February 12, 2022August 3, 2023 By content@adaforweb.com Articles

How do you test a website for ADA compliance?

If you have a website, it’s important to make sure that it is ADA compliant. But how do you test for that?

This blog post will go over the steps you need to take to make your website accessible for everyone.

We’ll also discuss some of the people’s common mistakes when designing their websites. So if you’re looking to make your website more inclusive, keep reading!

How do you test a website for ADA compliance?

Steps for making a website ADA compliant:

Check for color contrast:

One of the first steps to take when testing your website for ADA compliance is to check for color contrast. To meet ADA standards, text and background colors need to have enough difference to read people with low vision or color blindness.

This means that you should avoid using grey on blue or yellow on black since those are colors that are hard to see. If you’re not sure what good color contrasts look like, the W3C has some great resources.

According to the W3C, there are three standards for color combinations. So if you’re using any of these following combinations on your website, you comply!

Test with a screen reader:

Another great way to test if your website is ADA compliant is by trying it with a screen reader. These tools work just like they sound: they read aloud everything that appears on your screen. If you’ve ever used Siri or Google voice search, this concept should be familiar!

This can help you identify problems because some features might not be accessible through standard navigation. The text content might not always align with images and other elements on the page. You’ll want to check things like: Are all links readable?

Does your navigation make sense to someone who can’t see the page? Is anything you’re trying to communicate through images or other non-text elements readable by a screen reader?

Test with JAWS:

The third way you should test for ADA compliance is with JAWS, the most common screen access program in North America. If you’ve ever used a Mac and missed Voiceover, this is the Windows version!

This software will read everything on your monitor aloud just like a screen reader does. Using this tool, you’ll want to test all links, headings, forms, etc., using this tool because that’s how blind people are likely to interact with your website.

Test it yourself!

You should also test your website yourself, following the guidelines above. You’ll want to check out your website in both Safari and Chrome since that’s how most people view websites these days.

You should also run through all the steps listed above while you’re checking for compatibility since this is an excellent way to identify problems!

Make sure it’s mobile-friendly

We’ve talked a lot about desktop testing so far, but what about mobile? If you’re designing a new site or working with a designer on an update, it’s essential to make sure that the layout of your site is responsive so it can be viewed from any device.

Google recommends using tools like Google’s Mobile Guide, which provides specific information on optimizing content for mobile devices.

How do you do ADA testing?

Here are the 6 Simplest Web Accessibility Tests Anybody Can Perform:

Unplug your mouse and turn off your trackpad:

The quickest and easiest way to test how accessible your website is is to disable any accessibility features on your computer. If you are using a mouse, unplug it, and if you are using a trackpad, turn off the tapping function in settings.

This way, you will have to rely only on the keyboard interface designed for people with disabilities to use when navigating your website or mobile app.

Use only tab to navigate:

Many programmers nowadays utilize tab indexes when developing websites to re-arrange content on the page.

However, this creates difficulties for people who want to navigate by pressing the Enter/Return key on their keyboard since it will not be possible without this feature enabled.

Navigate through every link and button on your website with only the tab key to test how well it works.

Use only the arrow keys to navigate:

Like tab, programmers nowadays utilize their arrow keys to re-arrange content on the page. However, this creates difficulties for people who want to navigate by pressing an alternate set of keys on their keyboard since it would not be possible without this feature enabled.

Navigate through every link and button on your website with only the arrow keys (up, down, left, right) to test how well it works.

Turn off Images:

This test is very similar to the previous one, except you turn off images instead of removing features that may interfere with navigation.

Navigate through every link and button on your website without having any images appear on the page at all.

This way, you can get an idea of how helpful your website would be for people who suffer from impaired vision or even color blindness.

Turn off JavaScript:

One of the most known issues with web accessibility is that some JavaScript can block certain types of access, especially when they’re poorly programmed.

Navigate through every link and button on your website without having any JavaScript appear on the page at all.

This will give you a good idea about how usable your site is for people who do not have JavaScript enabled.

Turn off CSS:

Similar to JavaScript, CSS can cause many issues with website accessibility because it’s possible for specific styles to get in the way of others when poorly written, mainly if they are used in the same element.

Navigate through every link and button on your site without having any forms of CSS appear on the page at all.

This will give you an idea about just how functional your website/ mobile app is for people who do not have CSS enabled or even blocked.

