5 tips for an ADA-compliant website

 

As the internet becomes an increasingly important part of our daily lives, ensuring everyone has equal access to online information and services are essential. This includes people with disabilities, who may face barriers when navigating websites that aren't designed with accessibility in mind. To address this issue, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that websites be accessible to people with disabilities.

Here are some steps you can take to make your website ADA-compliant.

1. Use alt text for images

Alt text is a brief description of an image that appears when a user hovers over it or if the image fails to load. This is crucial for people who are visually impaired and use screen readers to navigate websites. By including alt text, you can ensure that these users can understand the content of your website even if they can't see the images.

2. Provide captions for videos

Videos are a great way to engage users, but they can be difficult for people who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand without captions. By providing captions for your videos, you can ensure everyone can access their information.

3. Make your website keyboard accessible

Many people with disabilities rely on keyboard navigation to use websites. This means that all functionality on your website should be accessible using only a keyboard. This includes dropdown menus, forms, and other interactive elements.

4. Ensure proper color contrast

People with visual impairments may have difficulty distinguishing between colors that are too similar. To make your website accessible, ensure enough contrast between text and background colors. This will make it easier for everyone to read your content.

5. Use descriptive link text

When creating links on your website, use descriptive text that accurately describes the page’s content that the link leads to. This will help users with disabilities understand where the link will take them and what information they can expect to find on the linked page.

Making your website ADA-compliant is essential to ensure everyone has equal access to your online content and services. By following these steps, you can make your website more accessible to people with disabilities and improve the user experience for everyone.