Frederick Jace
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of federal website accessibility lawsuits. Most of the lawsuits claimed that people with disabilities were not able to use websites.
It is important to note that the Americans with Disabilities Act was introduced in 1990. The main purpose of the act is to ensure that business premises and other public spaces are regulated in order to offer easy access for people with disabilities.
In 2016, the ADA was expanded to include websites. This was to ensure that all people, irrespective of their ability are able to visit a business website with ease.
There are basically three scenarios when a business website has to be ADA compliant. These include federal or state agencies, all businesses that do benefit the public and private employers who have 15 or more employees.
Below are 10 facts about website accessibility:
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Alt Text
Incorporate ALT TEXT also known as alternate texts to all vital images on your website. Alt Texts help in describing images so as to give them meaning for individuals who are unable to see. Most ADA lawsuits revolve around a lack of alt texts.
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Audio description video
It is also important to include descriptions on videos that do not speak are nor self-explanatory. According to the ADA guidelines, audio descriptions should be used during pauses in the videos.
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Use of closed captioning
Many people do not realize this, but every video on a website requires closed captioning. If for example, you have videos on, it becomes even much easier to incorporate captions.
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Text transcriptions
You should also insert a transcript of the text below as well as audio-only and video-only posts on your website. This will help support our supplement closed captioning augment.
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Drop automatic content
Eliminate automatic content as much as possible. The Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) offer developers and website owners the option of using blinking content, scrolling, and pop-ups as long as the user can stop, hide or stop them.
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Accessible through keyboard
Visitors should be able to access the website without using a mouse. This implies that anybody can quickly navigate your website minus the tab buttons and keyboard arrows. The best way to test this is to disconnect the mouse and see if you can still access your website.
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Font characteristics
Color and size are the most important elements when it comes to fonts.
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An intuitive website
According to AudioEye, your website should always be predictable. Every page must be logical and try to use consistent navigation.
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Avoid using images of text
Never replace an actual text with an image of text. This is because a person using a screen reader may not be able to read it.
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Time limits
Do not put time constraints on website access, unless you are left without a choice.
Bottom line
With the rise in the number of website accessibility lawsuits in the country, it is important for website owners and developers to comply with ADA regulations. The best way to achieve this is to use a website accessibility checker.
