I plug my favorite web accessibility solution at the end so feel free to skip ahead or read on to see if any of these reasons matter to you. Bonus note – even if you don’t sell goods or services online, you may still require ADA compliance.
In recent years, there has been an increasing number of legal actions related to website accessibility, primarily driven by the fact that digital spaces are becoming more integrated into people's lives.
“The number of web accessibility lawsuits that were brought to federal court citing Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reached a new record in 2022, with plaintiffs filing 3,255 lawsuits—a 12 percent increase from 2021.” – levelaccess.com
Getting sued is not the only reason you should get your website compliant in 2023.
- Legal Obligations:
Many countries, including the United States with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have laws that require businesses to provide equal access to their goods and services, both physically and digitally. Courts have ruled that websites can be considered places of public accommodation, making them subject to accessibility regulations.
- Risk of Lawsuits:
Failure to comply with accessibility guidelines could lead to lawsuits, which can be time-consuming, expensive, and damaging to a company's reputation. Plaintiffs can seek remedies such as monetary damages, attorney fees, and injunctions to force businesses to improve their website accessibility.
- Increasing Awareness:
As public awareness of digital accessibility grows, individuals and advocacy groups are more likely to scrutinize websites for compliance. Social media and online platforms make it easier for issues to gain attention, potentially leading to negative publicity and backlash for non-compliant businesses.
- Business Reputation:
Inaccessible websites can create a negative perception of a company's commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. This can alienate customers, particularly those with disabilities, and affect the overall brand image.
- Loss of Customers:
People with disabilities make up a significant consumer base. Inaccessible websites can deter these potential customers from engaging with a company's products or services, resulting in missed revenue opportunities.
- Legal Precedents:
Several high-profile cases have set legal precedents, reinforcing the notion that websites must be accessible to all. Courts have ruled in favor of plaintiffs and have required companies to take steps to improve website accessibility.
- Evolving Regulations:
Accessibility standards and regulations are constantly evolving. Staying up-to-date and compliant with these changes can be challenging, but it's essential to avoid legal consequences.
- Global Reach:
In the age of e-commerce and online interactions, companies often have a global reach. Accessibility laws vary from country to country, and businesses need to consider the legal requirements in all the regions they operate.
- Competitive Advantage:
Prioritizing website accessibility can provide a competitive advantage. By creating an inclusive online experience, companies can attract a broader customer base and position themselves as leaders in their industry.
- Ethical Responsibility:
Beyond legal obligations, there's an ethical responsibility to ensure that all individuals can access digital content and services without barriers. Companies should view accessibility as a way to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
There are a ton of solutions out there from totally reconstructing your site to plug-ins. I prefer plug-ins because the rules are constantly changing, and most companies don’t have the bandwidth or resources to be “fixing” their website frequently. accessibe.com has a widget that is easy to install and grows with you in pricing. It starts at $49 a month for websites under 1000 pages and offers an annual discount.