Figuring out how to make your website ADA compliant can feel like a challenge. What needs to be fixed? Which tools should you use? Where do you even start? Worry not. We’ll answer all of that so you can move forward with confidence.
This guide provides you with the steps and free tools needed to make your website ADA compliant. You’ll learn exactly what to do, from assessing your site’s accessibility to fixing issues and maintaining compliance with the help of the right tools.
The short answer? It only benefits your business.
When you make your website ADA compliant, you make it accessible. And with accessibility comes several key benefits:
Now, let’s go over how to make your website ADA-compliant.
To make your website ADA-compliant, it should follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, the standard recommended under the ADA for accessibility.
If you’re hearing about WCAG for the first time, it might seem complex or intimidating. However, conforming to this standard is easier than it looks. It takes only six simple steps to make your website ADA-compliant, and they are:
6 Steps to Make Your Website ADA Compliant
Now, let’s go through each step in detail.
The first step toward ADA compliance is running an automated accessibility audit. This helps you quickly identify common WCAG violations, such as missing alt text, poor color contrast, and incorrect heading structures.
You can run an automated accessibility audit using WebYes – a free, user-friendly tool designed for anyone, no technical expertise required. Simply enter your website URL, and the tool will scan your site and generate a report of accessibility issues.
While automated tools detect many technical errors, they can’t make your website fully WCAG compliant – and therefore, ADA compliant. Some nuanced WCAG 2.1 guidelines require human judgment, making manual review essential.
Here’s what a manual audit involves:
WebYes simplifies manual audits by highlighting issues that need expert review, making it easier to address them (see the image below). If you’re unfamiliar with manual testing, consider working with an accessibility professional who can conduct a thorough evaluation for you.
Once you’ve identified accessibility gaps, the next step is to fix them. Start by addressing the simpler issues found in the automated scan, such as:
For more complex fixes – such as ensuring proper keyboard navigation, making forms accessible, and adding accurate captions for videos – you may need assistance from an accessibility expert or developer familiar with WCAG guidelines.
After making these changes, run another accessibility scan to confirm that your fixes are effective.
Once your website meets ADA accessibility standards, you should publish an accessibility statement. This informs users that you are committed to maintaining an inclusive website and allows them to report any accessibility challenges they encounter.
Your statement should include:
There are several free tools online that can help you generate an accessibility statement. The W3C Accessibility Statement Generator is a good place to start.
Note:
We recommend following WCAG 2.2 Level AA, as it is the latest version and includes additional accessibility improvements. While ADA regulations have not yet been updated to WCAG 2.2, adopting it now will help keep your website future-proof in case of future legal updates.
Accessibility is an ongoing process – it’s not something you do once and forget about. As you update your website with new content, features, or design changes, new accessibility issues can arise.
To maintain compliance:
Using website monitoring tools like WebYes can help catch new issues early, ensuring your website remains accessible over time.
Achieving and maintaining ADA compliance requires a team-wide effort. Your developers, designers, and content creators should all understand accessibility best practices.
Start by providing training on:
Creating a culture of accessibility within your team ensures that your website remains compliant, user-friendly, and inclusive for all visitors. Embrace shift-left accessibility to integrate accessibility from the start and prevent issues before they arise.
Failing to make your website ADA-compliant can have serious repercussions for your business. Here are the key consequences of non-compliance:
The good news is that achieving ADA compliance is easier than you think. By following the steps in this guide, you can make your website accessible, improve user experience, and protect your business from legal risks – all while expanding your audience.
Achieving ADA compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With WebYes, you get the tools and guidance needed to make your website accessible and compliant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA – the recognised standard for ADA compliance.
WebYes helps you:
Get started today with WebYes and take the first step toward making your website ADA-compliant, user-friendly, and legally protected.
There are no governing bodies that officially certify websites as ADA compliant. However, you can self-certify by ensuring your site meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA and publishing an accessibility statement outlining your compliance efforts.
Yes, a website can be 100% ADA compliant by fully conforming to WCAG 2.1 Level AA. However, this does not guarantee full accessibility, as WCAG 2.1 AA does not address all disabilities, and some users may still encounter barriers.
Yes, in the U.S., ADA compliance is required for state and local government websites and businesses that serve the public. If your website falls into these categories, it must meet accessibility standards.
The ADA applies to state and local governments and businesses serving the public. Meanwhile, Section 508 is a federal law that specifically applies to federal agencies and organisations receiving federal funding.
Article by
Melwyn holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and has been writing professionally for over 4 years. He has a strong background in SEO and is certified in web accessibility from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). When he's not writing about website optimisation, you can find him enjoying a game of FIFA or exploring the open world of GTA.
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