{"id":20032,"date":"2023-10-20T05:32:06","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T05:32:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atxwebdesigns.com\/?p=20032"},"modified":"2023-10-23T05:49:42","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T05:49:42","slug":"could-your-website-be-putting-you-at-risk-for-an-ada-lawsuit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atxwebdesigns.com\/could-your-website-be-putting-you-at-risk-for-an-ada-lawsuit\/","title":{"rendered":"Could Your Website be Putting You at Risk for an ADA Lawsuit?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A lot of small business owners don\u2019t realize there are ADA requirements for websites\u2014let alone understand the consequences if those requirements aren\u2019t met. <\/p>\n

The CEO of ATX the Brand was recently featured in an Inc. Magazine article titled How Poor Website Accessibility Can Hurt Your Brand and Business.<\/a> The article explains how ADA compliance lawsuits over websites have increased significantly in recent years, and that any size business may be at risk.<\/p>\n

What is an ADA Lawsuit?<\/h2>\n

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that mandates accommodations to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities. While many people associate ADA requirements with physical adjustments, such as building ramps, the scope of the ADA extends to the virtual realm, specifically website accessibility. An ADA lawsuit can be initiated against your company if your website fails to meet the necessary accessibility standards.<\/p>\n

Common Reasons for ADA Lawsuits<\/h2>\n

Several factors can trigger an ADA lawsuit against a company. Inaccessible content can be a significant issue. Websites that do not provide text alternatives for images or videos make them unusable for those who are visually impaired, effectively excluding them from your digital presence. <\/p>\n

Another common issue is the lack of proper heading structure. Missing or incorrect headings can make navigating the website difficult for screen reader users, an essential tool for many with visual impairments. <\/p>\n

Non-compliant forms are a source of frustration for many users with disabilities. Online forms that are not compatible with screen readers or lack proper labels can be a major roadblock. Unintuitive navigation further compounds the problem. <\/p>\n

Websites without clear navigation pathways hinder users with cognitive disabilities and may drive potential customers away. Inadequate color contrast, poor color choices that make content hard to read for those with vision impairments, can lead to non-compliance. Additionally, videos without captions are a common issue. Video content without proper captions makes it inaccessible to the deaf and hard of hearing, further limiting your audience.<\/p>\n

How to Prevent Website Accessibility Lawsuits<\/h2>\n

To prevent ADA lawsuits and ensure your website is accessible, consider the following steps:<\/p>\n