Why ADA Compliance is Important for Businesses

Does your website comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? This is a question every business owner should ask when they design their website. Compliance to ADA, though not mandatory at the moment, is definitely something that needs to be taken into account right from the start. Although the website can be redesigned later on to incorporate the elements that will make it compliant, this is more difficult than simply ensuring that they are there in the first place during the construction phase.

Why ADA compliance is important for businesses

ADA compliance for websites is not mandatory at the moment. However, there are laws and regulations being finalized that will soon make it mandatory. It is therefore best for businesses to incorporate these elements as soon as possible.

Aside from ensuring that your business is protected from the threat of lawsuit, making your website accessible to people with disabilities has many benefits.

1. It will increase your target audiance
   More than 38% of the American population consists of people with disabilities. Having a website that is accessible to people with disabilities opens up your target audience by millions who may be interested in what you have to offer.
2. It will help improve SEO
   Screen readers scan webpages in a way that is similar to search engine crawlers. If you’re designing to meet the requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), your website will most likely appeal to search engines too.
3. Better usability
   Designing to meet WCAG guidelines will help to make your website more user-friendly, whether the users have disabilities or not. They can quickly access the information they need and complete tasks.