How to Make Your Website More Accessible: Best Practices for ADA Compliance
In the digital age, accessibility is not just a buzzword—it's a necessity. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it's crucial that businesses ensure their websites are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This is not only a moral imperative but also a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best practices for ADA compliance, ensuring your website is accessible to all.
Understanding ADA Compliance
The ADA, enacted in 1990, prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. In the context of the digital world, this means that websites, apps, and other digital platforms must be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. "The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect," said Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web (Berners-Lee, Tim. "Long Live the Web." Scientific American, 22 Nov. 2010).
Why ADA Compliance Matters
ADA compliance is not just about avoiding legal repercussions—it's about inclusivity and reaching a wider audience. According to the World Health Organization, over a billion people, or about 15% of the world's population, have some form of disability (World Health Organization. "Disability and Health." 2021). By making your website ADA compliant, you're not only adhering to the law but also expanding your potential customer base.
The Role of ARIA in ADA Compliance
The Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) suite plays a pivotal role in making your website more accessible. ARIA is a set of attributes that define ways to make web content and web applications more accessible to people with disabilities. It supplements HTML and helps to fill in the gaps where HTML might not have the ability to make all content accessible.
ARIA works by allowing developers to identify certain elements, roles, and properties on a web page that are meant to be read by assistive technologies. For example, ARIA can be used to indicate the role of an element (like whether it's a navigation bar or a dropdown menu), to provide a label for elements that wouldn't otherwise have one, or to indicate the current state of an element (like whether a dropdown menu is expanded or collapsed).
"ARIA is like a dictionary for screen readers," says Léonie Watson, Director of TetraLogical, a member of the W3C Advisory Board, and co-chair of the W3C Web Applications Working Group. "It provides the vocabulary we need to describe complex interface elements in a way that assistive technologies can understand" (Watson, Léonie. "Using ARIA." Smashing Magazine, 18 Feb. 2014).
However, it's important to note that ARIA should be used as a supplement to good semantic HTML, not a replacement. The first rule of ARIA use, according to the W3C, is "If you can use a native HTML element or attribute with the semantics and behavior you require already built in, instead of re-purposing an element and adding an ARIA role, state or property to make it accessible, then do so" (W3C. "Using ARIA." 14 Dec. 2017). This means that while ARIA is a powerful tool for improving accessibility, it should be used judiciously and in conjunction with other best practices for ADA compliance.
Best Practices for ADA Compliance
Use Alt Text for Images: Alt text is a brief description of an image, which can be read by screen readers. This allows visually impaired users to understand the content of the image. "Alt text is like a bridge that connects the visual world with the non-visual one," says Glenda Sims, Deque Systems' Lead Accessibility Expert (Sims, Glenda. "Alt Text: The Ultimate Guide." Deque Systems, 15 Mar. 2019).
Ensure Sufficient Contrast: Users with visual impairments may struggle to read text that doesn't contrast sufficiently with its background. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, 5 June 2018).
Make Your Website Keyboard-Friendly: Many users with disabilities rely on keyboards or similar devices, rather than a mouse, to navigate websites. Ensure all features of your website can be accessed using a keyboard alone.
Provide Transcripts for Audio Content: Transcripts allow deaf or hard-of-hearing users to access audio content. They also benefit users who prefer reading over listening.
Use Descriptive Link Text: Instead of using generic text like "click here," use descriptive link text that explains where the link will take the user. This helps users navigate your site more effectively.
Implementing ADA Compliance
Implementing ADA compliance may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Many resources are available to help you navigate this process, including automated testing tools, accessibility consultants, and comprehensive guides like this one. Remember, ADA compliance is not a one-time task—it's an ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
At DuWest Concepts, we understand the importance of ADA compliance. We're a full-service marketing agency based in Austin, TX, specializing in design, paid marketing, social media marketing, website design and development, event creation, and digital strategy. Our team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of ADA compliance, ensuring your website is accessible to all. We believe in creating modern, engaging content that drives traffic and promotes new ideas. Let us help you reach your business goals while ensuring your digital platforms are inclusive and accessible to all.
