6 ADA Compliance Questions to Ask Your Website Provider
6 ADA Compliance Questions to Ask Your Website Provider
Are you considering giving your firm’s website a facelift or a complete overhaul? In any case, it’s essential to keep ADA compliance requirements in mind. An ADA-compliant website increases readability for all users, including those with visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive disabilities. This is accomplished through a range of features including increased text size and spacing, light and dark contrast, image descriptions, and dyslexia friendly font.
Here are key questions to keep in mind and ask your provider as you proceed with your site.
1. Does your platform follow accessibility standards and, if so, which ones?
It may seem like a straightforward question, but it is still important to ask. Some website platforms will have tools built into their software for accessibility, whereas others will offer add-ons. Some providers offer no accessibility options at all. If your website provider doesn’t offer ADA accessibility options, be sure you explore third-party apps that can make your website accessible to help protect your business from fines and lawsuits.
It is also important to confirm which accessibility standards the website provider follows. Each country and some states and provinces have different standards for website accessibility. You need to know which standards your website will meet.
2. I'm changing my website over from another platform. Will my accessibility move with me? If it was not accessible before, how can I change that?
When switching website providers, your goal is to upgrade your site across the board. When your website migrates to the new provider’s platform, will they transfer the alt text for your images? What about proper heading structure? You don’t want to start your accessibility over from scratch again.
3. What accessibility features do your platform offer?
A deciding factor in choosing one website provider over another is the type and number of accessibility features they offer. That means determining what features are included and comparing their features with competitors. Here are some examples of features to look for:
- Keyboard navigation
- Automated subtitles
- 200% text resizing
- Language translation
- Tool and control labels
- Dyslexia friendly fonts
- Built-in screen reader
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4. How do I confirm or test that my site is accessible and ADA compliant?
You want to feel confident your website is accessible to people with disabilities so you’re not surprised by a fine or legal issues. Does the website provider have a tool to check your website’s accessibility? Or do you have to comb through your website manually with a compliance checklist? Your other option is to use a third-party ADA-compliance program to scan your site for violations.
5. How do you help in the event of legal action?
In the case of a government fine or an accessibility lawsuit, you need to know what help and options are available. Does the website provider supply legal assistance with resources, insurance, or an affiliate ADA/accessibility attorney? Or are you on your own to build a defense yourself? Make sure you're set up with a plan for legal cases so you’re not left confused and scrambling if the time comes.
6. How do you ensure ongoing accessibility compliance?
You’ve set your website up to be ADA compliant, but what happens when you update it or if laws change? Does the website provider update the website to continually meet guidelines? Is the provider actively innovating their platform and tools to get as close as possible to complete accessibility? You don’t want to lose your website’s accessibility down the road as changes occur.
Tribute Accessibility is the answer to your website’s ADA compliance
Interested in accessibility options for your website? Tribute Accessibility powered by UserWay layers features for people with disabilities over your website instantly making your website more compliant. Tribute Technology delivers this innovative product through its network of Premier Partners including leading providers such as FrontRunner Professional, MKJ Marketing, SRS Computing, Funeral Tech, CFS, and others. Visit our ADA page to learn more about Tribute Accessibility.
