Website Accessibility Audits and Compliance Support

What is ADA / Accessibility Compliance?

ADA compliance means designing digital experiences—like websites, apps, and tools—that are accessible to people with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While the ADA was originally focused on physical spaces, it’s increasingly applied to digital environments, especially for businesses and public-facing organizations.

Accessibility compliance more broadly refers to building websites and content that everyone can use—including people with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments. The most widely accepted standard for this is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which offer a technical and practical framework for inclusive digital design.

Why It Matters

• Legal Protection
  Inaccessible websites may be subject to legal action, especially if tied to a physical location or offering public services. Courts have increasingly recognized digital accessibility as a factor under ADA enforcement.
• Better Usability
  Many accessibility practices—like clear navigation, labeled buttons, and good contrast—improve the user experience for everyone, not just those with disabilities.
• Wider Reach
  Accessible sites allow people using assistive technologies like screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, or voice commands to fully engage with your content and services.
• Potential SEO Benefits
  While accessibility doesn’t guarantee better search rankings, practices like using descriptive alt text, semantic HTML, and fast-loading content might contribute positively to SEO performance.

A Brief History of Web Accessibility and the Law

The ADA was signed into law in 1990, before the internet became essential for business and daily life. As digital platforms grew, legal questions emerged about whether the ADA applied to websites.

Key Legal Milestones

• Target Corp. Lawsuit (2006)
  The National Federation of the Blind sued Target, claiming its website was inaccessible to blind users. A judge ruled the case could proceed, establishing that websites connected to physical stores could fall under ADA requirements.
• NAD v. Netflix (2012)
  The National Association of the Deaf sued Netflix over lack of captions on streaming content. The court ruled that digital-only platforms could also be held accountable under the ADA.
• Robles v. Domino’s Pizza (2019)
  A blind user sued Domino’s for being unable to order from its site and app. The courts ruled in favor of the plaintiff, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Domino’s appeal—signaling broader support for applying ADA to digital tools.

Recent Guidance

In 2022, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued guidance confirming that the ADA applies to websites and digital content. While it didn’t lay out formal rules, it recommended that businesses follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards to reduce risk and improve accessibility.

How Accessibility Helps People With Disabilities

Accessible websites remove common barriers for users with disabilities, enabling fuller, more independent access to digital content. Examples include:

• Screen reader compatibility for blind or visually impaired users
• Keyboard-only navigation for users with motor disabilities
• Captions and transcripts for users with hearing loss
• Clear, consistent layouts for users with cognitive challenges

These improvements don’t just make your site inclusive—they often make it more intuitive and user-friendly overall.

Ready to Make Accessibility Part of Your Website Strategy?

Whether you’re building a new site or improving an existing one, accessibility is worth the attention. It supports a broader audience, reduces legal risk, and reflects a modern, inclusive brand.

Want help getting started?
Blue Avispa can help you move in the right direction with practical tools, content adjustments, or simple audit options tailored to your site.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. ADA and accessibility-related requirements can vary by state, industry, and the specific nature of your website or business. Following WCAG or pursuing compliance can reduce legal risk, but it does not guarantee protection. We aim to follow the best practices according to Google and Wave (a popular ADA compliance tool).