Confused about ADA compliance for websites?

In today’s fast-paced world, websites are essential for our everyday lives. However, not all websites are accessible to everyone, especially those with disabilities. This is where the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 comes in: it requires businesses to ensure physical and digital accessibility for customers with disabilities. And if you’re a WordPress site owner, here are some steps you can take to make your website ADA compliant:

Step 1: Improve website navigation

Navigation is a critical component of accessibility. Ensure that your website’s navigation is easy to use, with a clear structure and intuitive layout. Use skip navigation links and visual cues to guide users through your site.

Step 2: Add alternative text to images

Alt text is a description added to an image to explain the content to the visually impaired. By including Alt text, you make your website accessible to all users.

Step 3: Make your website keyboard accessible

Keyboard accessibility is crucial for users with physical disabilities. Ensure that your website’s functionality can be accessed via the “Tab” key and use “Direct Input” or “Skip Navigation” to skip repetitive elements.

Step 4: Use appropriate colors and contrast

Choosing the right colors and contrast ensures that users with visual impairments can read your website’s content. Use the WCAG standards to check the contrast ratios of your website colors.

Step 5: Use headings and subheadings

Headings and subheadings help break up long blocks of text, making them easier to read. Structure your headings logically with the most important headings as h1 and then the subheadings with h2.

Step 6: Enable captions on videos

Add captions or transcripts to videos to make them accessible to the hearing-impaired audience.

Step 7: Use built-in accessibility features of WordPress and themes

Many popular WordPress themes come with accessibility functionalities that can assist you in creating an ADA compliant website.

Conclusion:

Ensuring your website is ADA compliant should be a priority for all website owners. Follow the above steps to make your WordPress website accessible to everyone. Remember, accessible websites are not only essential for people with disabilities but also for SEO. An ADA compliant website is better for everyone!