Alright, entrepreneurs—let’s talk about something that could save your business from an expensive headache: ADA compliance for websites. Sounds boring but here’s why you should care: lawsuits over website accessibility are on the rise, and small businesses are getting hit with major fines. But don’t worry, this business coach has your back.
In this blog, we’re breaking it all down in simple terms: what ADA compliance for websites means, who needs to follow the rules, how to check if your site is compliant, and why this is something you should fix ASAP. Let’s go!
An uptick in ADA Website Lawsuits (And How Much They Cost)
Imagine waking up to a legal notice saying your website isn’t accessible to people with disabilities. Yeah, not fun. But it’s happening—A LOT. More businesses are getting sued because their websites aren’t designed for people with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments. And guess what? Courts are ruling in favor of those filing the lawsuits.
The cost? Anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 (or even more) when you factor in legal fees, settlements, and fixing your website after the fact. For a small business, that’s a painful bill to pay. The good news? You can avoid all of this by making sure your website is compliant from the start.
What is ADA Website Compliance?
ADA compliance means making sure your website is accessible to EVERYONE. Think about it—your physical business (if you have one) needs to be accessible, so why shouldn’t your website?
Here’s what the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) say about making websites accessible:
- Perceivable – Content needs to be easy to see and hear (like text descriptions for images and captions for videos).
- Operable – The site should be easy to navigate, even without a mouse.
- Understandable – Everything should be clear, readable, and user-friendly.
- Robust – Your website should work well with screen readers and other assistive technologies.
Following these ADA web accessibility guidelines doesn’t just protect you legally—it also makes your website easier to find and use for all existing and potential customers. Win-win-win!
What is Section 508 Compliance?
On a separate but related topic, let’s quickly touch on Section 508 Compliance.
Section 508 is a federal law requiring all government websites (and businesses that work with the government) to be accessible to people with disabilities. So, if you’re planning to snag a government contract (aka procurement and contracting), you’ll need to make sure your site is ADA-compliant AND 508-compliant.
Who Needs to Worry About ADA Compliance?
Short answer: most businesses. The ADA applies to:
- Companies with 15+ employees
- Businesses that serve the public (restaurants, retail stores, hotels, etc.)
- Government contractors (because of Section 508)
- E-commerce businesses (yes, even if you don’t have a physical store!)
Even if your business is on the smaller side, lawsuits have proven that ADA laws are being interpreted to apply to almost all websites. So, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Not sure if your site meets accessible ADA compliance standards? Here’s how to check:
- Use an ADA Compliance Checker – Try a tool like the one at BizCoach Studio to scan your site for issues.
- Test It Yourself – Try navigating your site without a mouse, using a screen reader, or adjusting the text size and contrast.
- Run an Accessibility Audit – Web developers use tools like WAVE, Axe, or Google Lighthouse to perform deep-dive audits.
- Check WCAG Standards – Your site should meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines, which is the standard for most businesses.
Why an ADA-Compliant Website is Good for Business
Making your website accessible isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits—it actually helps your business grow. Here’s how:
- You’ll reach more customers – Millions of people have disabilities. Making your site accessible means you’re not leaving money on the table.
- Better SEO – Google loves accessible websites, which means better search rankings (aka, more traffic).
- Happier users – A well-structured, easy-to-use site benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.
- Stronger brand reputation – Being inclusive makes your business look awesome and builds customer loyalty.
Last Thing
With lawsuits on the rise, ADA compliance for websites is something you can’t afford to ignore. The good news? Fixing accessibility issues now will save you money, improve your website, and make your business more inviting.
Want to check if your website is compliant? Click here to run an ADA Compliance Check today.
You can also contact us and we’ll gladly test it for you.