The Real Cost of Inaccessible Websites
An inaccessible website isn't just bad for users. It's bad for business. ADA-related website lawsuits increased 12% in 2022, with over 3,000 cases filed in federal courts. Ask Domino's Pizza about their experience. Their inaccessible website led to a legal battle that hit their reputation and their wallet.
Courts consistently rule that websites count as "places of public accommodation" under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Your inaccessible site doesn't just frustrate users. It potentially violates federal law.
WCAG: The Standards That Matter
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are what courts use to decide if your site meets legal requirements. Most businesses aim for WCAG Level AA compliance. It's practical enough to implement while satisfying legal requirements.
These aren't optional guidelines. They're your protection against demand letters and lawsuits that typically cost thousands in legal fees and settlements.
6 Essential Accessibility Features for Your Website
1. Useful Alt Text for Images
Screen readers need alt text to describe images to visually impaired users. Skip generic descriptions like "image" or "photo." Use specific text: "Woman using laptop at coffee shop." This quick fix makes a huge difference for users and improves your image SEO too.
2. Easy-to-Read Text with Strong Contrast
Text that blends into the background excludes users with visual impairments. WCAG requires a 4.5:1 contrast ratio between text and background. Test your site with WebAIM's Contrast Checker. Use clear fonts at readable sizes. Your design can still look great while being readable.
3. Full Keyboard Navigation
Many users with motor disabilities can't use a mouse. Can you use your entire site with just Tab, Enter, and arrow keys? If not, fix it now. Every clickable element should work without a mouse, and focus indicators should clearly show users where they are on the page.
4. Clear Form Labels and Error Messages
Forms fail accessibility when they lack proper labels. Every field needs an HTML label that screen readers recognize. When errors occur, explain exactly what went wrong: "Please enter a valid email address" instead of just "Error!" This clarity helps everyone who uses your site.
5. Captions and Transcripts for Media
Videos need captions. Audio needs transcripts. These aren't extras. They're basic requirements for deaf or hard-of-hearing users. Skip auto-playing media, which disrupts screen readers and confuses users with cognitive disabilities.
6. Organized Content Structure
Use heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3) to organize your content logically. Screen readers navigate by headings, and proper structure helps all users scan your content quickly. Use semantic HTML elements like <nav>, <article>, and <main> to give your content clear structure and meaning.
How Accessibility Directly Improves SEO
The same changes that make your site accessible also make it rank better in search results:
- Image alt text helps search engines understand and index your visual content
- Proper heading structure signals content organization to search crawlers
- Better keyboard navigation improves usability metrics that affect rankings
- Semantic HTML helps search engines understand what your content means
- Transcripts and captions add searchable text content to your site
Google rewards sites that users can actually use. Accessibility improvements translate to SEO benefits: better rankings, more traffic, and lower bounce rates.
Quick Ways to Test Your Site's Accessibility
Start with basic tools like WAVE or Google Lighthouse to catch obvious problems like missing alt text or poor contrast. But don't stop there.
Try using your site with only your keyboard. Install a screen reader like NVDA and listen to your site. Even better, get feedback from actual users with disabilities.
Make accessibility part of your regular website maintenance. Test after every major update or new feature launch. This isn't a one-time fix. It's an ongoing commitment.
The Business Case in Plain Numbers
Look at accessibility as a smart business investment:
- Legal protection: Avoid lawsuits that can cost tens of thousands
- Bigger audience: Reach the 61 million Americans with disabilities
- Better search rankings: Improve visibility where it counts
- Stronger reputation: Show customers you care about inclusion
- Improved usability: Create a better site for everyone
Accessibility pays for itself through reduced legal risk, more customers, and better search performance.
First Steps to Take Right Now
Don't wait for a lawsuit to prioritize accessibility. Start here:
- Run a quick scan using WAVE or Lighthouse
- Fix the basics first (alt text, contrast, keyboard access)
- Add an accessibility statement to your site
- Include accessibility checks in your content process
- Schedule regular accessibility reviews
At Flauntworthy, we build websites that work for everyone from day one. We make sure your digital presence is bold, beautiful, AND accessible to all users.
Want a website that serves everyone while protecting your business?
Let's talk