In every industry, there are both ethical and unscrupulous representatives. Unfortunately, some lawyers actively target business owners with lawsuits over website accessibility issues. While addressing these concerns is essential, our goal is to make websites usable and inclusive for everyone—not just to avoid demand letters and lawsuits.
Your website is one of your most valuable digital assets. Ensuring it is accessible not only protects you legally but also enhances the experience for current and future clients. Below, we highlight common issues that are often cited in accessibility lawsuits. By addressing these, you improve both the usability and design of your site while demonstrating a commitment to accessibility.
Disclaimer– This is not legal advice. None of the content on our site should be taken as such. Please consult an attorney for the most up-to-date legal guidance on accessibility requirements.
- Missing Alt Text: Images on your site require descriptive alt text to inform visually impaired users about the content. Alt text ensures compatibility with screen readers and improves SEO by providing context for search engines.
- Unlabeled Form Fields: Form fields must include clear labels to indicate the required input data. For example, a form labeled “Name” might need separate fields for first name, middle name, and surname. Without proper labels, users with assistive technologies may struggle to complete forms correctly.
- Keyboard Navigation: Not all users rely on a mouse for navigation. Websites must be fully functional using only a keyboard, ensuring everyone can navigate menus, forms, and other features seamlessly.
- Poor Color contrasts: A common issue is gray text on a white background, which can be nearly impossible to read for users with visual impairments. Ensure your text meets a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 to improve readability.
- Incompatibility with Screen Readers: Websites must be compatible with screen readers to provide auditory descriptions for visually impaired users. This includes properly coded elements and descriptive text for non-visual navigation.
- Unlabeled Buttons and Links: Every button and link should include clear labels that describe their function or destination. Generic labels like “Click Here” confuse users and are inaccessible for screen readers.
- Inability to Adjust Text Sizes: Websites should allow users to resize text without losing functionality or readability. This feature is crucial for users with visual impairments who require larger font sizes.
Why Address these issues?
By resolving these common problems, you not only make your site more inclusive but also:
- Enhance User Experience: An accessible site improves usability for everyone, creating a seamless experience for all visitors.
- Demonstrate Proactive Compliance: Addressing these areas shows you are actively working toward accessibility, which can strengthen your position if faced with legal action.
- Protect Your Business Reputation: Accessibility demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity, building trust with customers and partners.
- Increase Your Audience: Accessible sites cater to a broader range of users, including the 20% of the population living with disabilities.
Don’t wait for a demand letter to act!
Connect with The Web Detective today to ensure your site is accessible and user-friendly. Schedule a call through our website to take the first step toward an inclusive online presence.
