ADA Compliant Web Design - Accounting Firms

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was instituted in 1990 in an effort to end discrimination towards people with disabilities and established reasonable accommodations for disabilities. Gradually over time, this legislation led to widespread use of wheelchair access ramps, accessible restrooms, employment, telecommunications, etc. These costs impacted municipalities, churches and businesses of all kinds.

The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 broadened the definition to ensure that websites are accessible to people with disabilities as well. Failing to comply can have serious consequences. Not complying puts businesses at risk of being sued by an individual with a disability, or the DOJ can take action against you.

Today, there are more than 61 million people with disabilities in the United States so the audience is large for non-compliance. And the average ADA settlement is between $5,000 to $20,000.

While most accounting firms are very small and feel that this does not apply to them, there are rogue operators out there using as a tactic to generate legal settlements.

Who is Exempt?

Religious organizations and private clubs are exempt.

One common misconception is that small businesses with less than 15 employees (most small accounting firms) are exempt. Most argue that this exemption does not apply to your website. Rather than test things, the best way to protect yourself is to obtain a website that is ADA Compliant. Better safe than sorry.

DOJ Actions

So far, H&R Block has settled with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and agreed to consent with their website, and all mobile app's.

Today, 95-98% of all accounting firm websites out there are not ADA compliant. Unfortunately, since all adults in the United States need to file tax returns, this is a ripe audience for ambitious attorneys looking to make a buck. The sooner your website is compliant, the less you are at risk.

Approximately 1 out of 4 adults in the US have some disability. Visually speaking, approximately 20 million Americans have visual impairments (8% of the population).

So far, businesses having websites and web apps operating without ADA compliance have faced lawsuits and lost $7 billion dollars in revenue.

The disabilities include:

• Auditory
• Cognitive
• Neurological
• Physical
• Speech
• Visual

In a nutshell, the ADA Act states clearly that it is mandatory to develop ADA compliant websites and web solutions to provide equal access to all.

Typically, first time offenders have a fine of $55,000-$75,000. Second time offenders face penalties of approximately $150,000. Legal expenses are in addition to this.

ADA Compliance Web Designs

By all means, website development for ADA Compliance costs extra and takes more work.

Here are the standards for ADA Websites:

• Text alternatives
• Color and Contrast
• Keyboard Accessibility
• Navigation and Web Design
• Form Accessibiliity
• Link and Button Accessibility
• Multimedia Content
• Readability and Structure
• Consistent and Predictable Layout
• Testing and Validation
• Use Data Tables

The price range for compliance is huge.

Given the extra costs involved, we will have to charge a set up fee to defray the extra labor involved in website development.  If you elect to wait and drag your feet, the set up fee will gradually go up.  

To see examples, follow the hyperlink to accounting firm website development ADA compliant.