Now that you’ve tested your site for these 6 things, you should be able to tell whether or not it will function well for people with disabilities so long as it is appropriately coded (which is something else entirely).

If this was easy for you, congratulations! You’re already doing better than most websites.

However, if it was difficult at all and many things blocked your access to the content on the site (not necessarily in a negative way).

Be sure to re-visit your website and make some changes before launching it to avoid problems with web accessibility compliance after launch.

Conclusion:

Testing your website for ADA compliance can seem daunting, but a few methods can simplify it.

In this article, we have discussed some of the most common ways to test for ADA compliance and some of the most common issues that can occur.

If you are unsure about how to proceed or need help to fix any potential issues, our team is here to assist you.

February 7, 2022August 3, 2023 By content@adaforweb.com Articles

Why Law Firms Should Make Web Accessibility a Priority?

Law firms are required to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

However, many law firms don’t meet the ADA’s guidelines for web accessibility, and as a result, people with disabilities have difficulty accessing the information on these websites.

Making your website accessible is not only required by the ADA, but it’s also the right thing to do.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss why law firms should make web accessibility a priority and how they can go about making their website more accessible.

Why Law Firms Should Make Web Accessibility a Priority?

Making your website accessible is not only the right thing to do, but it can also be good for business. Here are a few reasons why law firms should make web accessibility a priority:

You want your message to reach as many people as possible.

It is more important than ever to reach the broadest possible audience with your message in today’s society. By making your website accessible, you will reach more people who might not have been able to access your content otherwise. This includes people with disabilities, older adults, and rural areas who may have slower internet connections.

It’s the law.

Did you know that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is illegal to discriminate based on disability? [cite company policy]

Your site will rank better on Google and other search engines.

Having an accessible website that uses headings, lists, and images will ensure that Google and other search engines can better understand your content. That means you can get higher rankings in results and more organic traffic from people searching for services like yours!

It’s not as expensive as you think.

Making your website accessible does not have to be expensive or complicated; there are a number of free tools out there that can help:

The Paciello Group offers free and low-cost options to help make your site more accessible.
WebAIM has a great page on WordPress plugins that can help you improve accessibility, including the Ultimate Tag Warrior plugin, which highlights all of the headings on your site and is free and easy to use!

It will increase client loyalty and leads.

If you make your site accessible, people will be more likely to share your content with their friends and family who might not otherwise have access – and that means more leads and clients for you!

You can help educate your peers in the legal industry by highlighting your efforts on social media and at conferences.

As a lawyer, it is important to understand how those issues affect our community; making your website more accessible helps highlight those areas as you learn about them. Through professional development opportunities like webinars hosted by The Paciello Group or books like Web Accessibility for Lawyers.

By following these five steps, you can improve accessibility for both current and future visitors of your website:

Use correct HTML coding. This includes using the correct DOCTYPE and providing alternative text for images, video, and audio files so that search engines can better understand your content. [Link to Google search on how to add alt-text]
Make sure your website is compatible with screen readers such as JAWS and NVDA.
Create easy navigation systems for visitors who cannot use a mouse, such as keyboard shortcuts or skip links accessible by using the tab key alone. [Link to article about how to add an accessible skip link]
Test your website on multiple browsers and mobile devices before launching it live!
Continually improve and update your site to make it accessible to all visitors, especially as new or updated technologies come out.

Why is it essential that websites are accessible?

Websites must be accessible because everyone deserves to have access to information. Websites should be designed in a way that allows everyone to use them, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

Making your website accessible is not only the right thing to do, but it can also benefit your business in many ways!

Does the law require me to make my website accessible?

Yes, suppose you run or manage a website or online service and want your site to comply with the U.S. and international law. In that case, you’ll need to be mindful of web accessibility considerations for all users – not just those with disabilities.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 are the internationally recognized standards for making websites accessible. Most influential organizations voluntarily adopt them because they protect civil rights and promote digital inclusion worldwide.”

Do law firm websites have to be ADA-compliant?

Yes! Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act stipulates that all websites operated by federal agencies be accessible and compliant with the ADA.

This includes law firm websites because, under ADA Title 1, all state, local, or municipal government departments must provide goods or services to citizens who have disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate.

Law firms can quickly certify their website as compliant through a service called WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool), which runs a series of tests to identify and automatically fix accessibility issues on your site.

What are the benefits of accessible web design?

