Is Your Website ADA Compliant? Protect Your Business Before It’s Too Late

Web Design & Development | Nicole Keiner | Tuesday, July 1, 2025

OVERVIEW

ADA accessibility guidelines

Website ADA compliance is essential for creating accessible online experiences for individuals with disabilities while protecting businesses from legal risks. By adhering to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and prioritizing inclusivity, businesses can foster a broader reach, enhance User Experience , and demonstrate their commitment to serving diverse communities.

IN DEPTH

Web accessibility is no longer optional—it's essential. With a growing number of lawsuits targeting non-compliant websites, particularly under the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ), businesses of all sizes must prioritize digital accessibility. Beyond avoiding costly legal challenges, creating an inclusive website is a vital step toward fulfilling both ethical responsibilities and fostering growth in an increasingly diverse and connected world.

But what exactly does website ADA compliance entail, and how can it protect your business from potential legal risks? This guide will break down the concept of ADA compliance, explain why it’s essential for every business, and offer next steps to safeguard your website and organization. 

What Is Website ADA Compliance? 

Website ADA compliance refers to ensuring your website is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Stemming from the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ), which was established in 1990, it requires businesses to provide equal access to goods and services for everyone, including those with visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive disabilities. 

When applied, this means your website should be navigable and usable by individuals with disabilities through tools such as screen readers or voice-recognition software. 

Standards for web accessibility are outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which categorize their recommendations into three levels of compliance:

  • A (Basic Accessibility): Focuses on fundamental accessibility requirements. 
  • AA (Industry Standard): Addresses the most common barriers, ensuring usability for the majority of users. 
  • AAA (High-Quality Accessibility): Going above and beyond to deliver an optimally inclusive experience. 

Achieving at least WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance is the benchmark for most businesses striving to meet ADA standards. 

Why Is ADA Compliance Important for Your Website?

Making your website ADA -compliant isn’t just a legal obligation—it demonstrates your dedication to inclusivity and providing a better experience for all users.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Legal Protection: Non-compliant websites risk lawsuits for not providing equal access to individuals with disabilities. Legal action can lead to fines, fees, and website redesign mandates, especially for small businesses.
  • Enhanced User Experience : Accessible features like straightforward navigation and proper captions improve usability for all visitors, fostering better engagement. 
  • SEO Advantages: Accessibility-focused design aligns with SEO best practices, boosting your site’s visibility in search results and driving more traffic. 
  • Broader Reach: With 1 in 4 U.S. adults living with a disability, accessibility expands your audience and strengthens connections within your community. 

By prioritizing ADA compliance, you safeguard your business and champion inclusivity, usability, and growth.

Rising ADA -Related Lawsuits Against Businesses 

Over the past decade, lawsuits targeting websites for non-compliance with the ADA have surged. Some common reasons businesses are being sued include:

  • Lack of Alternative Text (Alt Text): Images without proper descriptions make it impossible for screen readers to interpret content. 
  • Poor Color Contrast: Text and background colors that don’t have sufficient contrast make reading difficult for users with visual impairments. 
  • Non-Functional Keyboard Navigation: Many websites fail to accommodate individuals who rely on keyboards for browsing. 
  • Missing Captions for Videos: Failing to provide captions excludes users who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

No website is immune, regardless of industry. From e-commerce platforms to small-town restaurants, ADA lawsuits are targeting businesses of all kinds. 

Recent Lawsuits

Small businesses and nonprofits increasingly face lawsuits over website accessibility, with even small operations at risk. Recent lawsuits like those against Sun & Sky – Spa / Salon in Brooklyn and Omoi, Inc. in Philadelphia highlight the devastating impact such claims can have, draining resources and disrupting operations. Nonprofits are not immune either, as demonstrated by the lawsuit against the Academy Museum Foundation for alleged accessibility barriers. These examples underscore the urgent need for all organizations to prioritize digital accessibility, ensuring compliance with regulations and creating a more inclusive online experience for all users.

Who Is Exempt From ADA Requirements?

Following ADA requirements is vital for businesses of all sizes to foster inclusivity and effective communication. While small businesses with less than 15 employees, religious organizations, private clubs, and historic buildings may be exempt from specific provisions, they are still encouraged to offer reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

How to Protect Your Business from Risk 

Making your website ADA -compliant is only the first step. To safeguard your business and mitigate risks, consider the following:

  • Stay up to Date: Accessibility standards and technology are constantly evolving. Review and update your website regularly to meet the latest guidelines.
  • Train Your Team: Educate your web designers, developers, and content creators so know and are aware of accessibility principles.
  • Partner with Professionals: Work with a trusted partner, like Intrada Technologies, who understands web accessibility challenges and can establish proactive strategies. We will work closely with your business to address accessibility in a thoughtful, phased approach. 

How Intrada Technologies Can Help 

At Intrada Technologies, we understand that ADA compliance can feel very overwhelming, as businesses are already juggling countless other responsibilities. 

Here’s what we bring to the table:

  • Accessibility audits tailored to your site
  • Guidance for implementing WCAG standards 
  • Tools and resources for continuous improvement 
  • A commitment to collaboration and customer-first results 

Technology is a powerful tool, but its true worth is realized in how it supports the achievement of your business goals. Through collaboration, we craft solutions that elevate your brand while promoting inclusivity. Meeting ADA compliance standards goes beyond simply fulfilling requirements—it's about creating meaningful access for all.

Nicole Keiner - Head Shot

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicole Keiner is a Senior Marketing Strategist for Intrada Technologies. Her responsibilities include developing and executing marketing and digital media marketing strategies for clients. Nicole has nearly two decades of experience in public relations, content development, digital media marketing, and event management for businesses of all shapes, sizes, and types.

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