We have seen too many injustices and inequalities in the world. Racism, prejudice and discrimination are still rampant despite the fact that we are now living in the digital age.
These types or kinds of cruelty among human also happens online and what is more heartbreaking is that the victims are persons with disabilities or people with special needs.
ADA compliance
In 2010, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design was published by the United States Department of Justice. The law states that people with disabilities must easily access all electronic and information technology and these standards apply to commercial and public entities that have places of public accommodation, which include the internet.
Yes, your website, if proven to violate the law, could get you sued. Chances are your website is currently vulnerable and an easy target for a lawsuit due to non-compliance with the ADA regulations.
Most business owners are not even aware of these laws, which is why social justice activists target businesses of all sizes, large corporations, schools, medium and small businesses, anyone with a website.
Businesses violating the law are being hit with demand letters for thousands of dollars and at least $20,000 is needed to try and fight these cases, according to lawyers.
Without warning, businesses are taking devastating blows from these little known compliance regulations, and many fear that it could be just the thing to cause a small business owner to go out of business.
Being ADA compliant does not only mean you are abiding the law and you are avoiding penalties. It also has a positive effect on your business. It also means increasing your target audience because you can now cater to more or less 50 million people with disabilities in the United States. Being compliant also improves your SEO efforts.
If your website meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, it will likely appeal to users, search engines, and screen readers alike, ultimately improving your SEO endeavors. ADA compliance also helps build your reputation online. A non-ADA-compliant website disappoints customers while a compliant one is being valued.
Technology can uplift your life, make you rich and famous. It can actually change your life for the better and make you the likes of Jack Ma, Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates but it can also be the reason for a devastating life if you did not take the laws seriously. No one can get away from these laws protecting our disabled fellows. So as early as now, act and comply.
CONAN Daily 