Imagine walking into a store only to find that the door is too narrow for a wheelchair, or the signs are too small to read. That’s how many people with disabilities experience websites every day. For local businesses, having an ADA-compliant website isn’t just about avoiding legal trouble—it’s about creating an inclusive digital space where all customers feel welcome.
“Accessibility should be baked into every digital project from day one—not added later as an afterthought,” said a spokesperson from Overdrive Digital Marketing. “When your site works for everyone, your business grows more sustainably and ethically.”
Here’s a practical checklist to help ensure your website meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and delivers a better experience for everyone.
1. Provide Text Alternatives for Non-Text Content
Every image, video, and infographic should have alt text or captions describing what’s happening. Screen readers rely on this information to narrate visual content to users with vision impairments.
Tip: Write alt text that conveys meaning. For example, “Close-up of barista making latte art” is better than “Image.”
2. Make Your Site Keyboard-Friendly
Some users navigate entirely with keyboards. That means your menus, links, and forms should all be accessible using only the tab, enter, and arrow keys.
Test It: Try navigating your website without a mouse. If you get stuck, users will too.
3. Use Sufficient Color Contrast
Ensure that text stands out clearly against background colors. Poor contrast can make content unreadable for users with low vision or color blindness.
Pro Tip: Use a contrast checker tool to confirm your site meets WCAG guidelines (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text).
4. Include Descriptive Link Text
Links labeled “click here” or “read more” aren’t helpful to screen readers. Instead, use descriptive phrases like “View our menu” or “Download our pricing guide.”
5. Ensure Forms Are Accessible
All form fields should have clear labels, error messages should be easy to understand, and users should be able to submit forms without using a mouse.
Bonus: Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels to give additional context to screen readers.
6. Use Headings to Organize Content
Properly structured headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) not only improve SEO but also help users who rely on screen readers to quickly scan and navigate your content.
7. Make Multimedia Content Accessible
Videos should include captions, and audio content should have a transcript. This ensures people with hearing impairments can access the information.
8. Provide a Skip Navigation Link
A “skip to content” link at the top of your page allows keyboard users to bypass repetitive navigation and jump straight to the main content.
9. Avoid Content That Flashes or Blinks
Flashing content can trigger seizures in individuals with photosensitive epilepsy. If you must use animations, ensure they are subtle and can be paused or stopped.
10. Conduct Regular Accessibility Audits
Websites change frequently. Use tools like WAVE, Axe, or Google Lighthouse to audit your site and fix issues before they affect users.
Why It Matters for Local Businesses
An ADA-compliant website can help you:
- Avoid potential lawsuits and fines
- Reach more customers, including the 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. with a disability
- Improve your SEO rankings and user satisfaction
