ADA Website Compliance and My Business
As companies worldwide work quickly to bring their websites into compliance with the WCAG, the focus has shifted to existing accessibility regulations. The ADA in the United States is one such example of a visible and complicated piece of legislation. The best way to explain is to shed some light on the ins and outs of what it takes to operate an ADA compliant website in 2020. Or, if you prefer to take a deep dive into the gritty details of any accessibility issues on your site, you can request a free ADA website audit report from Assorted Design.
Website compliance with the ADA
The ADA does not expressly state that a website must maintain ADA compliance, event after amendments were made to it in 2008. Though, Title III of the ADA requires that a place of public accommodation allow easy access to people who meet the standards of the ADA for disability. With individuals increasingly making online purchases, one might make the assumption that this idea then must be extended to a website. However, from a purely legal perspective, there is an ocean of grey area. This means the courts are typically responsible for determining how the standards set forth in the ADA apply to a website, or if they apply at all.
There has been court rulings around the United States that commercial websites are indeed places of public accommodation and, due to this fact, they are subject to ADA guidelines. In other cases, the courts have concluded that a website is bound by regulations if a close physical proximity exists between the site and a brick and mortar location. With no clear federal rules, it has been difficult to make a clear line in the sand about whether a website is governed by the accessibility rules in the ADA.
While the impact of ADA regulations online is likely to remain unclear for the immediate future, there is no question that more cases regarding equal digital access will continue to be filed. In lieu of waiting for clear national guidelines, choosing to act proactively is the recommended approach for most organizations. Taking action early is the best way to try to avoid an accessibility lawsuit and any potentially negative publicity. Contact Assorted Design today to learn more about your current level of ADA compliance, and be sure to ask how we can help you achieve compliance.
