ADA Website Compliance isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a necessity for modern businesses. As more transactions, interactions, and services move online, web accessibility has become essential to serving all customers, including the one in four adults in the U.S. living with a disability.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was created to ensure equal access in physical spaces, but courts have repeatedly ruled that websites are “places of public accommodation” too. This means your site must be designed to be inclusive — not just visually, but functionally — for users who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, voice commands, or alternative input devices.
Failing to meet these standards can result in:
- Lawsuits and legal demand letters
- Lost business opportunities
- Damage to your brand reputation
If your website isn’t accessible, you’re likely excluding a significant portion of your potential customer base.
What Does ADA Website Compliance Actually Mean?
ADA compliance means your website meets the functional requirements necessary to allow people with disabilities equal access to information and services. While the ADA itself doesn’t provide detailed website standards, most courts and accessibility experts refer to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) — specifically WCAG 2.1 Level AA — as the accepted standard.
These guidelines focus on four core principles:
- Perceivable: Can users see or hear the content?
- Operable: Can users navigate and interact with all elements?
- Understandable: Is the layout clear, logical, and predictable?
- Robust: Can your site be interpreted by assistive technologies?
Meeting these standards ensures your site is usable for people with visual, auditory, cognitive, or physical disabilities.
Key Legal Considerations for Businesses
The number of ADA web accessibility lawsuits has been increasing every year. From retail and real estate to healthcare and hospitality, businesses of all sizes are being targeted. These lawsuits often cite websites that:
- Lack alternative text for images
- Are not navigable via keyboard
- Have low color contrast
- Include inaccessible forms or interactive features
Learn more:
- ADA Website Compliance: Legal Risks You Need to Know
- ADA Compliance Laws: Key Penalties You Should Know
ADA Compliance Checklist: How to Know Where You Stand
- Text alternatives for non-text content
Every image or icon should have descriptive alt text that explains its purpose to screen reader users and improves SEO. - Proper heading structure
Use one H1 per page, followed by a logical hierarchy of H2s and H3s. This improves screen reader navigation and page clarity. - Keyboard-only navigation
Every part of your site — menus, buttons, forms — should be usable with just a keyboard, without requiring a mouse. - Sufficient color contrast
Text and background colors must meet WCAG’s minimum contrast ratios. Low contrast can render your site unreadable for users with visual impairments. - Descriptive link text
Avoid generic text like “click here.” Use descriptive language that tells users where the link goes, such as “View our pricing options.” - Accessible forms and inputs
All form fields must have clear labels, focus states, and error messages. Users should be able to complete forms without needing a mouse.
Use our full checklist:
If You’ve Received a Complaint or Lawsuit
- Engage legal counsel familiar with ADA law
You’ll need someone who understands how ADA regulations apply to websites and can help navigate negotiations or court filings. - Have a professional accessibility audit performed
An audit from a reputable source will document what’s wrong and provide a prioritized remediation plan. - Begin remediating issues immediately
Acting in good faith can positively influence your legal outcome. Fix critical issues as soon as possible. - Respond with documentation and a timeline
Demonstrate your commitment to compliance by sharing audit results and a roadmap for fixes.
More guidance:
How Non-Compliant Websites Affect Business Performance
- Reaches more customers
Millions of people with disabilities use the internet. Accessible websites expand your audience and demonstrate your values. - Improves SEO
Many accessibility practices align with Google’s best practices. Structured content, alt text, and link clarity support better search visibility. - Enhances overall usability
Features like clear navigation and contrast aren’t just for users with disabilities — they benefit everyone, including mobile users and seniors. - Builds trust with diverse audiences
Being accessible shows your business is inclusive, professional, and forward-thinking.
More insights:
Fast Facts Every Business Owner Should Know
- ADA website lawsuits have increased over 300% in five years
- Even very small businesses can be sued
- Public-facing websites should meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA
- Proactive compliance is more affordable than litigation
Explore further:
Need Help Getting Compliant?
If you’re not sure whether your website is accessible — or you’ve already received a complaint — now is the time to act. We help businesses of all sizes understand where they stand and what it takes to move forward with confidence.
- Accessibility audits
We perform thorough accessibility reviews using both manual testing and advanced scanning tools. You’ll receive a detailed, prioritized report of what needs to be fixed. - Remediation plans and implementation
We don’t just identify the problems — we help you fix them. Our team works with your developer or provides implementation to correct the issues quickly and accurately. - Documentation and compliance reports
For businesses needing to prove progress or show compliance efforts to legal teams, we provide documentation that supports your good-faith efforts and technical corrections. - Ongoing monitoring and maintenance
As websites grow and change, new issues can arise. We offer ongoing support to keep your site in compliance and aligned with the latest standards.
Book a consultation to review your website’s compliance status
ADA Website Compliance isn’t just a best practice — it’s a business necessity. By making your website accessible, you create a more inclusive brand, protect your company from legal risk, and deliver a better experience for every visitor.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to improve your existing accessibility efforts, our team is here to help guide the way. Contact us today to start your accessibility journey