Free ADA / WCAG Testing

Why your website must be compliant

The accessibility law environment is unsettled, and businesses and courts are still working out exactly what an accessible site looks like. In the meantime, lawsuits are surging, especially against websites. Several circuit courts are pushing back against the worst of the litigation, but the trend isn’t slowing down.

Worse, many businesses are getting roped into “accessibility overlay” widgets that promise automatic compliance. Courts have repeatedly ruled these widgets inadequate and screen-reader users report they often make sites harder to use, not easier.

The four most common ADA failures

• Missing alternative text for images, locks out anyone with vision disabilities.
• Keyboard traps on web forms, frustrating for anyone who can’t use a mouse.
• Low-contrast textunreadable for color-vision deficiency and low vision.
• Videos without captions or transcripts, excludes anyone with hearing disabilities.

Under ADA Title III, websites are “places of public accommodation,” which means lost revenue isn’t the only risk, an accessibility lawsuit can damage your brand even if you avoid the worst of the legal costs.

For deeper background, see our guides on making PDFs ADA-compliant, compliance tips for government agencies, and the latest California SB 84 ADA lawsuit reform update.