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Automated Accessibility Testing: Essential for an Inclusive Web
Web accessibility has become a priority as online interactions now permeate every aspect of daily life. Ensuring your website is accessible to users of all abilities is no longer just an ethical responsibility—it’s also a legal obligation. Automated accessibility testing offers an efficient and budget-friendly way to assess and improve web content, enabling organizations to meet these growing demands. The Rise of Automated Accessibility Testing Countries worldwide are adopting the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and integrating them into legal requirements for websites. Automated website accessibility testing tools have become an invaluable asset for companies seeking compliance. While manual testing (testing done by a human) is thorough, it’s sometimes not feasible and often cost prohibitive. Automated tools, on the other hand, can audit thousands of web pages quickly and provide ongoing compliance checks. How Automated Website Accessibility Testing Works Automated testing tools analyze your website’s code against WCAG standards, flagging
Dear Santa, Make Shopping Accessible this Christmas
The holiday season is upon us, a time for joy, giving and finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones. But for many people with disabilities, the excitement of holiday shopping often comes with frustration and exclusion. While eCommerce has revolutionized the way we shop, the reality is that many online stores still fail to meet basic accessibility standards thus excluding people with disabilities from being able to buy. As we make our holiday wish lists, let’s add something for everyone: accessible online shopping experiences. Dear Santa, it’s time to make shopping accessible this Christmas—for the joy of inclusion and the spirit of the season. Why Accessibility Matters This Holiday Season Imagine the excitement of finding the perfect gift, only to be unable to navigate the checkout page because it doesn’t work with a screen reader. Or trying to browse sales on your favorite store’s website, but the buttons can’t
Manual vs. Automated Accessibility Testing: Understanding Their Role, Pros and Cons
As the demand for accessible digital experiences grows, so does the need for effective accessibility testing. Ensuring websites and applications meet accessibility standards is no longer just a legal requirement—it’s a commitment to inclusivity and usability for all users, including those with disabilities. Accessibility testing can be carried out through both manual and automated approaches, each with its own unique benefits and limitations. Let’s explore what each method entails, along with their pros and cons. What is Manual Accessibility Testing? Manual accessibility testing involves a person, often an accessibility specialist or tester, interacting directly with a website or application to assess its usability for people with disabilities. Testers use assistive technologies, such as screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, and voice recognition software, to simulate real-world interactions and evaluate whether the digital experience is accessible and usable. Pros of Manual Accessibility Testing Cons of Manual Accessibility Testing What is Automated Accessibility Testing?
ADA Website Lawsuits: Prevention and Defense
By Nolan Klein Every business with an online presence needs to ensure that its website is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Failing to do so can result in an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) website lawsuit – a legal challenge increasingly targeting businesses of all sizes. These lawsuits arise when individuals with disabilities claim they cannot access or use a website due to poor accessibility features. ADA lawsuits can have serious financial and reputational consequences for businesses. My law firm has represented hundreds of businesses in these cases, and we have seen the toll they can take – particularly on small and mid-size business owners. But with proper knowledge and proactive measures (such as utilizing the services of a web accessibility specialist, like Access Design Studio), website owners can prevent these claims, and better defend against them if they occur. This blog explores what ADA website lawsuits are,
Is Your Website Accessible? Find Out Instantly Using Our Free Scanning Tool
A Simple, Free Way to Check Your Website’s Accessibility In today’s digital landscape, accessibility isn’t just about inclusivity—it’s about ensuring your website reaches everyone, including people with disabilities. Not only does this enhance user experience, increase conversions and boost SEO rankings, it also reduces legal risks associated with non-compliance. Yet, many websites unknowingly contain hidden accessibility issues. The good news? You can now check your website’s accessibility for free with our Accessibility PageScan. This powerful tool instantly analyzes your page and provides a detailed report, giving you a clear picture of where your site stands. Don’t wait—find out if your website is truly accessible today! What You’ll Get from the Free Scan Wondering what to expect? Here’s what you’ll receive from your free scan: How It Works: Just 3 Simple Steps Making your website more accessible shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why we designed Accessibility PageScan to be quick and user-friendly.
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
