Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
What is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a comprehensive civil rights law that was passed in the United States in 1990. It is designed to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as all other citizens. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all areas of public life, including workplaces, schools, transportation and all public and private places that are accessible to the general public.
The importance of the ADA for digital accessibility
Although the ADA was not originally aimed specifically at digital accessibility, court decisions and policy developments have expanded its application to digital content, including websites and mobile applications. This means that businesses and organisations offering digital services must ensure that they are accessible to people with disabilities to ensure ADA compliance.
Core areas of the ADA
Employment (Title I)
Requires employers with 15 or more employees to treat qualified applicants or employees with disabilities fairly and without discrimination.
Public Facilities and Services (Title II)
Covers all activities of units of state and local government and requires that their services and programmes be accessible to people with disabilities.
Publicly accessible places (Title III)
Refers to shops, hotels, restaurants, and certain other places that are open to the public and requires that they be barrier-free and accessible to people with disabilities.
Implementation of digital accessibility under the ADA
Accessible web design practices
Implement web design and development practices that comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to make digital content accessible to all users.
Accessible technology
Providing technology that enables people with different types of disabilities to use digital content effectively, such as screen readers for blind users or captioning for deaf users.
Proactive compliance strategies
Develop policies and procedures to monitor and maintain the accessibility of digital offerings to ensure they remain compliant with the ADA.
Does the ADA also apply to online companies?
Yes, although the ADA was passed before the proliferation of the Internet, courts and the Department of Justice have made it clear that the ADA's requirements apply to online businesses and digital content as well.
What happens if a website is not ADA compliant?
Businesses that are not ADA compliant may face legal challenges, including lawsuits and possible penalties. In addition, failure to comply with accessibility may result in a poor reputation and loss of customers.
How can I ensure that my website is ADA compliant?
Compliance with the WCAG guidelines is a good starting point for ensuring the accessibility of your website. Regular audits and testing by digital accessibility professionals can also help to monitor and maintain compliance.
Reach our specialists for accessible web design
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