In July of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed as a law, which required buildings to be more physically accessible for those with disabilities. This law continued to develop over time, as it adapted to the changing needs of individuals. Many people wouldn’t consider a website as an entity that should follow ADA Standards for Accessible Design, but just as walking into a grocery store should be made easier for those with disabilities, so should navigating the contents of a website. A search engine marketing agency understands that SEO strategies will bring many different people to a site, and all should have equal experience opportunities while on your domain.

Why Does ADA Compliance Matter?

As technology has advanced, many services that used to be done in person or through the mail, have transitioned entirely online. Things such as voting registration, health and safety resources, and travel information are all majorly done on the internet. If you have a disability, such as being blind or hard of hearing, there are many aspects of websites that could be challenging for you. When a website is designed to eliminate unnecessary barriers, it becomes accessible to those who would otherwise struggle to utilize these programs.

What are the Potential Barriers?

Colors are a leading barrier for those with limited vision or color blindness. Websites should avoid using color alone as cues to information, as they may be hard to tell apart. Additionally, some pictures may be hard to comprehend so using alternative text, such as captions underneath the image to explain it, are extremely helpful. This concept doubles over into videos as well. For those who are hard of hearing, subtitles on videos allow the information to pass without the need for guessing games. Allowing keyboard navigation along with typical mouse navigation can be helpful to those who cannot use a mouse. Lastly, all instructions on your sight should be clear and easy to understand, with error indicators for mistakes.

When is ADA Compliance Required?

ADA compliance is required for all state and local government websites that offer programs on their website such as paying tickets, filing taxes, applying for benefits, and more. While ADA compliance is not required on every website, being compliant on your site will allow for increased site traffic and easy accessibility for a wider range of people. Working with a search engine marketing or website design agency can help you better understand ADA compliance and get you on the path to operating a user-friendly site.

According to Ahrefs, a search engine is where 68% of all online experiences start, so making your website follow ADA guidelines and become accessible on search engines only increases the likelihood of traffic coming your way. The Department of Justice is making this accessibility a top priority, and is a good resource if you are interested in ensuring your website is ADA-compliant. If you want to take your website one step further and work with a reputable search engine marketing agency, give Fasturtle a call today!