Examples of Non-ADA Compliant Websites | Oyova

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 to ensure equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, which includes accessibility to physical spaces and digital platforms, such as websites. However, despite the clear guidelines set by ADA, many businesses still struggle to make their websites accessible to all users.

In this blog post, we will showcase examples of non-ADA compliant websites and discuss the consequences of having a non-accessible website. We will also provide practical tips on how to improve web accessibility and comply with ADA guidelines.

What Makes a Website Non-Accessible?

A website that is not ADA compliant could be for several reasons. These include:

1. Poor Navigation: This is one of the most common examples of non-compliance with web accessibility. A website’s navigation should be logical and easy to use, with clear labels and headings that enable users to find the information they need quickly.
2. Missing Alternative Text: Images on a website should have alternative text (alt text) that represents the image for users who cannot see it. Visually impaired users will miss important information if images do not have alt text or are not descriptive enough.
3. Lack of Keyboard Accessibility: Some individuals with disabilities rely on keyboard navigation instead of a mouse. If a website does not have proper keyboard accessibility, these users cannot navigate through the site effectively.
4. Inaccessible Forms: Online forms are essential for businesses but must be designed with accessibility in mind. This includes providing labels and instructions for each form field and ensuring users can quickly locate and fill out the form.

These are just a few examples of non-compliance, but many other aspects can make a website inaccessible to users with disabilities.

Common Web Accessibility Failures

Beyond the previously mentioned factors, several other common web accessibility failures can significantly impact users with disabilities. Poor color contrast makes text difficult to read, particularly for visually impaired users, emphasizing the need for a high contrast ratio between text and background colors. An inadequate heading structure can also create confusion, as headings help organize content, making it easier for users and assistive technologies to navigate a website.

Additionally, videos without captions or audio descriptions prevent deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals from accessing essential content. Another significant issue is unresponsive design, which fails to adapt to different screen sizes. This makes navigation difficult for users with motor disabilities who rely on touchscreens or voice commands. These bad accessibility examples cause frustration and exclude individuals with disabilities from accessing vital information, reinforcing the importance of prioritizing inclusive web design.

Industries Most Affected by Non-Accessible Websites

All businesses should prioritize web accessibility, but specific industries are at a higher risk of legal action due to non-accessible websites. E-commerce platforms face significant challenges, as online shopping has become essential, and inaccessible websites can lead to ADA lawsuits from customers unable to make purchases.

Similarly, healthcare websites must be accessible to ensure that individuals with disabilities can obtain vital information about services and appointments. Failure to comply may violate ADA guidelines.

Educational institutions must also meet accessibility standards to provide equal access for students with disabilities, and non-compliance can lead to costly lawsuits.

Additionally, government agencies must adhere to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which mandates website accessibility for federal entities, with legal consequences for those that fail to comply. Given these industries’ essential services, ensuring web accessibility is not just a legal provision but a necessity for equal access and inclusivity.

Real-World ADA Lawsuits Over Website Accessibility

Websites that are not accessible can have serious consequences for businesses, including legal repercussions. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in lawsuits over bad accessibility examples, with the majority targeting companies in the e-commerce and retail industries.

1. Winn-Dixie: In 2017, a federal judge ruled that the grocery chain’s website was not accessible to individuals with disabilities and therefore violated ADA guidelines. As a result, Winn-Dixie was ordered to make its website compliant and pay over $100,000 in legal fees.
2. Domino’s Pizza: In 2019, the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from Domino’s Pizza after a blind customer sued them for having an inaccessible website and mobile app. The case was allowed to proceed in court, highlighting the importance of ADA compliance for all businesses.
3. Harvard University: In 2015, the National Association of the Deaf sued Harvard for not providing closed captioning on its online course videos. The case was settled in 2020, and Harvard agreed to offer captions to its online content.
4. Target: In 2006, the National Federation of the Blind sued Target for its inaccessible website. The case was settled in 2008, and Target agreed to make its website accessible and pay over $6 million in damages.

These are just a few examples of businesses that have faced legal action due to non-compliant websites, highlighting the importance of web accessibility for all industries.

