UserWay offers a free widget that can help improve the accessibility of your website. Simply create an account, choose the free widget option, and add the provided code snippet to the <head> of your website.
For some peace of mind try running the UserWay Accessibility checker on your website before and after adding the free user widget.
While the free UserWay Widget can enhance accessibility, it is not sufficient on its own to ensure ADA or WCAG 2.1 Compliance, and neither is the paid UserWay Widget. The widget should be considered as a supplement to other accessibility measures.
The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.0 & 2.1 Level AA guidelines are commonly referenced by courts as the standard for determining whether a website is accessible or ADA-compliant.
There is now WCAG 2.2 guidelines
Courts look for a good faith effort to meet accessibility standards. While you can’t fully prevent lawsuits, you can significantly reduce the risk by installing the UserWay widget and taking additional steps to audit and address accessibility issues on your website.
For more information, check out the official ADA Web Guidance, and refer to the WCAG Level AA guidelines as a standard checklist to confirm compliance.
Companies that exercise good faith attempts to be accessible can still be sued. No one is immune, but making any efforts will greatly reduce your chances, and I would not stress about it.
Website Accessibility Checklist (Level AA Guidelines)
1. Alt Text for Images
- What is it? Alt text is a description for images on the website.
- Why is it important? People who can’t see the image can hear what it is using a screen reader.
- How to fix it? Write a short description of what the image shows.
2. Make Sure Text is Easy to Read
- What is it? The text on the website should be easy to read.
- Why is it important? Some people have trouble reading small or light-colored text.
- How to fix it? Use big enough text and make sure it has a strong color contrast with the background (like dark text on a light background).
3. Keyboard Accessibility
- What is it? People should be able to use the website without a mouse, just using the keyboard.
- Why is it important? Some people can’t use a mouse.
- How to fix it? Make sure that all buttons, links, and menus can be clicked using the Tab and Enter keys.
4. Captions for Videos
- What is it? Videos should have captions (like subtitles) for people who can’t hear.
- Why is it important? It helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing understand the video.
- How to fix it? Add captions to all videos, or at least provide a transcript (written version).
5. Clear and Simple Language
- What is it? The words on the website should be easy to understand.
- Why is it important? People with learning disabilities or who are new to reading need help understanding what’s written.
- How to fix it? Use simple, clear words and short sentences.
6. Make Links Easy to Find
- What is it? Links should be easy to see and know where they take you.
- Why is it important? Some people with vision problems or learning disabilities need help finding links.
- How to fix it? Make sure links are a different color and underlined.
7. Avoid Flashing or Flickering Lights
- What is it? Flashing images or lights can cause seizures in some people.
- Why is it important? It keeps people with conditions like epilepsy safe.
- How to fix it? Don’t use flashing or flickering animations, or allow people to turn them off.
8. Forms Should Be Easy to Use
- What is it? Forms on the website (like for signing up or logging in) should have clear instructions.
- Why is it important? People need to know what information is needed and how to fix mistakes.
- How to fix it? Label each part of the form clearly, and show messages if something is wrong.
9. Ensure Website Works on Different Devices
- What is it? The website should look good and work well on phones, tablets, and computers.
- Why is it important? Some people may only use a phone to access the website.
- How to fix it? Make sure the website looks good on any screen size.
10. Make Sure Navigation is Easy
- What is it? People should be able to easily find their way around the website.
- Why is it important? Some people need clear directions on where they are on the website and how to go to the next page.
- How to fix it? Use menus, buttons, and links that are easy to understand and follow.
Courts generally favor businesses that make efforts to comply rather than businesses that ignore accessibility altogether. If you're trying to make your website more accessible, you're showing a commitment to improving, which can be a defense if a lawsuit is ever filed.
Don’t stress about being 100% compliant. Focus on creating an accessible website that provides a good experience for everyone, including users with disabilities. With ongoing audits, tools, and a good faith effort, you will significantly reduce the risk of legal challenges while making your website inclusive.
Take for example, Mejia v. High Brew Coffee, Inc. which was a 2024 case in which the court held that a website with accessibility issues for screen reader users was not liable under the ADA because it lacked a physical store and operated solely as an online coffee retailer.
If you're unsure, consulting with a legal expert specializing in ADA compliance can give you additional peace of mind. However, for most people, as long as you have accessibility in mind, your risk level is low.