Companies must do their absolute best to be ADA Compliant in 2022. In both physical locations and online, ADA compliance is the law. Let’s look at the many reasons your company should adapt to be more inclusive.
Let’s look at the many reasons your company should adapt to be more inclusive.
ADA Compliance The American Disabilities Act (ADA) was released by the Department of Justice released in 2010. Following the release, new standard requirements came for companies that have websites. Today, companies are expected to bring their websites up to code for people with disabilities so that their websites can be accessible for all users.
Here are the statistics found on World Health Organization (WHO) website. “Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment.” Visual impairments the WHO breaks it down in the following ways.
The WHO concluded that 1 billion people have moderate or severe distance vision or blindness. It is interesting to note, that they are not including color blindness in this scenario.
When it comes to digital platforms, color blindness is also be a consideration for color contrasts. According to the Colour Blind Awareness Organization
Color blindness (colour vision deficiency, or CVD) affects approximately 1 in 12 men (8%) and 1 in 200 women in the world. Worldwide, there are approximately 300 million people with colorblindness, almost the same number of people as the entire population of the USA!
https://www.colourblindawareness.org/colour-blindness/
According to WHO there are more than 1.5 billion people today living with hearing loss. That is almost 20% of the world population. Over 430 million humans have hearing loss that qualifies as “disabling hearing loss.” By 2050 they predict that more than 700 million people could have disabled hearing loss.
Closed captions can play a big role in allowing those with hearing issues because impaired user will have more access to digital information. Everyone should make sure they are producing media that is inclusive for those with hearing loss.
Google has shifted their focus towards rewarding websites that provide good user experiences for all users. That includes ADA compliance. We know that Google is considering accessibility in their search rankings.
“Our UX Researchers work with people from all backgrounds and with a variety of abilities in order to understand what matters to our users in their daily lives. Based on these insights, we aim to design products that are inclusive and consider the needs of all users.”
Google
Google launched a global initiative called “Google Impact Challenge: Disabilities.” This program focuses on ways to program and use emerging technologies that increase independence and opportunities for people with disabilities.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) handles enforcing ADA compliance issues. They have been very clear on their stance. Websites that offer goods and services to consumers should aim to be ADA-compliant.
Did you know that 1 in 4 people in the United States (about 61 million adults) are living with a disability? Today, designing your digital space with accessibility because it is smart business. It extends your reach to future customers. It is also the law. More companies are getting hit with complaints so it is important to try and be as compliant as you can to avoid potential lawsuits.
It is time to re-imagine your digital footprint including your website. No website is ever “finished.” Your website is a living document designed to change over time.
At Innovative Global Vision aims to provide solutions for innovation and inclusion. This is a big initiative we have in 2022 and beyond for all our clients. Contact us today to see how we can help you bring your website closer to ADA compliance.
