WCAG/ADA/Section 508 Compliance, For Marketing Websites?

Unlocking Access: From Parking Spaces to Website Interfaces.

If the title of this post caught your eye, you’re not alone. As a marketing website consultant, I’m often asked: ‘What’s that?’ 

In essence, it’s the digital infrastructure equivalent to physical accessibility features required by brick-and-mortar stores, think curb cuts and braille on buttons. But understanding what it means for your website can be daunting. 

Here’s a quick question to help you determine if it’s time to review your business’ website compliance: 

If you’re in the ‘yes’ category, there are free online tools available to gauge your website’s accessibility level, however, with 5 requirements, 4 principles, and 13 guidelines, compliance is a complex matrix that business owners need to determine at what level is appropriate for their audiences on an ongoing basis to keep up with changing policies. 

While free online tools can help business owners get an initial gauge of compliance, most, if not all, recommend engaging a human to more robustly audit the site. Here’s a great list to find one that suits you: https://www.w3.org/WAI/test-evaluate/tools/list/ 

Compliance isn’t just about legal issues; it’s about inclusivity and reaching a broader audience, in turn growing customers. For example, many of the adjustments required also dabble into the realm of SEO, i.e. if done well that’s two birds with one stone. This concept is similar to the Curb Cut Effect, when we address the needs of certain groups, many others benefit. 

For more information on the Curb Cut Effect, check out https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_curb_cut_effect#, and find pros like myself and others on platforms like UpWork. And as a disclaimer, the information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. 

 #Accessibility #WebAccessibility #WCAG #ADA #Section508 #WebsiteCompliance #SEO #Inclusivity #DigitalAccessibility #MarketingWebsites #DEI #WebDevelopment