17 Steps to an ADA-Compliant Law Website

Photo byMichael Brandt

In an increasingly digital age, ensuring that all individuals, including those with disabilities, are granted equal access to information and resources on the web is a moral obligation and a legal one in many jurisdictions. For law firms, where professionalism, ethics, and trustworthiness are paramount, having an Orange County website design compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is critical. Here's a comprehensive guide to achieving this:

1. Understand the Importance of ADA Compliance

The ADA was enacted in 1990 and highly discourages discrimination against individuals with disabilities. While it didn't initially account for websites, legal interpretations, and updated guidelines have increasingly recognized digital accessibility as crucial.

2. Familiarize Yourself with WCAG

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide a set of recommendations for making websites more accessible. The latest version, WCAG 2.1, is the standard against which ADA compliance is measured. Ensure you are familiar with these guidelines as a foundation.

3. Responsive Design

Ensure your website is fully functional across devices, especially on mobile. Screen readers must be able to access and interpret content regardless of device or screen size.

4. Use Descriptive Alt Text for Images

Every image should have an "alt" attribute with a textual description. This is crucial for screen readers that describe images to visually impaired users.

5. Keyboard Navigation

Some users navigate websites using only a keyboard. Ensure that all website functionalities, including forms and interactive elements, can be accessed when using the keyboard.

6. Provide Transcripts and Captions

If your website has audio or video content, provide transcripts and captions. This ensures deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors can access your content.

7. Contrasting Colors

Visitors with visual impairments or color blindness might struggle with low-contrast colors. Always ensure sufficient contrast between the text and its background.

8. Avoid Reliance on Color Alone

When conveying information, avoid using color as the only visual means. For example, consider using bold or italics if highlighting important text in red.

9. Clear and Consistent Navigation

Avoid changing the layout across different pages. Consistency helps those using screen readers or those with cognitive disabilities to navigate your site more efficiently.

10. Avoid Automatic Media and Navigation

Automatic slideshows or video playbacks can be disorienting for some users. Always give users control over these elements.

11. Make Text Resizeable

Users should be able to resize text without losing website functionality or having the site become visually cluttered.

12. Clear Forms with Descriptive Labels

All form fields should have clear, descriptive labels. This assists screen readers in describing the field to the user.

13. Provide Multiple Contact Methods

Besides a contact form, offer alternative methods like a phone number or physical address. This ensures that a user has other options if one method is inaccessible.

14. Regularly Test and Update for Compliance

ADA compliance isn't a one-time task. As your site evolves, it's crucial to test and update it to ensure ongoing compliance continually.

15. Train Your Team

All staff members responsible for updating or adding content to the site should be trained in ADA requirements.

16. Seek Expert Review

It's advisable to have your website reviewed by experts in ADA compliance. They can provide insights that automated tools might miss.

17. Create an Accessibility Statement

Provide a page detailing your commitment to accessibility. It should describe your efforts, offer resources, and provide contact information for users to report issues or seek assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making your law website ADA-compliant is a legal necessity and a testament to your firm's commitment to inclusivity and equal access. An accessible website protects against potential legal complications, broadens your reach, and displays a commitment to social responsibility.