Many websites fail to meet accessibility standards, creating significant barriers for users with disabilities. Below are the top eight accessibility issues that often lead to legal action:

1. Inadequate Color Contrast: Text with insufficient contrast makes reading difficult for visually impaired users. The minimum recommended contrast ratio is 4.5:1, meaning your text color should be at least 4.5 times darker or lighter than the background. Ensuring proper contrast improves readability and prevents accessibility complaints.
2. Missing Alt Text: Images without descriptive alt text cannot be interpreted by screen readers, leaving visually impaired users in the dark. Alt text is also crucial for search engines to understand the content of your images, improving SEO performance.
3. Non-Accessible Forms: Forms often lack proper labeling, making them challenging to navigate for users relying on screen readers. Fields without clear labels can confuse users, especially those with limited vision. Ensure every form field is labeled and keyboard navigable.
4. Improper Page Titles and headings: A well-structured page with clear titles and subheadings improves readability and accessibility. Consistent and descriptive headings help users—and search engines—quickly understand the content’s structure. Avoid multiple Header 1 tags on a single page, as this confuses screen readers.
5. Inconsistent Font Sizes – Using appropriate font sizes enhances readability. Avoid manipulating text size by misusing header tags, such as applying multiple Header 1 tags for styling. Header tags should convey hierarchy, not just appearance.
6. Problematic Use of Colors – Do not rely solely on color to convey meaning. For example, using a green button to indicate “Go” excludes users with color blindness or those using screen readers. Always include text, such as the word “Go,” to accompany color cues.
7. Lack of Video Accessibility – Videos without subtitles or audio descriptions exclude users who are deaf or hard of hearing. Avoid auto-playing videos, as they can disrupt the experience for users relying on assistive technologies.
8. Distracting Animations – Flashing animations or fast-moving visuals can cause discomfort or even trigger seizures for users with epilepsy. Minimize or eliminate such elements to create a safer, more inclusive experience.

Addressing Accessibility Issues

By tackling these issues, you not only make your website more inclusive but also enhance the overall user experience for all visitors

The Business Case for Accessibility

Investing in website accessibility offers several benefits:

• Expanded Audience: Approximately 20% of the global population lives with some form of disability. Making your website accessible ensures you’re not excluding this significant portion of potential customers.
• Improved SEO: Accessible websites often achieve higher rankings in search engine results. Search engines favor sites that follow best practices, including alt text for images, proper page structure, and clear navigation.
• Enhanced User Experience: Accessibility features benefit all users, not just those with disabilities. Clear navigation, readable fonts, and responsive design create a better experience for everyone.
• Increased Revenue Potential: Accessibility opens your business to a larger customer base, potentially increasing sales and conversions. Studies have shown that inclusive websites lead to improved customer loyalty and repeat business.
• Reputational Gains: Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity builds trust and strengthens your brand reputation. Customers and partners are more likely to support businesses that value diversity and accessibility.
• Legal and Financial Safeguards: By proactively addressing accessibility, you reduce the risk of costly lawsuits and fines, which can harm your business both financially and reputationally. In the USA the IRA offer Tax Credits to help with accessibility projects.

Ready to make your website accessible and inclusive?

Connect with The Web Detective today or schedule a call through our website. Together, we can enhance your site’s accessibility, comply with legal standards, and reach a broader audience.

Find out more by connecting with the Web Detective

Most businesses avoid this question or even start to make their site accessible because:

• The complexity of knowing where to start making it accessible
• What is the minimum level required to get by
• Expensive costs
• My business is small
• My products or services are not designed for people with disabilities
• I am not a brick-and-mortar business
• I don’t have employees, or I have a small workforce

Busting the myths and the facts of website accessibility.

