- Axe Accessibility Checker – www.deque.com/axe
- ADA Checklist – www.ada.gov
WordPress Plugins for ADA Compliance
WordPress plugin we can add to your website to help improve accessibility:
- WP Accessibility – Adds accessibility features like skip links and contrast controls.
- One Click Accessibility – Offers accessibility enhancements such as resizing text and enabling keyboard navigation.
- UserWay Accessibility Widget – Provides an AI-powered widget for accessibility improvements.
- Accessibility Checker – Automatically scans for WCAG compliance issues.
- WP ADA Compliance Check Basic – Identifies ADA compliance errors in content and code.
We can help audit your website and make sure it’s accessible and compliant – Contact Us
One tool we use is a website with a free tester. ADA and WCAG compliance checker identifies web accessibility issues and gives exact instructions for fixing them. Go to this website: https://www.accessibilitychecker.org (Type your URL).
Legal Considerations for Minnesota Businesses
Minnesota businesses must ensure digital accessibility to avoid potential lawsuits. Recent ADA-related lawsuits emphasize the need for compliance. Businesses should conduct regular accessibility audits and consult legal professionals when necessary.
Web Accessibility: ADA Compliance Tips to Design for All Users
Watch this video from Hubspot Marketing
Last Thoughts
ADA compliance isn’t just about avoiding legal risks—it enhances user experience and makes websites more inclusive. Minneapolis businesses and web designers should prioritize accessibility by following WCAG guidelines, using helpful tools, and implementing WordPress plugins.
By making websites accessible to all users, businesses can improve engagement, expand their audience, and contribute to a more inclusive digital world.
