If your business is set up on the web, you should ensure it is ADA-compliant. Since the 1990 passage of the ADA, access on websites is also guaranteed to people with disabilities.
So, for ADA and small businesses, you must ensure your website is usable by all individuals, regardless of any visual, hearing or mobility issues. EqualWeb assists small companies in fulfilling these regulations, making it much easier for users to enjoy the website.
What Does ADA Compliance Mean for Websites?
The ADA was made to address discrimination against people accessing physical places, though courts now also use it in cases involving websites and apps. As a result, your website must be usable by individuals using screen readers, navigating with a keyboard or other accessibility tools.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) was developed as a standard according to four main principles:
1. Perceivable
You should have alt text for images and captions for videos within your website.
2. Operable
Users should navigate without a mouse, avoiding flashing elements that could trigger seizures.
3. Understandable
Clear language, consistent layouts, and error messages help all users.
4. Robust
Code should work across browsers and assistive technologies.
If standards are ignored, businesses may be held liable by law. There were more than three thousand ADA website lawsuits in 2022, most of which were aimed at small businesses.
Why Small Businesses Cannot Afford to Ignore ADA Compliance
Several small business owners believe that ADA standards are only for large companies or businesses with brick-and-mortar shops. But if your website serves the public—whether for e-commerce, appointments, or information—it likely falls under ADA Title III. Common pitfalls include:
- Missing alt text – Without it, screen readers are unable to describe visuals.
- Poor color contrast – Hard-to-read text excludes users with low vision.
- Unlabeled forms – Without proper tags, screen readers will not be able to explain what to input.
- Keyboard traps – Some users cannot use a mouse and rely on tab navigation.
Beyond avoiding lawsuits, an accessible website improves SEO and customer trust. Search engines favor sites with clear structure and descriptive text—exactly what WCAG recommends.
How to Make Your Website ADA-Compliant
- Run an Audit – Tools like WAVE or the scanner of EqualWeb identify accessibility gaps.
- Fix Critical Issues First – Start with alt text, keyboard navigation, and color contrast.
- Train Your Team – Ensure content creators understand basics like heading hierarchy.
- Monitor Regularly – Accessibility is not a one-time fix; update as your site evolves.
For businesses without in-house expertise, third-party tools can automate much of the process, from adding screen-reader adjustments to ensuring video captions.
The Bottom Line
Ensuring that a website is ADA-compliant is not only about following the law; it is also about including everyone and helping the business grow. Making your website accessible helps you reach a greater audience, improves your search engine results and signals your willingness to serve every user.
For those who are new to website accessibility and have a tight budget, EqualWeb can help them satisfy the rules and improve the usability of their site.