• WCAG guidelines are extensive and yes unless you know about coding a website you will need someone to help you fix your site to be compliant.
• Starting to change features for an accessible website really starts with the design and look and a lot of accessibility features can be addressed with design and applying some simple logic and consideration to your web traffic visitors.
• Talk and connect with an accessibility specialist to understand where to start. Most offer free advice on how or where to get started. Connect with the WD. People working in this area advocate for inclusion for all and will share the correct route to take.
• If a web developer suggests the solution is to add a free widget or plugin, be warned there is no free, easy solution to make a site 100% compliant. Many lawsuits are raised because these plugins offer limited options and sometimes hinder the users with a screen reader.
• Only people with screen readers need to have a website accessible again a myth, although this group required additional coding to help navigate a website most lawsuits are raised on the basis that the free plugins are not screen reader compatible or the website is not readable or function to screen readers.
• ADA law is only for users in USA, although these laws are for decimating for American users there are international laws that also can be considered
  • Section 508 of the Rehabilitations Act
  • EAA – European Accessibility Act
  • EN301549 – European Accessibility Standard for digital practices
  • ACA – Accessible Canda Act
  • IS 5568 – Isreal Standard
  • AODA – Canada Ontario
  • Stanca Act Compliance – Italian Law
  • Equality Act 2010 – UK Accessibility
  • BITV, BGG, and BFSG (starting 2025) Germany’s accessibility laws (penalties of up to €100,000 for non-compliance after June 2025)

Tips for Improving Your Website Accessibility.

Many websites fall short on accessibility, which can result in legal risks and missed opportunities to engage with a broader audience. Here are some actionable tips to get you started and help avoid potential fines. A common question we hear is: Can you make my website 100% accessible? The answer isn’t straightforward. Achieving 100% compliance is nearly impossible due to rapidly evolving technology and the diverse needs of users. However, the more compliance you achieve—and the more effort you can demonstrate—the stronger your position will be in the eyes of the law.

Using WCAG 2.2 Level AA as your standard is a great place to start. Every website is unique, and not all users have the same tools or needs. The goal is to accommodate as many users as possible while continuously working to improve accessibility.

Accessibility Tips to Enhance Your Website

• User Friendly Navigation– Test your site’s ease of navigation. Ask friends or individuals less familiar with technology, like grandparents or retirees, to explore it. If they find tasks confusing or difficult to complete, it’s time to rethink your site’s navigation and user experience.
• Easy to Read Content– Keep your content simple and clear—think 8th-grade reading level. Complex language can drive users away, regardless of whether they have disabilities.
• Clear Page Titles and Headings – Use descriptive page titles and break content into sections with headings and subheadings. This improves readability and helps users quickly find what they’re looking for.
• Functional Links -Test your site for broken links or vague link text. Links should clearly explain their purpose, such as “Learn more about our services” instead of “Click here.”
• Accessible Text Fonts and Sizes – Avoid small fonts (e.g., 10pt) and hard-to-read script fonts. Stick to clean, legible fonts with sufficient size to improve readability for all users.
• Accessible Videos – Ensure your videos include subtitles and avoid auto-playing them, which can be disruptive.
• Minimize Distracting Animations – Flashing elements and animations might look appealing but can be distracting or even harmful to users with certain disabilities, such as epilepsy or ADHD.
• Publish a Web Accessibility Statement – Share your commitment to accessibility by publishing a statement on your website. Be honest: outline what improvements you’ve made and what you’re working on. Note that a statement alone won’t shield you from liability if your site has significant accessibility issues, so focus on tangible improvements.

Get a free web audit today to discover how accessible your site is!

Let’s work together to improve your site’s inclusivity and reach.

Find out more by connecting with the Web Detective

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

Find out more by connecting with the Web Detective

The size of businesses is not the issue, non-accommodation is the issue.

Many small and medium-sized businesses mistakenly believe they are safe from ADA lawsuits. However, recent data reveals a startling truth: 77% of ADA lawsuits in 2023 targeted organizations with revenues under $25 million. This statistic highlights that no business is too small to face legal challenges related to accessibility.

In 2023 New York was the epicenter of lawsuits on small businesses for non-accessible websites.

NY Law firm raise 1100 lawsuits in a year

An Exponential Rise in Website Accessibility Lawsuits

It’s not just about avoiding lawsuits; it’s about fostering inclusivity for all users. An accessible website reflects your commitment to equality and allows you to reach a wider audience.

By prioritizing ADA compliance, you not only protect your business from potential legal issues but also enhance your brand’s reputation. Let us help you strengthen your website’s accessibility, ensuring it meets legal standards while embodying our shared values of excellence and inclusivity.

Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in making your digital presence welcome to everyone.

Find out more by connecting with the Web Detective