The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been a transformative force in promoting accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. However, achieving full compliance and creating a truly inclusive environment requires ongoing effort and commitment.
This article focuses on actionable suggestions for businesses and organisations to apply ADA compliance for enhancing digital accessibility, to encourage inclusivity.
In the United States, an important case involving digital accessibility is Juan Gil vs. Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. (2019). Juan Gil, an individual with visual disability, initiated legal action against Winn-Dixie due to the lack of accessibility on their website for screen reader software, which he utilised. This limitation impeded his ability to purchase prescribed medications online.
The court ruled in favour of Gil, determining that Winn-Dixie's website must adhere to accessibility standards as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Consequently, Winn-Dixie was obligated to revise their website to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 standards, thus ensuring digital inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
The above scenario strengthens why organisations must proactively align their digital content with ADA standards to ensure equal access for all users. In subsequent discussions, we will delve further into the details of the ADA, its specific areas of application and we will also explore key suggestions for organisations to adopt ADA compliance and create a more inclusive environment.
While the ADA sets out a legal framework for accessibility, achieving true inclusion requires proactive effort. Many organisations still find it challenging to fully understand their obligations or implement practical solutions.
By applying the recommendations below, businesses can move beyond just compliance, this will be helpful to create meaningful improvements that impact the lives of people with disabilities in positive way.
Accessibility audits are an essential first step in uncovering barriers within your digital platforms. These evaluations thoroughly examine your websites, applications, and digital content, ensuring alignment with established accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Let’s take a glance at this case which is related to Domino’s Pizza when they faced a lawsuit in 2019 (Robles v. Domino's) after Guillermo Robles, a visually impaired person. Person couldn't order online due to screen-reader incompatibility. This prompted Domino’s to conduct accessibility audits, implement WCAG-aligned improvements, and highlighted the importance of proactive measures to ensure inclusive digital experiences.
Above case example shows how regular audits can help you stay ahead of compliance requirements and ensure your digital platforms remain accessible to all users.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) offer clear, actionable criteria for creating accessible digital content. Following these guidelines ensures your website or app accommodates users with various disabilities including visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor impairments, providing an inclusive and seamless digital experience for everyone.
In 2021, Harvard University settled a lawsuit alleging its online courses and videos excluded students with disabilities by failing WCAG standards. Harvard subsequently committed to significant digital improvements aligned explicitly with WCAG guidelines, underscoring the importance of proactively meeting accessibility standards to ensure inclusion and avoid legal risks.
WCAG compliance can help meet ADA Title III requirements by improving the overall user experience, making your platform more inclusive and user-friendly.
Providing collective action within your team like training on ADA standards and accessibility best practices ensures everyone understands and actively supports your organisation's commitment to inclusivity.
Microsoft expanded accessibility training company-wide, equipping employees with ADA and WCAG knowledge in 2020. This training initiative improved product accessibility, driving innovations like enhanced screen reader support in Office 365, demonstrating the power of collective responsibility for inclusion.
Accessibility is a team effort. A well-informed team can proactively address accessibility issues and integrate inclusivity into every aspect of your organisation.
Collaborating with accessibility experts or specialised organisations provides essential guidance to navigate complex ADA compliance challenges. These professionals offer practical insights, helping your organisation implement effective accessibility solutions that create a genuinely inclusive digital environment.
Recently, Spotify partnered with accessibility experts to redesign its app, addressing user-reported barriers. Through expert guidance, Spotify significantly improved navigation for screen readers and optimized interfaces, demonstrating how expert collaboration ensures ADA compliance and enhances digital inclusion for users with disabilities.
By cultivating an inclusive organisational culture and prioritising inclusivity, organisation fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for both employees and customers at the same time, that enhances experience and satisfaction.
To get those results, Starbucks reinforced its commitment to inclusivity through comprehensive accessibility training after a lawsuit highlighted accessibility gaps. This cultural shift resulted in redesigned stores and digital services, significantly improving experiences for customers and employees with disabilities.
Actively involving individuals with disabilities in designing and testing your digital platforms ensures solutions effectively address real-world needs, leading to more inclusive, user-friendly experiences for everyone.
In 2021, Airbnb collaborated directly with travellers with disabilities to redesign its digital booking experience. By incorporating community feedback into their accessibility features, Airbnb significantly improved usability, enhancing travel planning experiences for guests of all abilities.
Accessibility standards, including the ADA, continually evolve. Keeping your organization updated on the latest developments ensures sustained compliance, helps anticipate future changes, and positions you as a proactive leader in digital accessibility.
By conducting accessibility audits, implementing WCAG standards, providing training, engaging with experts, and fostering a culture of inclusivity, businesses can ensure their digital platforms are accessible to all.
Let’s work together to build a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate fully and equally in all aspects of life. Start your journey toward inclusivity today by embracing these suggestions and making accessibility a priority.
View All Queries
Following on from our previous blog article about the American Disability Act (ADA), we explain here about Section 508.
Shruti Sawant, Digital Marketing and Content Creator
Get an overview of compliance guidelines
Shruti Sawant, Digital Marketing and Content Creator
This article focuses on the Accessible Canada Act’s (ACA) digital accessibility requirements for federally regulated businesses, highlighting how organisations can align with Canada’s digitally inclusive vision.
Shruti Sawant, Digital Marketing and Content Creator
Register now for early access and play a role in creating a more inclusive digital future.
