Skip to content 
The ADS Blog
Categories
Latest Blogs
No Rhinos Poached. A Lesson for Leaders from an All-Female Anti-Poaching Unit.
Their patrol area used to see hundreds of snares per day. Now? Just 1-2. The Black Mambas—an all-female, unarmed anti-poaching unit in South Africa—aren’t just fighting poachers; they’re showing the world the unwavering power of conviction. Their story is a masterclass in leadership, from saving wildlife to achieving what seems impossible. What gives you the strength to stand by your mission, even when it demands immense personal sacrifice? The Power of Unwavering Conviction This summer, I met the Black Mambas—the world’s first all-female, unarmed anti-poaching unit in South Africa. They patrol the Greater Kruger National Park, driven by their commitment to conservation. Their results are nothing short of astounding. Since they were formed in 2013, snares in their patrol area dropped from hundreds per day to just 1-2. And incredibly, no rhinos have been poached in their region. A Complex Leadership Challenge Their success is a powerful lesson in conviction,
Don’t Miss Out on Customers: The Business Case for Website Accessibility
Website accessibility is not just an ethical and legal responsibility—it’s a smart business move. By ensuring that your website is accessible to people with disabilities, you open the doors to a massive market with significant spending power. Consider this: In the US alone, there are 61 million disabled individuals with a combined spending power of $654 billion. Globally, over 1 billion people have disabilities, representing a staggering $7 trillion in spending power. But it’s not just about the numbers. An accessible website leads to increased revenue, an enhanced brand image and a better customer experience. Research shows that 72% of disabled customers abandon websites that are difficult to navigate, resulting in lost sales and potential customers going straight to your competitors. Moreover, optimizing your website for accessibility improves your SEO efforts—search engines reward sites that provide a great user experience to all visitors. By prioritizing web accessibility, you’re not only
Top 3 Issues That Get You Sued: Navigating Website Accessibility
The accessibility of your website is crucial. Not only does it provide an inclusive experience for all users, it also mitigates the risk of costly ADA lawsuits. Here are the top 3 issues that get you sued. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations. The Department of Justice (DOJ), the primary federal government agency responsible for enforcing the ADA, has taken the position that this applies to all public-facing websites. This means your site should be navigable and understandable for everyone, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, and physical impairments. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties. Website ADA-related lawsuits have skyrocketed in recent years. An properly written accessibility statement on your site is not just a sign of commitment towards inclusivity; it’s also a protective measure against potential lawsuits. This statement outlines your efforts to ensure your site is
The Human Impact of Website Inaccessibility
The digital world is an ecosystem that shapes, reflects, and often amplifies the organization of our everyday lives. But for many, this essential world remains partially or entirely inaccessible, creating barriers where there should be connections. When websites fail to be accessible, they enforce isolation over inclusion, hinder independence, and can significantly impact the quality of life for people with disabilities. This blog post isn’t about code, regulations, or checklists. It’s about understanding the human impact of website accessibility and realizing the urgency to advocate and implement change. Stories of Exclusion These stories of exclusion underline personal frustrations, subdued ambitions, and dreams grounded due to inadequate website accessibility. They remind us that at the heart of the conversation about digital accessibility aren’t just abstract users or faceless statistics—they are our colleagues, our friends, and our family members for whom the digital age has promised much but delivered less. A Life
ALERT! DOJ Requires WCAG 2.1 AA Website Accessibility for PRIVATE Company
It is becoming apparent that the DOJ is going to require all businesses to be accessible to WCAG standards. On May 8, 2024, the Justice Department Secures Agreement with Springfield Clinic to Make its Online Services Accessible for People with Disabilities. The Springfield Clinic is a private medical practice and is now required by the DOJ to make its “website, patient portals, and mobile applications accessible for patients with visual and manual impairments” to WCAG 2.1 AA standards. A complaint was filed against the Springfield Clinic “alleging that a patient with a visual impairment was unable to access their medical information online or pay a bill.” Skip The Part About Being Sued Approximately 65% of the companies that come to Access Design Studio for remediation of their website (making it ADA compliant accessible) are currently being sued or have been threatened with a lawsuit. They are stressed and facing large
DOJ Ruling: State & Local Government Sites Must Be Accessible
In a landmark decision, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has mandated that all state and local government websites must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA. Understanding the DOJ Ruling: What Does WCAG 2.2 AA Compliance Mean? But what does this compliance entail? WCAG 2.2 AA is a set of standards designed to ensure web content is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. These guidelines cover a broad spectrum of accessibility features, ranging from text alternatives for non-text content to navigable interfaces and adaptable content. The DOJ’s ruling underscores the importance of digital inclusivity. By requiring compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA, the DOJ aims to eliminate barriers and provide equal access to online information and services. This move will significantly enhance the user experience for individuals with visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive impairments. Examples of State and Local Government Websites The Impact on Government Websites: Why
