As a small business owner, your website is often the first point of contact for customers. But did you know that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), your website may also need to be accessible to people with disabilities? Here\u2019s what you need to know to protect your business and serve all your customers.<\/p>\n
What Is the ADA and Why Does It Matter Online?<\/strong><\/p>\n The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in places of public accommodation. Traditionally, this meant physical locations, such as stores or restaurants. However, as business has moved online, courts and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have increasingly interpreted the ADA to apply to websites operated by businesses.<\/p>\n Key Takeaway:<\/strong>\u00a0If your business serves the public\u2014especially if you have a physical location\u2014your website should be accessible to people with disabilities.<\/p>\n What Does \u201cAccessible\u201d Mean for a Website?<\/strong><\/p>\n An accessible website allows people with disabilities\u2014such as those who are blind, deaf, or have limited mobility\u2014to use your site effectively. This includes:<\/p>\n The most widely accepted standard is the\u00a0Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA<\/strong>. While not every court requires this, the DOJ and many settlements reference these guidelines.<\/p>\n What\u2019s the Legal Risk?<\/strong><\/p>\n The law is still evolving. Some courts say a website alone is a \u201cplace of public accommodation,\u201d while others require a connection to a physical location. Regardless, lawsuits against businesses\u2014especially small businesses\u2014over inaccessible websites are on the rise. Plaintiffs\u2019 attorneys often seek settlements, which can cost thousands of dollars, even before you update your site.<\/p>\n Bottom line:<\/strong>\u00a0Making your website accessible reduces your legal risk and opens your business to more customers.<\/p>\n Practical Steps for Small Businesses<\/strong><\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ensure your small business site is ADA-compliant: alt text, captions, keyboard nav. Avoid lawsuits & serve all customers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2748,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-tos-tips"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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