Unlocking the Web for Everyone: The Power of Digital Accessibility
In today's digital world, accessibility isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must. Imagine your website being a closed door for millions of potential customers. With 1.3 billion people worldwide living with a disability, making your website ADA-compliant is not just a legal requirement but a smart business move, especially in the business of serving older adults in post-acute care settings. So, what exactly is an ADA-compliant website?
What is an ADA-Compliant Website?
An ADA-compliant website is a digital space that respects and includes everyone. It adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring that all online content is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. All the information on your site should be easily accessible, whether through text readers for the visually impaired or keyboard navigation for those with motor disabilities. In other words, your website should be navigable without a mouse and videos should include subtitles for the hearing impaired. By following ADA requirements, you help ensure that all users can access and benefit from your services, regardless of their abilities. It's a step towards a more inclusive digital world.
Why ADA Compliance Matters for Your Business
Having an accessible website not only promotes equality and inclusion but also helps your business by making the website user-friendly. An accessible website boosts your brand image and expands your reach, potentially attracting more clients and increasing revenue. However, non-compliance could potentially result in legal fees, settlements and the cost of redesigning your website. Most importantly, it can harm your reputation and drive away potential clients.
Key Criteria for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)*
To help ensure your website meets ADA standards, follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which focus on four key criteria:
Perceivable: All information and user interface components must be presented in ways that users can perceive. This means that content should not be invisible to any of their senses.
Operable: Users must be able to operate the interface. This involves ensuring that all functions can be used via keyboard or other assistive technologies, eliminating any barriers to interaction.
Understandable: The information and user interface must be understandable. Visitors should easily comprehend what to do when they land on your website, with clear instructions and intuitive navigation.
Robust: Content must be robust enough to be interpreted by various user agents, including assistive technologies. This ensures that your website remains accessible as technologies evolve.
How Healthcraft Can Support ADA Compliance on Websites
Understanding and applying ADA compliance for digital accessibility helps to improve digital experiences for all. Through the application of WCAG’s guidelines and leveraging digital tools, such as accessiBe, you can help enhance your website's accessibility.
Get our free digital footprint audit or contact us today to learn more about how Healthcraft Creative Solutions can help enhance your website's accessibility.