Web accessibility is the design of websites and web content accessible to all, including people with disabilities. This includes making sure that all content is accessible through keyboard navigation, screen readers, and other assistive technologies.

By making your website accessible, you are not only making it possible for people with disabilities to use it, but you are also increasing the overall usability of your site for everyone.

Some of the benefits of accessible web design include:

Increased audience reach – By making your website accessible, you are opening it up to a wider audience than ever before. This includes people with disabilities, older adults, and those using assistive technologies to browse the web.
Improved user experience – It is no secret that users are willing to leave a website if it takes too long to load, is complicated to navigate, or doesn’t have all the features they are looking for. Law firms should note that making their sites accessible will improve the overall user experience, increase interaction with visitors, and enhance SEO.
Improved search engine rankings – Google has stated time and time again how important it is for websites to be accessible. By ensuring your site is accessible, you are opening up opportunities for higher search rankings, as well as an enhanced user experience. These factors contribute to building trust with your clients, which improves brand image!
Increased visitor loyalty – If someone goes through the effort of finding your website and navigating it, they are more likely to come back again in the future. By taking the necessary steps to make your site accessible, you are increasing visitor loyalty and creating long-term business relationships possible online!
It’s good for business – At the end of the day, it is important to remember that making your website accessible is simply good for business. Whether it’s your law firm or some other type of organization, providing information in an easy-to-understand format will promote trust among potential customers, which can lead to more sales. This ultimately leads to an improved company image and makes you look like a competent professional with all things considered!

Conclusion:

It is essential for law firms to make web accessibility a priority. I hope this article has given you some good ideas about how you can improve your firm’s ability to serve those who may not otherwise visit your site due to limitations imposed by disability.

February 4, 2022August 3, 2023 By content@adaforweb.com Articles

What are the ADA compliance requirements for law firm websites?

As a lawyer, you know that it’s important to stay in compliance with the ADA. But did you know that your website must also be compliant?

This blog post will go over the specific requirements for making your website ADA compliant.

We’ll also provide tips for ensuring that your website is accessible to all potential clients. Stay in compliance and make sure your website is up to par – read on for more information!

What are the ADA compliance requirements for law firm websites?

The United States has several laws that provide civil rights to people with disabilities. These include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law in 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA), passed in 2008.

These acts prohibit discrimination against people based on their disabilities and require institutions to make reasonable accommodations for these individuals.

One of these elements is making your website accessible to all potential clients – regardless of disability or impairment.

By law, any website that collects information from or about individuals must be compliant with federal legislation surrounding this issue. This means that your website is subject to ADA compliance requirements.

What exactly does ADA compliance entail?

According to Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act:

“No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation.”

This law applies to brick-and-mortar businesses and virtual places of business – including internet retailers and service providers.

Essentially, if your firm has a presence online, you are obligated to make your web content accessible to people. This includes making changes to your website to improve the site’s usability and accessibility for those with disabilities.

What sorts of legal and ethical considerations must be considered when it comes to ADA compliance?

There are a variety of factors that need to be addressed, including:

Designing your website so that it conforms to established web design guidelines – such as ensuring that the site is compatible with screen readers (for those individuals who cannot see images), larger fonts can resize text size, content has appropriate tags (such as headings, lists, etc.) and there are no horizontal scrolling issues;
Ensuring that your website is compatible with commonly used assistive devices and technologies (such as screen magnifiers);
Employing clear and consistent navigation;
Ensuring that content is available in alternate formats (such as website text or PDFs) upon request and that these files are clearly labelled.

How can law firms make sure their websites are ADA compliant?

Work with web designers who have experience creating accessible sites – they’ll be able to help you assess your site’s current level of compliance with the ADA and any potential areas for improvement. Ensure that all pages on your website are searchable using popular web browsers;

Make sure your content is written in a clear, concise manner with minimal jargon;

Ensure that incoming links open in new windows, so visitors don’t lose their place on the page when they follow a link from another carrier and that the new link targets a different page rather than a specific section on your page;

Include meta-descriptions for all pages on your website to ensure search engines can read text from images.

Why should law firms make their websites ADA compliant?

The law is clear about making changes to your website for it to be accessible – but there are also ethical reasons you should want to do this, such as building trust with potential clients, reinforcing your position as an expert who understands legal issues faced by people with disabilities, improving access to information and ensuring you remain competitive.

