This is the first blog post in a two-part series about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its impact on digital marketing: a.k.a. your website!
You may be thinking: “Do you mean is my office or building ADA compliant?” And, your answer might be, “Sure…ramps, elevators…we are absolutely wheelchair accessible, etc.”
But that’s not the question. The question is: Are YOU ADA compliant? Are you communicating with customers and prospects in a way that is in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act? Specifically, we are talking about your main form of communication: your website.
YES! I Want to Be ADA Compliant!
If you have no idea what we are really talking about here, you are far from alone. Most business owners don’t know that every aspect of their companies needs to be accessible to people with varying disabilities.
On your website, blind people, hard of hearing and deaf people, anyone with a disability that requires accommodation by the U.S. government’s ADA guidelines, must be given appropriate access to the information you offer online. They must also be provided with ways to contact and interact with you.
The truth is, ADA compliance is a good thing for you and your company. It makes what you sell available to everyone!
The challenge lies in the fact that making your website ADA compliant takes a bit of work by an experienced website company. Hey, since you are here and reading this article, why not give Harmonia Media a call about getting your website ADA compliant?
Upgrade Your ADA Compliance!
Contact Harmonia Now!
Think about it this way, if you happened to have a disability that made it difficult for you to surf the net and shop, you would likely only buy from companies that took your needs into consideration. Further, it’s the law. Every website must make it just as easy for someone with a disability to listen to your videos, read your copy, move throughout your website and more as it is for someone without a disability.
Digital marketing companies, according to this article, can make fast changes that cover “all disabled categories (auditory, motor, cognitive, and visual)” and provide access for all. Call Harmonia Media to learn more at
The good news: The ADA lists compliance guidelines and standards that your website must meet to be in good standing.
The not-so-good news? If you are reported for being out of compliance, you’ll likely be facing hefty fines–like thousands of dollars. In fact, just one fine will cost you far more than simply hiring a good web company to upgrade your website to be ADA compliant.
Don’t wait until you are faced with fines!
Contact Harmonia Media Today!
What Does It Mean to Be ADA Compliant?
As you already know, buildings must be able to accommodate people in wheelchairs. Therefore, ramps and elevators are required in addition to the staircases you already have in the building. Further, handicapped accessible bathrooms and parking are required for people who have trouble walking or may need more room for their wheelchair and other mobility-related equipment,
All of this has been the law since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990.
Then, in 2010, the ADA was enhanced to enable other types of disabilities to be accommodated. For example, Braille signs and certain types of tiling on floors and walls that can be felt without looking are now required for ADA compliance.
By the way, these rules apply whether your building, parking lot, restrooms, etc., are privately owned (like an office building) or publicly owned (like an airport.)
Now, all forms of advertising are included in the ADA. This means that websites and social media platforms must meet ADA standards, as well. Not only is this a good business practice, but making sure everyone who may want to visit your website is able to have the same experience is important for your bottom line.
Plus, as we said, lack of ADA compliance denies differently-abled people their federal civil rights. The ADA expressly prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities–and this applies to limitations that can be seen and those that can’t.
While it’s true that you won’t get slapped with a hefty fine until you get reported or found out some other way, it’s also true that many judges have ruled in favor of people who file lawsuits.
The time is now! And, we can help. Contact Harmonia Media and we will do all the work to make sure your website is completely inline with all ADA guidelines.
