As a team of editors, designers, copywriters, and creators, we are always looking for ways to grow and reflect our values of inclusivity across the industry. We want to create digital spaces that serve every user well, including those with disabilities. We believe as business owners, it's our responsibility to prevent discrimination, even if it's accidental, which is why we're discussing Website ADA Compliance and how it impacts your users.
We've invited our IDCO Studio copywriter, Carmen, to give an overview of ADA standards and share steps towards compliance on a practical level. As a bonus, she's explaining how many ADA-compliant strategies are excellent for search engine optimization while ensuring every potential client feels welcome on your site.
What is Website ADA Compliance?
In short, website ADA compliance means that a site meets the standards laid out by the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. It isn’t required for every site, but it’s a thoughtful way to make your site accessible for all visitors, especially those with disabilities. We encourage you to read more about the history of the ADA, which was modeled after the Civil Rights Act and signed into law in 1990.
3 Tips for ADA Compliance
Taking steps to make your website more inclusive for every user doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few practical ideas to implement on the spot:
One
Adding alt tags to both the images and videos on your website is helpful to the visually impaired. To get started, visit the back-end of your website and write a descriptive sentence or two that explains what the image or video shows, especially if it adds to the meaning of the content. Not only is this an easy way to enhance your website ADA compliance, but it’s also one of our SEO-driven guidelines for sharing your work on Pinterest.
Two
Making your website content easy to read with clear navigation is essential to those using assistive technologies. Review your web pages to make sure that the text makes sense and that the flow of your site is straightforward to understand.
Three
When you have a special feature on your site, such as a contact form, it’s important to explain what it’s for and how to use it. Don’t make users search for a way to get in touch – make it easy for them!
Bonus Tip: Video Captions
ADA Compliance is also incredibly important on social media platforms. Always remember to add closed captioning to your videos and include in your caption a true description of what is shown in your image. One easy example is to have a text overlay on an Instagram Reel in both the video and caption. Or, by using Instagram’s speech-to-text captions feature whenever you’re hopping on IG Stories.
A special thanks to Carmen for sharing her copywriting expertise with us today! And remember, if DIY copywriting isn’t your forte, we completely understand. Custom Copywriting is available as an add-on with any website template purchase from the IDCO Studio. Take a hands-off approach and let Carmen help elevate your brand, one word at a time.