Top 10 Common ADA Compliance Mistakes Websites Make (and How to

• Posted by Ameli Smith February 18, 2025 Filed in Other #ADA website accessibility  29 views
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  With the increasing emphasis on digital inclusivity, ADA website accessibility is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses and organizations to ensure their websites are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Failing to meet these standards can lead to lawsuits, lost customers, and reputational damage. Yet, many websites still make common ADA website accessibility compliance mistakes. Below are the top 10 errors and how to fix them.

  1. Missing or Inadequate Alt Text for Images

  The Mistake

  Many ADA non-compliant websites fail to provide alternative text (alt text) for images, making it difficult for visually impaired users who rely on screen readers to understand the content.

  The Fix

  Ensure all images have descriptive alt text that accurately represents the image’s content and function. For decorative images, use empty alt attributes (alt="") to allow screen readers to skip them.

  2. Lack of Keyboard Navigation

  The Mistake

  Users with mobility impairments often rely on keyboards rather than a mouse. Many websites fail to support full keyboard navigation, making them ADA web compliance violators.

  The Fix

  Test website navigation using only the keyboard (Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys). Ensure users can access menus, buttons, and forms without needing a mouse.

  3. Poor Color Contrast

  The Mistake

  Low contrast between text and background makes it difficult for visually impaired users to read content.

  The Fix

  Follow WCAG guidelines by ensuring a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for larger text. Tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker can help.

  4. Unlabeled Form Fields

  The Mistake

  Many online forms lack proper labeling, making it hard for screen readers to identify input fields.

  The Fix

  Use descriptive labels and associate them with input fields using the <label> HTML tag. Avoid using placeholder text as the sole method of providing instructions.

  5. Lack of Video Captions and Transcripts

  The Mistake

  Videos without captions or transcripts exclude users who are deaf or hard of hearing.

  The Fix

  Add closed captions to videos and provide transcripts. Platforms like YouTube offer automatic captions, but manual corrections ensure accuracy.

  6. Non-Descriptive Links

  The Mistake

  Generic link text such as "Click here" or "Read more" does not provide context to users with screen readers.

  The Fix

  Use descriptive anchor text that informs users about the link’s destination, e.g., "Download the ADA Compliance Guide."

  7. Auto-Playing Media Without Controls

  The Mistake

  Audio or video that auto-plays without a way to pause, stop, or adjust volume can disrupt users with disabilities.

  The Fix

  Provide user controls for media playback. Avoid auto-playing audio unless necessary.

  8. Inaccessible PDFs and Documents

  The Mistake

  Many websites provide PDFs or other documents that are not formatted for screen readers, making them inaccessible.

  The Fix

  Use accessible document formats by tagging headings, adding alt text to images, and ensuring text is selectable. Convert important PDFs into accessible HTML pages.

  9. No ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) Implementation

  The Mistake

  Dynamic elements like pop-ups, modals, and dropdowns often lack ARIA attributes, preventing screen readers from interpreting them correctly.

  The Fix

  Use ARIA roles and attributes to define interactive elements properly. For example, use aria-label for buttons and role="alert" for notifications.

  10. No ADA Compliance Testing

  The Mistake

  Many businesses assume their website is accessible without conducting actual testing.

  The Fix

  Regularly test your website using accessibility tools such as WAVE, Axe, or Google Lighthouse. Conduct user testing with individuals who have disabilities for real-world feedback.

  Conclusion

  Ensuring ADA website accessibility is not just about avoiding legal trouble—it’s about providing an inclusive experience for all users. By addressing these common mistakes, businesses can enhance their website’s usability, improve SEO, and reach a broader audience. Neglecting accessibility can lead to potential lawsuits, harming a company’s reputation and finances. If you suspect your website falls into the category of ADA non-compliant websites, take action now to make the necessary adjustments. Beyond website accessibility, digital security is another crucial concern. Businesses handling sensitive information should also consider consulting an identity theft lawyer to protect customer data and mitigate risks. Prioritizing both accessibility and cybersecurity ensures a safe and inclusive online experience for all users.