Is Your Site Accessible or Just… Pretty?
If you manage a business or run anything online that serves the public, there are new rules you need to know about. The Department of Justice recently finalized updates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that focus specifically on website accessibility. The ADA compliance laws continue to shift, and the Title III Regulations are now focused on the private sector.
Long story short, the internet is getting an accessibility upgrade, and your business should be ready.
Wait, What Is ADA Compliance?
ADA compliance refers to making your website usable for people with disabilities. That includes individuals who rely on screen readers, use keyboard navigation instead of a mouse, or need captions and high-contrast visuals in order to interact with digital content. The new rules set the standard at WCAG 2.1 Level AA. These are internationally recognized guidelines that cover everything from proper alt text to clean site structure and video captions.
Why This Matters
Although these updates were originally aimed at state and local government websites, things are shifting. The DOJ has already made it clear that private businesses are expected to provide accessible digital experiences too.
Even before this update, lawsuits over inaccessible websites have been increasing year over year. We’re talking small businesses, local restaurants, and online boutiques. The kind of sites that often fly under the radar, until they don't.
Beyond the legal side, there’s also the very real fact that more than 1 in 4 adults have a disability. Making your site easier to navigate isn’t just good ethics, it’s good business.
What Accessibility Looks Like
This isn’t about checking a box, it’s about designing with intention. Here’s what an accessible website typically includes:
Clear, descriptive alt text for all images
Proper use of headings and semantic structure (so screen readers can make sense of your content)
High-contrast color combinations for easy reading
Keyboard-friendly navigation
Captions for all video content
Easily understandable forms and buttons.
If your site is full of hidden text in images, confusing menus, or autoplaying videos with no captions, then your website may need some updates.
How to Start Getting Compliant
The good news is you don’t have to overhaul your entire site overnight, but now is the time to start moving in the right direction. You can start by running an accessibility scan to identify quick fixes, add alt text to every image, and review your color contrast and font sizes. It is also important to check your navigation without a mouse. If you can't move through your site using just a keyboard, neither can someone who relies on that functionality. If you’re unsure, we’re here to help!
The Takeaway
Accessibility isn't just optional anymore, and it shouldn’t be treated like an afterthought. Whether or not your business falls under these new ADA rules right now, every website should be usable by everyone.
If your digital presence is part of how you serve customers or grow your brand, now is the time to make it work for all users, because it is the right thing to do—and more accessible sites tend to be better across the board.
If you need help getting started, we’re here to make the process easier, more strategic, and still beautifully on-brand.