A Beginner’s Introduction to ADA/WCAG Website Compliance
How Does ADA/WCAG Apply to Website Compliance?
Website accessibility is more than a legal obligation; it’s about inclusivity and ensuring everyone can access the digital world equally. This post will introduce you to ADA/WCAG website compliance and how it applies to creating accessible websites.
Why Website Accessibility Matters
- Importance for Users with Disabilities: Millions of people rely on accessible websites for daily activities, from online shopping to scheduling appointments.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations: Non-compliance can lead to legal repercussions and harm your reputation. Prioritizing accessibility demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity.
Basics of ADA and WCAG
Understanding the basics of ADA and WCAG is crucial for creating accessible websites. These frameworks outline what it means to build a website that is inclusive for all users, regardless of their abilities.
What is ADA?
In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law to prevent discrimination based on disability. Title III of the ADA specifies that places open to the public and commercial facilities cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Originally, this included places like schools, recreational facilities, offices, and medical buildings, which were all considered public accommodations subject to ADA regulations.
However, as more and more of these public places started offering their services online, websites became extensions of these public places that are subject to ADA regulations. For example, increasingly more often, medical appointments are made online. Or administrative functions for schools are done via an online portal. Therefore, websites for places that are commercial in nature would likely be considered a place of public accommodation. As such, websites are also now considered places of public accommodations and are subject to the ADA.
Understanding this background is incredibly important for website owners, as it highlights the importance of ADA compliance. Website owners need to make sure their sites are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This means incorporating features that allow people with disabilities to navigate websites just as effectively as those without disabilities. Not ensuring an accessible website can lead to serious consequences, including costly fines, legal challenges, and damage to the business’s reputation.
What is WCAG?
Although the ADA does not explicitly mandate website accessibility, courts have increasingly interpreted the ADA to include websites. As a precaution, businesses should strive to meet ADA standards. To support this effort, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) developed the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide a comprehensive framework for making websites accessible to all users, ensuring equal access and usability.
A Brief History of WCAG:
The WCAG has certainly evolved over the years, with four key versions released: WCAG 1.0, 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2.
- WCAG 1.0: The first version was published in 1999 and introduced 14 guidelines intended to help website owners create an accessible website. Each guideline included specific checkpoints– each with specific techniques for implementation. These checkpoints were also categorized into three priority levels: Priority 1 (must satisfy), Priority 2 (should satisfy), and Priority 3 (may satisfy). While this version was comprehensive, the way it’s written and its complexity likely led to the development of more simple versions of the WCAG.
- WCAG 2.0: Published in 2008, the second version of the WCAG refined the WCAG 1.0 guidelines into four key principles known as POUR: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. This framework made it simpler for website owners to understand and implement accessibility measures.
- Perceivable: Users should be able to detect and absorb the information provided on the website, ensuring content is accessible through various sensory channels.
- Operable: The website should be easy to navigate and interact with, allowing users of all abilities to engage without facing barriers.
- Understandable: The content and functions of the website should be clear and straightforward for all users, reducing confusion.
- Robust: The website’s content should be adaptable and functional across different devices and evolving technologies.
Each principle is supported by specific guidelines and success criteria, providing clear steps for website owners to follow.
More Recent Updates: WCAG 2.1 and 2.2
- WCAG 2.1: Released in 2018, WCAG 2.1 introduced 17 new success criteria aimed at improving mobile accessibility and addressing the needs of users with low vision and cognitive or learning disabilities. This update was designed to fill gaps in wCAG 2.0, making websites more inclusive for a broader range of users.
- WCAG 2.2: The most recent version of the WCAG was released in October 2023. WCAG 2.2 built on WCAG 2.1 by adding nine additional success criteria. Like its predecessor, WCAG 2.2 further emphasized mobile accessibility and support for users with cognitive disabilities, but also placed a stronger focus on inclusive design practices.
Making WCAG Work for You
At first glance, the WCAG guidelines may seem overwhelming due to their extreme detail and length. However, by following each recommendation, website owners can significantly enhance their site’s accessibility, which can ensure compliance with the ADA and ultimately reduce the risk of legal ramifications. Remember, accessibility isn’t just simply a legal requirement– it’s about making the digital world accessible to everyone.
Key Compliance Steps
Accessibility Audit – How Accessible Is Your Website?
Whether you are thinking about starting to build a website or already have a website established, conducting an accessibility audit is always a recommended step in ensuring your website is ADA accessible. Essentially, an accessibility audit walks the website through the WCAG guidelines to determine whether the website meets the recommended accessibility criteria.
There are many website accessibility audit tools available to help assess how accessible a website is. Some more popular ones are Lighthouse, WAVE, and Axe. Because there are so many options out there to choose from, it’s best to do your research to determine which platform may be most suitable for your interests.
Staying Updated
Continuous Improvement and Staying Informed
Making sure that your website is ADA and WCAG compliance isn’t just a one-time task, but an ongoing process instead. Technology is evolving quicker than ever. New features are regularly introduced, which could potentially have an impact on website accessibility. In addition to evolving technology, accessibility guidelines are also constantly updating to keep up with the technological advancement. As a basic and good rule of thumb to follow, it is recommended that website owners keep up with the technological evolution and accessibility laws in order to ensure an accessible website.