Legal and Financial Consequences of Inaccessible Websites

The consequences of an inaccessible website extend beyond legal action, often resulting in financial losses and reputational damage. Numerous real-world cases have shown that businesses facing lawsuits over accessibility issues may incur significant legal fees. Additionally, excluding users with disabilities from accessing a website means losing a substantial customer base and missing out on potential revenue.

Word spreads quickly, and a company’s failure to prioritize accessibility can lead to negative publicity and brand damage. Ignoring web accessibility puts businesses at risk of legal consequences and harms their reputation and bottom line.

How Poor Accessibility Damages Brand Reputation

An inaccessible website can damage a business’s reputation, ultimately affecting its success and customer trust. A poor user experience caused by accessibility barriers can dishearten visitors, leading them to abandon the site and seek alternatives. This results in lost customers and diminished trust. Additionally, as awareness of inclusion and diversity grows, businesses that neglect accessibility may face public backlash, harming their reputation as socially responsible brands.

The impact is further amplified by social media, where negative attention regarding inaccessibility can quickly spread, deterring potential customers. Moreover, legal action over website accessibility can bring negative publicity, further tarnishing a company’s brand image. To avoid these risks, businesses must proactively identify and fix accessibility issues, ensuring their websites provide equal access for all users while maintaining a positive reputation and consumer trust.

How to Identify Accessibility Issues on Your Website

Fortunately, several ADA compliance checking tools and audits help firms identify and fix accessibility issues on their websites. These include:

1. Automated Accessibility: Testing tools scan websites for common accessibility barriers, such as missing alternative text for images or improper use of headings. Some popular options include WAVE and Axe.
2. Manual Audits: While automated testing tools can catch many issues, they cannot detect all accessibility barriers. Conducting a manual audit by having individuals with disabilities test the website is essential in identifying any remaining issues.
3. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), WCAG provides guidelines for creating accessible web content. Businesses can use these guidelines to ensure their website meets accessibility standards.
4. Consult with Accessibility Experts: For businesses that want a more comprehensive and tailored approach, consulting with accessibility experts can help identify and address specific accessibility barriers on their website.

By utilizing these tools and ADA audits, businesses can proactively identify and fix any accessibility issues before they result in legal action or damage to their reputation.

Fixing Accessibility Issues to Ensure ADA Compliance

Once accessibility issues are identified, businesses must proactively fix them and ensure ADA compliance. One of the most critical improvements is adding alternative text for images, allowing visually impaired users to understand visual content through screen readers. A proper heading structure ensures content is organized logically, making it easier for assistive technologies to navigate.

For multimedia content, providing captions and transcripts for videos is essential to accommodate deaf or hard-of-hearing users. Additionally, companies should avoid relying solely on color to convey information, as colorblind users may struggle to distinguish between specific hues. Instead, using symbols or text can improve clarity.

Finally, testing the website with assistive technologies like screen readers and keyboard navigation can help determine the remaining accessibility barriers. Improving web accessibility is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring, updates, and adherence to evolving accessibility standards to ensure an inclusive user experience.

Investing in Accessibility for Long-Term Success

Investing in web accessibility ensures ADA compliance and provides long-term benefits for businesses. An improved user experience allows companies to reach a broader audience, including individuals with disabilities, leading to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Additionally, many accessibility features enhance SEO rankings by improving site structure and content organization, helping businesses attract more traffic and potential customers. Prioritizing accessibility also offers legal protection, reducing the risk of lawsuits and financial penalties.

Beyond compliance, an inclusive brand image demonstrates a company’s commitment to diversity and accessibility, strengthening its reputation and appeal to a broader audience. Web accessibility is not just a legal obligation. It is essential for creating a prosperous, inclusive online presence. Partnering with accessibility experts ensures businesses stay up-to-date with evolving standards while providing equal access for all users.

How Oyova Can Help Make Your Website ADA Compliant

At Oyova, we understand the importance of web accessibility and its impact on businesses. Our team of professionals specializes in performing thorough accessibility audits, identifying any barriers on your website, and providing comprehensive remediation solutions to meet ADA compliance standards.

We also offer ongoing ADA compliance consulting services to ensure your website’s accessibility as technology and standards evolve. By partnering with us, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your online presence is inclusive and compliant with all accessibility guidelines.

Don’t wait for legal action or adverse publicity to make your website accessible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help improve your website’s accessibility and create a favorable user experience for all visitors.