The best tools to help brands with their websites

In the year In 2010, the US Department of Justice passed ADA standards for accessible design. The Americans with Disabilities Accessible Design Standards state that all information technology, such as the web and technology, must be accessible to people with disabilities. Specifies that web content should be accessible to deaf users, blind users, and users with screen readers, voice, or other assistive technologies.

Adhering to ADA compliance standards not only protects the website and your business from fines and lawsuits, but also provides opportunities and facilities for people with disabilities.

Which businesses must comply with the ADA?

Under Title I of the ADA, businesses that operate 20 or more weeks in a year and employ at least 15 full-time employees must comply with the regulations. Title III mandates ADA compliance for entities classified as public accommodations such as banks, restaurants, hotels, public transportation, etc.

How to Create an ADA Compliant Website?

There are countless ways to increase the accessibility of your company’s website for people who are hearing or visually impaired, or who need to navigate only by voice or keyboard. You can adjust the accessibility aspect of your website by observing the following pointers:

1. Create alt tags for videos, images or audio files

Alt tags help users with disabilities hear or read alternative descriptions of content that may be difficult for them to see or not be seen at all. Alt tags are short descriptions of images and videos.

2. Identify the language of the website in the header code

Users who rely on text readers will benefit when your website makes it clear in what language the website should be read. Text readers can identify those functions and codes accordingly.

3. Create transcripts for audio and video content

Hearing impaired users will be included in your audience as soon as you add transcriptions of your audio or video content.

4. Create an organized, consistent layout

Buttons, menus and links should be clearly defined and organized so that they can be navigated smoothly throughout the site.

There are many other ways to increase the reach of your website. You can also consult a specialist in the mentioned law.

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Advanced ADA compliance software

Keep ADA regulations in mind when designing your website, so it’s compliant and secure. Here are 3 of the best reliable and quality tools you can use to create an ADA compliant site.

1. Access

AccessiBe is a cloud-based website accessibility platform that enforces WCAG to ensure ADA compliance. The tool works by scanning each page and evaluating its visibility. This AI-powered system runs a scheduled scan of each monitored page and assesses usability for visually impaired visitors. After scanning, the software generates a monthly compliance report, which can be kept on file in case any legal issues arise. If your site is based on CMS, you can integrate the tool through a plugin. CMS solutions are available for various platforms like Wix, Shopify, Google Tag Manager, Squarespace, WordPress, etc.

2. AudioEye

AudioEye works by scanning the site and assigning an accessibility score out of 100. This ADA compliance checker works by adding JavaScript code to the site’s pages. The pages will be automatically adjusted and ADN compliant. AudioEye has built-in WCAG rules, so you don’t need to worry about missing issues or rules, but note that the tool can’t solve all possible problems.

The software can be used as a plugin for various CMS like WordPress, Shopify, Wix, BigCommerce, Google Tag Manager, Duda and so on.

3. Tenon

Tenon works on WCAG, 2.1, 2.0 and Section 508 compliance issues. This automated accessibility testing tool quickly runs a scan to identify accessibility issues. And the problems found on the site are classified by difficulty, warnings or errors. The account dashboard is hosted in the cloud and comes with a reporting feature to help you troubleshoot all issues and problems. This accessibility testing solution does not include procedures for troubleshooting. So it caters to businesses that have professional developers on staff.

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So far, we’ve walked you through the meaning of the ADA Act and what businesses must do to comply with it. We’ve also shared top tools to help you make your site ADA-compliant and inclusive. To get a clear picture of your site’s ADA compliance issues, it can help to consult a practicing ADA professional.