ADA Compliance
As an ADA Compliance Website Designer, we understand that ADA Compliance can be confusing. Simply put, a website needs to be built according to established guidelines and then continually maintained as updates are made to the website and the guidelines evolve.
First and foremost, we understand that ADA Compliance can be confusing due to the lack of an official certificate or stamp of approval for websites. Instead, ADA Compliance is about due diligence. A website must be built according to established guidelines and then continually maintained as updates are made to both the website and the guidelines.
Google evaluates nearly every aspect of websites, ranking them against other websites on the internet. Factors like page speed and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates are known to improve rankings. While Google has not explicitly stated that ADA compliance is a direct ranking factor, accessibility can indirectly impact SEO through improved user experience, reduced bounce rates, and increased engagement. Seize the opportunity to enhance your website now and give it the competitive edge it deserves. By investing in ADA compliance today, you position your website for success and future-proof it against upcoming changes.
Pixelvine offers a SEO Pro Package #2 – The Municipal and higher-tier options, designed to elevate your website’s accessibility and performance. Our packages include monthly ADA Compliance Website Audits and comprehensive Monthly Maintenance Plans. Discover how our ADA Compliance SEO Pro Packages can enhance your website’s accessibility and performance. Click the link or hit the green button below to learn more about our offerings and pricing.
What are ADA Compliance, Section 508 Compliance, and WCAG 2.2 Compliance?
ADA Compliance, Section 508 Compliance, and WCAG 2.2 Compliance are essential standards ensuring accessibility in digital environments.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design, established by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2010, mandate that all electronic and information technology be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Section 508 regulations, an amendment to the United States Workforce Rehabilitation Act of 1973, similarly require accessibility in technology, covering hardware, software, and documentation to individuals with disabilities.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), overseen by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), provide a framework for ensuring web content accessibility. WCAG 2.2 maintains three levels of compliance: A, AA, and AAA. While AAA compliance aligns closely with Section 508 requirements, the DOJ has admitted that AAA compliance is not practical, therefore levels A and AA are generally accepted as achievable standards by the DOJ.
Understanding WCAG Levels A & AA Compliance
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) breaks it down into 4 different categories:
- Perceivable
- Operable
- Understandable
- Robust
Perceivable: Information and user interface must be presented to site visitors in ways they can perceive (ie: Using alt attributes for images)
Operable: User interface and navigation must be operable (ie: Ensuring functionality via both keyboard and mouse)
Understandable: Information and user interface must be understandable (ie: Clear error messages in forms)
Robust: Content must be robust enough to be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents including assistive technologies (ie: Avoiding code that only certain browsers can interpret)
Who Needs To Follow These Requirements?
The ADA standards apply to entities categorized as “places of public accommodation,” which now extend to include websites and other forms of electronic communication and information technology. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently in the process of refining specific regulations. Organizations are strongly advised to adhere to the WCAG 2.2 Level AA Guidelines as a framework for achieving accessibility until formal regulations are finalized.
Entities that fall under the scope of these requirements include:
- Commercial and public entities
- Private employers with 15 or more employees
- Businesses, non-profits, and government agencies serving the public
Who Does The Law Affect?
The ADA law directly impacts:
- Americans with disabilities, along with their families, friends, and caregivers
- Private employers with 15 or more employees
- Businesses and non-profits that provide services to the public
Specific types of entities required to comply with Title III of the ADA include restaurants, retail stores, banks, hotels, medical offices, law firms, public venues, and others. Additionally, all state and local government agencies are mandated to adhere to ADA standards in their operations and services.
What Is The Goal of ADA Compliance?
The goal of ADA Compliance is to ensure websites are usable by individuals with various disabilities. This includes considerations like avoiding flickering graphics for those with epilepsy and ensuring screen readers can effectively navigate the site for vision-impaired users.
Are All Pixelvine Websites ADA Compliant?
While we employ the latest technology and adhere to the best website design practices, our standard websites do not undergo comprehensive ADA compliance validation unless specifically requested by the client. However, clients opting for our SEO Pro Package #2 – The Municipal or higher level SEO Pro Package, will have their websites built and maintained to meet ADA Compliance standards.
If you would like us to assess your website’s ADA Compliance or discuss redesign options to ensure accessibility, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
Why Choose Pixelvine?
Choosing the right web design partner is crucial in today’s digital landscape. At Pixelvine, we specialize in ADA-compliant web design, ensuring your website meets the highest accessibility standards without compromising on aesthetics or functionality. Our experienced team has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results and staying ahead of industry trends.
We understand the complexities of web accessibility and the importance of reaching all audiences. Whether you’re starting fresh or need to enhance your current website, Pixelvine offers tailored solutions to exceed ADA compliance requirements.
Make the smart choice for your web design needs. Contact Pixelvine today and let us help you create a website that not only looks great but also reaches everyone effectively.
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