Even if someone isn’t explicitly affected by disability or impairment themselves, they may know someone who is, so it’s important not to ignore this population.

What can law firms do to ensure their website content is accessible?

Just because the ADA only applies specifically to physical locations does not mean that this legislation has no bearing on websites. It’s a must for all organizations with a presence online.

Most people nowadays use the internet as a source of information and other resources, so if your website isn’t accessible, you’re missing out on business from a large portion of potential customers. Many state laws even require individual companies to have an accessible site.

This means that both ethics and legality are good reasons for making sure your law firm website complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Why Should Attorneys Want to Make Their Websites Accessible to Persons With Disabilities?

One of the reasons attorneys should want to make their websites accessible to persons with disabilities is because it’s the right thing to do, and it’s also the law in many cases.

But making your website accessible doesn’t just mean checking a few boxes and calling it good – there are many things you need to consider to ensure that your website is genuinely accessible to everyone who needs it.

Do law firms have to comply with CCPA?

There is a lot of confusion about the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and whether or not law firms have to comply with it. The short answer is: yes, law firms do have to comply with CCPA if they are doing business in California.

CCPA applies to any company that does business in California and has collected personal information from at least one California resident in the past 12 months. This includes law firms, as well as any other type of business.

So what does this mean for law firms? It means that you need to take steps to protect your client’s personal information and ensure that you are compliant with CCPA. This includes drafting a privacy policy that meets the requirements of CCPA.

Note that the California Attorney General is now enforcing this law, which means you can be exposed to lawsuits or penalties for not complying with CCPA.

The good news is that resources are available to help you comply with CCPA. For example, there are tools and services to create a privacy policy.

What are the levels of ADA compliance?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the ADA compliance requirements for law firm websites will vary depending on the specific needs of each business. However, there are four general levels of ADA compliance:

Awareness: Ensuring that your website is accessible to people with disabilities is the first step in achieving ADA compliance. This can be done by ensuring that all images have alternative text descriptions, using headings and labels to create a clear structure for your content, and providing transcripts or captions for any multimedia content.
Accessibility: making sure that your website can be accessed and used by people with disabilities is the next step. This includes making sure that all content is accessible through a keyboard, that users can adjust the text and background colors to meet their preferences, and that they can download any transcripts or multimedia content.
Digital access: ensuring that your website is accessible across multiple forms of digital media is another critical step towards achieving ADA compliance. This includes ensuring that visually impaired people have access to audio features like transcripts or captioned multimedia content, that all users have access to touchscreen devices without barriers, and that the website is usable by both left-and right-handed individuals.
Compatibility: ensuring that your website remains compatible with future technologies will help ensure ADA compliance now and in the future. This includes updating browsers or screen readers as their manufacturers update them, using HTML code to validate your webpages, and keeping your website up to date with the latest accessibility features.

Conclusion:

When it comes to website accessibility, law firms are responsible for ensuring that their websites are compliant with the ADA and all applicable laws.

This includes making sure that all content is accessible to those with disabilities and ensuring that all features and functionality are available to everyone.

There are many ways to make your website more accessible, and it’s essential to take the time to avoid any legal issues down the road. While here, I hope you found this article helpful and informative about “ADA Compliance Requirements for Law Firm Websites.”

January 31, 2022August 3, 2023 By content@adaforweb.com Law Firms

Digital Accessibility for Law Firms: Why Lawyers Need to Prioritize Accessibility?

Digital accessibility is an important issue that all law firms need to be aware of. By making your website and other digital assets accessible to all, you can ensure that everyone has equal access to the information and services you provide.

This blog post will explore why making your firm’s digital content accessible is important and provide some tips on how you can get started.

Why Do Lawyers Need to Prioritize Digital Accessibility?

According to the latest research from Nielsen, the average U.S. adult spends more than 11 hours each day consuming media, with that number rising around the world.

One of your top priorities as a law firm should be reaching potential clients and customers where they are, and that means through digital channels like websites, email campaigns, social media posts, and mobile apps.

Unfortunately, some people don’t have equal access to these mediums because of their physical or cognitive abilities. This includes people who are blind or have low vision, blindness or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, deafness or hard-of-hearing, people with learning disabilities.

Low literacy, blind or have low vision, people with physical disabilities, and even college students in classrooms that rely on digital presentations.

Once you understand how many potential customers your law firm is missing out on when you don’t prioritize accessibility, it will be clear why this issue is so important.

