Recently, we partnered with AccessiBe - the leading AI-powered web accessibility solution - to help ensure our clients' websites are accessible to people with disabilities. You might be thinking "why are you telling me and why should I care?" Here's why:
According to LevelAccess.com, there were 3,255 web accessibility lawsuits brought to federal courts citing Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
That's a 12% increase from 2021.
Why does that matter? Because people with disabilities should have access to usable online experiences and these lawsuits aren't going away.
What is Website Accessibility?
In short, website accessibility is a way of making websites, tools, and other technologies accessible to those with disabilities. In reality, it means incorporating designs and development so website aren't a barrier for anyone, especially those with disabilities. If you're thinking that only those with visual disabilities are the ones affected, you'd be wrong. Web accessibility encompasses all diorders and disabilities that can affect access to the web including auditory, visual, physical, speech, neurological, and cognitive disabilities.
Web accessibility doesn't just benefit those with disabilities, though. Having an ADA compliant website also helps the aging population, people with temporary disabilities and situational limitations, those with slow internet, and anyone who uses a mobile device, smart watch, and other small screens.
Business Case for Website Accessibility
There are some strong business cases that make ensuring your site is website accessible a no-brainer. For one, it's required by law in some situations. On October 8, 2021, President Obama signed the 21st Century Communications and Video Accesibility Act (CVAA) into law which updated the Communications Act of 1934 to include requirements for making sure people with disabilites have access to modern telecommunications.
In addition, in March 2022, the ADA created Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA which describes how local and state governments can make sure their websites are ADA-compliant. If you're not part of the government, don't worry - it applies to businesses, too.
Another great business case for web accessibility is that ig can strengthn your brand and help you reach a wider audience while also improving your SEO and usability. If your site is accessible to everyone, it makes your brand look really good and very inclusive. To SEO people, like us, it's no surprise that accessible websites improve the chances of your site getting found in search because SEO and accessibility go hand-in-hand.
accessiBe Partnership
While working on a website for a popular automotive brand, we were introduced to accessiBe. We were blown away by the product because it uses AI and automation through the accessWidget to help show website owners how to make their site more accessible to everyone. Through accessiBe, sites we work on will be ADA Title III compliant, Section 508 compliant, and WCAG 2.1 compliant. All of that is a great way to say it reduces the risk of getting sued.
It's also a lower-cost option for keeping a site ADA compliant because it costs as little as $490 a ear. Another bonus, it takes less than 5 minutes to set up. Watch the 3-minute demo:
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