FRESNO, California – Cody Sarhan, Communications Specialist
Every website owner in California should perk up their ears to the tune of accessibility and compliance laws, or risk facing serious legal repercussions. Gone are the days when web accessibility was a mere afterthought. Today, it’s a leading facet of web development that mirrors both user inclusivity and legal necessity.
California has been at the forefront of web accessibility legislation, mandating that any commercial or public website complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This legislation intends to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as anyone else to navigate and interact with websites.
“There are thousands of lawsuits filed each year alleging websites and mobile applications are not coded so that they are accessible to individuals who are blind.” — Kristina Launey, Seyfarth Shaw litigator
As of recent rulings, not adhering to the ADA can lead to hefty lawsuits. For instance, a landmark case in 2019 set the precedence when a blind user sued a well-known pizza chain because their website was not accessible, which ended in the Supreme Court declining to hear the appeal, thereby upholding the lower court decision favoring accessibility.
Source: Seyfarth Shaw analysis, February 2022
Learn more: How Xobee can help protect your website from lawsuits
Why Compliance Matters
Aside from the legal implications, there are compelling reasons why your business should prioritize website accessibility:
- Expanding Market Reach: Nearly a third of adults in the U.S. have some form of disability. An accessible website opens your business to a broader audience, increasing potential market reach and customer base.
- Enhanced User Experience: Accessible websites generally provide a better user experience and are often easier to navigate for all users, not just those with disabilities.
- SEO Benefits: Search engines favor accessible websites, as they tend to have cleaner and more organized code, which can boost your site’s SEO ranking.
Meeting the Standards
Meeting ADA standards typically involves adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which outline how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. These guidelines are considered the benchmark for web accessibility and are frequently updated to accommodate new technologies and disabilities.
Implementing these elements into your website design requires a thorough understanding of both coding and design principles, aimed at enhancing user interaction and functionality.
Xobee’s Comprehensive Solution Made Easy
At Xobee Networks, we understand the importance of not just meeting, but exceeding the ADA compliance standards to provide a seamless, accessible experience for all users. Our team of expert web developers and designers can ensure that every website we build or remodel meets strict compliance laws.
Laws and guidelines are always evolving. Xobee stands at the forefront, ensuring your site remains compliant with the most current regulations. We don’t just build your site and walk away; we offer continuous support and education on how to maintain an accessible website, ensuring you’re informed and in control. Our solutions are crafted with precision to ensure high functionality and accessibility, guarding against potential legal risks.
As your one-stop shop for all business technology needs, Xobee not only pledges complete adherence to ADA laws but also guarantees a robust, accessible online presence that opens your business to wider opportunities and markets, all while safeguarding against legal complications.
Elevate your business with Xobee Networks, where compliance meets innovation and design. Contact us today to ensure your website not only meets the legal thresholds but sets a standard for excellence in web accessibility.
Xobee now has engineers servicing clients within Fresno, Clovis, Madera, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco & the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Anaheim, Palm Springs, and more.
Cody Sarhan | Communications Specialist, Xobee Networks