Digital Accessibility Benefits for Law Firms

There are several benefits of digital accessibility for law firms beyond ensuring that all clients can access their services. By focusing on these issues early in the design process, every user will enjoy a much better experience than if they were left behind in favor of aesthetics or personal preference.

For example, whether you’re building your website or app using WordPress or another platform, you can take advantage of several plugins that will help ensure the content is accessible to all.

WordPress Accessibility Plugins, several free WordPress plugins can automatically check your website’s code for issues and tell you if anything needs to be fixed. This ensures that your website is always compliant with web standards.

A plugin like Color Contrast Analyzer, for example, will highlight any potential color contrast issues so they can be addressed before users with visual disabilities try to access your site or app. The video below provides an overview of the plugin’s features:

You can also use tools like Google Analytics to track real-time analytics about how users are using your site so you can make improvements where necessary.

Another WordPress plugin, Accessibility Team, can better communicate with your clients about their needs and provide regular updates on the progress being made toward making accessibility a priority.

Accessibility is also important when it comes to mobile apps. A new study from Nielsen found that more than 80% of Americans now own smartphones, and that number continues to grow every day.

However, not everyone can enjoy these benefits. For example, advanced technology has allowed individuals who are blind or have low vision to use smartphones in ways that weren’t possible even a few years ago. They still face some significant challenges when it comes to accessing mobile apps.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance found that many popular mobile apps are completely inaccessible to people with sight loss.

Taking steps like adding alternative text to your images and including alt tags on your buttons can greatly impact users of all abilities.

Remember, not everyone owns the latest smartphone or has access to Wi-Fi 24/7, so they may be using apps you’ve created on slower networks and older devices that don’t have as much functionality as today’s top-of-the-line models.

That’s why it’s important to test how these features perform across various devices and browsers.

Don’t forget about email campaigns as well. There are some easy ways to ensure those messages aren’t falling on deaf ears, such as using links instead of buttons, which is one of the most common mistakes brands make.

In the meantime, have a review of your business’s website and app from an accessibility standpoint with a “digital disability lens” to address any issues you find early on in the planning stages.

There are several benefits digital accessibility can offer a law firm, from saving time and money to better serving their clients.

Does CCPA apply to law firms?

Not very likely. The majority of law firms are not required to follow this legislation. Unlike other privacy legislation, the CCPA was written so that only a limited number of firms are required to follow it.

What does digital accessibility mean?

Digit accessibility means that websites are designed to be usable by people with disabilities. You’ve already done lots of work by having this website use clean, large fonts and high-contrast colors in their design.

Does SEO work for law firms?

Yes, SEO can work for law firms. Law firms have a few unique considerations that make SEO an especially effective strategy.

What are the CCPA requirements?

The CCPA also demands that businesses have privacy policies that address consumers’ rights and how to exercise them, including the Right to Know, the Right to Remove Content, the Right to Opt-Out of a Sale, and the Right to Non-Discrimination.

What is a digital accessibility policy?

A digital accessibility policy is a document that outlines how your organization will make digital content accessible to people with disabilities.

It can include how you will test and design your content, how you will train employees, and what tools and technologies you will use. A digital accessibility policy is an important step in creating an inclusive organization.

What is digital accessibility testing?

Digital accessibility testing is the process of verifying that a digital product or service meets accessibility requirements. The goal of digital accessibility testing is to ensure that people with disabilities can use the product or service as intended.

Do law firms use Google Docs?

Law firms often use cloud-based applications to serve their clients better and save time. Google Docs is one of these tools that users can use with various devices, including tablets and phones, meaning they can make changes remotely; it also synchronizes every document across all devices.

Conclusion:

Making your law firm accessible to all clients, regardless of their ability level, is the right thing to do and offers several benefits. By prioritizing accessibility, you can save time and money, better serve your clients, and even make your firm more competitive.

There are many ways to make your law firm more accessible, from making sure all documents are available in alternate formats to ensuring that all tech tools are fully compliant. If you’re looking for more tips or want help making your firm more inclusive, contact us – we’d be happy to help!

January 25, 2022August 3, 2023 By content@adaforweb.com Articles

ADA Website Remediation Guide

If your website is not in compliance with the ADA, you could be looking at a potential lawsuit. Fortunately, you can take some simple steps to bring your website into compliance.

