ADA Compliance: Securing Equal Access to Online Content
The global awareness
Of disability-inclusive development has significantly increased over time
Most countries have enforced laws that protect the civil rights of disabled people, prohibiting discrimination and ensuring a barrier-free environment in all buildings and establishments. Although this is a progressive move, what is not universal is adherence to the web accessibility standards.
The web promises independent participation among online users. However, for people with disabilities to enjoy its benefits and the wealth of information it offers, website ADA compliance is essential.
Learn the foundations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and other web standards and keep your website ADA compliant.
The Goal of Americans with Disabilities Act and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
The World Health Organization (WHO)
Exports approximately 15 percent of the global population living with disabilities that affect their daily life
Including online shopping and web browsing. To address the need for web accessibility, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has created the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
WCAG is a technical standard that aims to explain ADA accessibility and guide web developers on how to make website ADA compliant. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines have been adopted by governments around the world and are now part of various legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 508 and EN 301549.
Does My Website Need to be ADA Compliant?
Website ADA compliance is not an option but a necessity
Many countries, including the United Kingdom
Australia and Canada, now require WCAG compliance for all websites. In the United States, Section 44 ADA tax credit of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code was enacted to provide up to $5,000 ADA tax incentives for website accessibility and encourage more small businesses and organizations to take part in providing equal access to online resources.
But the ADA IRS tax credit is just one reason to make your website ADA compliant. Whether you’re legally obliged to make your website accessible in your service locations, aiming for the ADA tax credit 2021 benefits or your website falls under the Americans with Disabilities Act, keeping your ADA website compliant is key to ensuring business success.
