Where do I start?

• Web design;
• Providing alternate text for images;
• Creating navigable content;
• Compatibility with assistive programs; and more.

How do I follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines?

1. Conduct an audit on your website. Using Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools and software can be a viable option to get an idea of your level of compliance. However, this should be done alongside a manual check of your website—there is no substitute for your own careful review.

2. Ensure keyboard accessibility. Ultimately, your website should be able to be navigated using the keyboard alone to accommodate those who are unable to use a mouse.

3. Provide alternate text for images. Any non-text content like images should contain alternate text that describes content or the function of the element. This is important for any interactive elements of your website.

4. Include closed captions for multimedia. All videos should contain accurate captions and all audio content should be provided with transcripts. This accommodation is crucial for hard of hearing and deaf individuals.

5. Keep up to date with emerging standards. With web accessibility standards continuously evolving, it is important to stay informed on updates from the WCAG, including best practices for website accessibility. Maintaining ADA compliance is an ongoing process.

This is not a comprehensive guide for ADA compliance, but it aims to provide a good starting point. Small businesses need to spend time making their websites accessible for people with disabilities. Doing so is crucial to avoid the headache of potential ADA lawsuits that can be time-consuming and costly.