{"id":5964,"date":"2019-08-01T00:00:36","date_gmt":"2019-08-01T07:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/?p=5964"},"modified":"2022-03-14T20:44:59","modified_gmt":"2022-03-14T20:44:59","slug":"is-your-website-ada-compliant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/is-your-website-ada-compliant\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Website ADA Compliant?"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all find a reason to log onto the web every day, whether to connect socially with friends and colleagues, pay bills, do research, or perform countless other tasks. (That is unless we\u2019re #unplugged!) However, most people \u2014 and that includes veterinary practice owners \u2014 are unfamiliar with the fundamental guidelines created under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires that websites be clearly and easily accessible to everyone, including people who are deaf or blind.<\/p>\n

The act, which went into effect in 1990, doesn\u2019t explicitly mention websites. But when subject to interpretation in legal settings, Title III of the ADA has consistently been found to apply to websites. In short, this means that both the content and functionality of a website must be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.<\/p>\n

For many of us who are happy just to keep our business websites up and running, the ADA is easily overlooked. However, having a website out of compliance can lead to trouble. Some veterinary practices have been sued for up to $20,000!<\/p>\n

WCAG Standards<\/h3>\n

With this in mind, making sure your website is accessible and compliant for all users is imperative. Those with disabilities<\/a> should be able to enjoy comprehensive access to your website. This access includes, but is not limited to, navigating pages, viewing content and accessing various features.<\/p>\n

During court battles that are more frequent than you might think, the U.S. Department of Justice has consistently referenced Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 as a benchmark to measure website accessibility. When a determination about accessibility is being made, 38 requirements are considered.<\/p>\n

Some websites might meet all 38 requirements, especially if the developer was familiar with the WCAG guidelines. Still, some developers don\u2019t adhere to the guidelines unless the website owner \u2014 you, for instance \u2014 insists on it. Taking action before non-compliance becomes a costly legal issue is crucial.<\/p>\n

While some consultants recommend that you focus on bringing into compliance your website\u2019s most visited pages, that\u2019s only a partial solution. You can start with those pages, but you should look at your entire website as being subject to ADA compliance. Plus, it\u2019s the right thing to do.<\/p>\n

Know the Basics<\/h3>\n

Now, I\u2019ll provide you with a simple guide for getting your website up to speed and ensuring that it provides total and equal access to everyone who uses it.<\/p>\n

The first tool I recommend getting familiar with is userway.org<\/a>, which describes itself as \u201ca pioneer in innovative website accessibility technologies.\u201d The tool is free and works with existing websites to help them meet accessibility requirements. This resource has helped many veterinary practices quickly reach a state of compliance even when they weren\u2019t aware of the standards of ADA accessibility.<\/p>\n

First, you need to understand the following terms and their meanings:<\/p>\n