ADA website compliance refers to a website’s adherence to the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This ensures accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities. Although the ADA was primarily designed to forbid discrimination in physical spaces. Its principles have been extended to digital platforms with legal interpretations and case law.
Key Feature of ADA Website Compliance:
- Screen Reader Compatibility: Ensure the website’s content is accessible by the screen readers, which assists visually impaired users.
- Keyboard Navigation: Allowing users to navigate your site only by using the keyboard. This is crucial for individuals who cannot use a mouse.
- Clear Layout: Prefer to keep a consistent and easy-to-understand design for users with cognitive impairments.
- Text Alternatives: Provide alt text for images and non-text content. Ensure it is accessible for visually impaired users.
- Closed Captions & Transcripts: Including captions and transcripts, audio and video content. So you can support users to access website who are hard of hearing.
- Adjustable Text Size & Contrast: Enable the customization of text size and contrast to support users with visual impairments.
- Error Identification: Marking errors and providing instructions for form fields, aiding users with cognitive disabilities.
Compliance Standards:
Compliance is guided by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide actionable standards for creating a website that has accessible digital content. Legal cases and Department of Justice rulings reinforced the need for digital accessibility under the ADA.
Importance of ADA Website Compliance for SEO:
Although ADA website compliance many practices involved in achieving compliance resonate with SEO best practices. These include:
- To enhance website structure and navigation
- Text alternatives for images, alt text, and multimedia content
- Improved site usability, navigation, and content clarity
