ADA lawsuits are very common and rising for websites and applications in the US. The reason behind the rising legal complaints is that business are making digital content but little do they care about making is accessible. ADA (the Americans with Disability Act) mandates that your website which is considered as a public accommodation should take care about the disabled users. If you are can’t do so, hire digital accessibility consultants.
Business are getting sued, big names are struggling with damaged reputation and you are wondering about the worth of digital accessibility testing and consultation services. Let’s find out is hiring a consultant worth it or an overhead expense if you are running low on operational budget.
What are ADA Lawsuits?
ADA lawsuits happen a user can’t use your website. Understand this with some examples:
- A blind user can’t buy products because your site images have no alt text.
- Your video content has no captions, so a deaf person misses key information.
- Your forms or menus don’t work with keyboard.
Users can take legal action as per ADA if they cannot access your website. Some cases end in settlements. Others lead to long, costly legal battles.
How a digital accessibility consultant saves you?
Digital accessibility services can make your websites and software ADA and WCAG compliant.
They work on code as make accessibility improvements.
- Audit your website or app. They test it with real assistive tools like screen readers and keyboard navigation.
- Identify accessibility issues. They create a report showing what needs fixing.
- Guide your team. They work with your designers, developers, and content writers to make the right improvements.
- Support documentation. They help you create a VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template). It is a key document that proves your compliance efforts. Connect with ADACP if you need a VPAT. Their digital accessibility solutions are top-rated in the US.
Can a consultant really prevent ADA lawsuits?
Yes, they can prevent ADA lawsuits if you take action early.
Accessibility consultants help you meet the following standards:
- WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
- Section 508 (for federal vendors)
These standards show that you care about accessibility.
And that’s important because courts often look at intent. If you can prove your business made real efforts to comply, the risk of penalties disappears.
Q: What if My Website Is Small? Do I Still Need a Consultant?
ADA applies to most public-facing businesses, no matter their size. Even small online stores or local service providers can face lawsuits.
A consultant can help you set up a simple, affordable plan. Sometimes, even small alt text or change in color contrast can make your design compliant.
Q: Can’t My Web Developer Handle Accessibility?
Web developers are great at design and functionality, but accessibility is a specialized field. A consultant understands the laws, testing tools, and human experience behind accessibility.
They know user needs and the details lawyers might notice in a lawsuit. Most developers don’t have such knowledge.
Benefits Beyond Legal Safety
Working with a digital accessibility consultant isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits. It’s also about improving your business.
- Better user experience. Clearer text and confusion-free navigation takes everyone to what they need without getting lost.
- Wider audience. Millions of Americans live with disabilities. Welcome these users by creating your website as per compliance laws.
- Show on Google. Websites load fast and rank on Google when they are easy to use. Consultants can guide you the easy way to achieve this.
Q: What Happens If I Ignore Accessibility?
Ignoring accessibility takes your money and many other things.
If your site is found non-compliant:
- You might have to pay for legal settlements
- Also think of hefty remediation costs.
- Your business reputation may suffer.
- You could lose customers who face barriers on your website.
Steps to get started with a consultant
- Start with an audit
Your consultant will test how well your site meets accessibility standards and point out where you can do better.
- Talk Through the Results
Your consultant will explain what needs fixing so you actually understand what is going on.
- Create a Fix-It Plan
Do not try to cover everything in the first attempt. Let your consultant set the priority and then decide the immediate changes and which ones can wait for later.
- Document your compliance actions
Save your reports and any updates you make. These records show your effort and come in handy during digital accessibility compliance audits.
These steps prove your company is proactive and responsible.
Q: How Do I Find the Right Accessibility Consultant?
The consultants you choose should have experience in ADA and Section 508 compliance testing. Their knowledge of latest WCAG 2.2 standards should be thorough. Pick one with genuine accessibility certifications like IAAP. You can also consult ADACP. Their leading reputation in digital accessibility testing and remediation is a sign of quality work.
Final Thoughts
Digital accessibility consultants can protect you from ADA lawsuits. But their real value goes beyond legal protection. They help you build a user-friendly website.
Bring in a consultant as early as possible to make a strong repute.
Start today to avoid lawsuits and build trust with every user who visits your site.
