Learn Why Your Website Needs to Be ADA Compliant
Web accessibility is more critical than ever before. Companies that fail to meet ADA compliance standards are not only risking their reputation but also facing significant financial penalties. This article dives into real-world examples of companies sued over non-compliant websites, explores the legal and financial consequences, and offers practical solutions to help you avoid such pitfalls.
Table of Contents
- Examples of ADA Website Lawsuits and Settlements
- How to Avoid ADA Lawsuits
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
- Need Help Making Your Website ADA Compliant?
Examples of ADA Website Lawsuits and Settlements
Many businesses, from e-commerce giants to universities, have been sued for failing to provide accessible websites. These lawsuits serve as cautionary tales for companies of all sizes.
1. Domino’s Pizza
In 2016, Guillermo Robles, a blind customer, sued Domino’s Pizza because he could not order food via their website using his screen reader. The courts ruled in his favor, as the website was not ADA-compliant, and Domino’s had to address the accessibility issues, resulting in a costly settlement.
2. Target
In 2006, Target was sued by the National Federation of the Blind for having a website inaccessible to visually impaired users. The lawsuit resulted in a $6 million settlement, and Target was forced to redesign its website to meet accessibility standards.
3. Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment
In 2019, Beyoncé’s website faced a class-action lawsuit because it lacked alt-text for images and proper navigation for screen readers, making it inaccessible to visually impaired users. Although the settlement details were undisclosed, this lawsuit sent a strong message about the importance of ADA compliance.
4. Harvard and MIT
These prestigious universities faced a class-action lawsuit from the National Association of the Deaf in 2015 for failing to provide captions for their online courses. The case was settled with Harvard paying over $1.5 million in legal fees and committing to making all digital content accessible.
How to Avoid ADA Lawsuits
Given the rise in lawsuits, it’s essential to ensure your website complies with ADA standards. An easy way to begin is by using a web accessibility scanner, such as AccessScan by accessiBe. This tool helps identify areas where your website may fall short, providing actionable steps to improve compliance.
Key Steps for ADA Compliance:
- Provide alt-text for images.
- Ensure all forms are accessible via keyboard navigation.
- Offer captions or transcripts for all video and audio content.
- Maintain a color contrast ratio for text and background that adheres to ADA standards.
Key Takeaways
- ADA compliance is not only a legal requirement but a moral obligation.
- Companies like Domino’s and Target have paid millions in settlements due to non-compliant websites.
- Tools like AccessScan can help you avoid lawsuits by identifying accessibility issues.
- Fixing your website’s ADA compliance issues now can save you hefty fines and protect your business reputation.
FAQs
What is ADA compliance for websites?
ADA compliance means ensuring your website is accessible to people with disabilities, including those who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies.
What are the legal consequences of non-compliance?
Non-compliant websites are vulnerable to lawsuits, which can result in costly settlements and damage to a company’s reputation.
How can I check if my website is ADA-compliant?
Use a web accessibility scanner, like AccessScan, to evaluate your website and identify areas for improvement.
Need Help Making Your Website ADA Compliant?
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Reach out to us today to help fix any non-compliant issues with your website. Ensuring your site is accessible not only protects your business but also improves the user experience for all customers.