This guide will walk you through the most important things to consider when remedying your website.

We’ll also provide some tips for making sure your website is accessible to everyone. Let’s get started!

Making Websites Accessible Is the Law

Your website must follow ADA guidelines to provide equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces the ADA through investigations and lawsuits. If DOJ finds a violation, they may sue you to obtain court orders and monetary damages to stop the discrimination.

An accessible website reduces your risk of being sued by the DOJ or an individual with a disability. However, even if you are not at risk of legal action, it is still the law to make your website accessible.

We provide specific protections for existing websites built before April 21, 2010. Newer sites must comply with current standards (i.e., Section 508).

Understand The ADA Website Requirements

The ADA website requirements are split into four categories:

High Priority
Medium Priority
Low Priority
Extra Credit

Each of these categories is explained in detail below. Let’s get started!

High-Priority Requirements:

Your website must be compatible with screen reading technology.

Ensure the content is accessible to screen readers by using text instead of images for headers, links, and buttons. Use descriptive link text that includes the function of the linked page, not just the title of the page or subpage.

If you include graphics on your web page, use ALT text to provide an accessible description. The ATAG 2.0 – Section 508 Guide includes further recommendations for ensuring your website is compatible with screen readers.

If you are using Flash or other non-text elements on your site, ensure that they include alternative information presented in a text format.

Your website must be compatible with speech recognition technology.

Ensure your site is compatible with voice recognition software by limiting background noise and not using scripting, Flash, or other elements that may cause the screen reader to misinterpret data.

By making sure your website is accessible to individuals who use screen readers and voice recognition software, you can provide equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Medium-Priority Requirements:

Your website must be compatible with text magnification technology.

Users who have low vision may require enlarged fonts or larger images. By having these options available, everyone will have the ability to view your content.

Make sure to use scalable vector graphics (SVG) instead of bitmap graphics (PNG) to maintain the image quality even when it is enlarged. For further recommendations, refer to the W3C Mobile Accessibility Guidelines.

Your website must be compatible with color differentiation technology.

People who are color blind or have low vision may not distinguish colors well. Ensure that content is also available in black and white or grayscale to ensure everyone has access.

Low-Priority Requirements:

Your website must meet general requirements for text formatting and placement.

The text must be left-aligned, meaning that the reader starts from the same point on each line or paragraph. Headings, links, and buttons should be underlined, bolded, or both to show the text’s importance.

Wherever possible, use headings (H1-H6) to organize your content and make it more accessible. Do not rely only on color or font size to convey meaning because some users will not distinguish these changes.

Your website must provide captions for audio and video content.

Captions provide what is said in multimedia format (i.e., speech or background music). Refer to the FCC’s Online Captioning Best Practices Guidelines for further information on giving captions.

Extra-Credit Requirements:

Provide transcripts for video and audio content.

Transcripts are text created from the audio file. The text should be available in a separate document or included with the multimedia content so users can read along if they cannot hear the video.

Provide alternative representations of color-dependent information.

Some individuals may not distinguish colors well, especially if they have low vision. Make sure that all information is available in a format other than color.

For instance, a background contrasts with associated text or uses shapes to represent information instead of colors.

Your website must be compatible with screen magnification technology.

Use large fonts and high-contrast color models to increase the font size of their browser if necessary. Your website should be compatible with the text enlargement function on most modern browsers.

Should I outsource ADA web accessibility remediation?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the decision of whether to outsource ADA web accessibility remediation will depend on a variety of factors, including a budget, timeline, resources, and expertise.

However, many organizations find that outsourcing this work can be a more efficient and cost-effective way to meet their ADA compliance obligations.

The first thing to consider is who will do the website cleanup: your development team or an external ADA website maintenance firm? If you already have a team in place, we strongly suggest utilizing it.

If your team is overwhelmed, doesn’t exist, or you’d instead work with a group of WCAG remediation professionals, we can step in and provide the assistance you require.

ADA Website Remediation:

The first step is to categorize the audit results by task type and importance or urgency. In our documentation, we indicate the level of each item and then give a priority ranking so that project management may use it. Issues are classified into three categories: design, content, and development.

Design Issue: These issues include colour contrast, movement, and audio.

Content Issue: These issues include information missing from the screen-reader text file or other features that do not rely on the design.

Development Issue: These issues are typically coding errors in which a developer may have implemented a solution to a problem in a way that creates new problems.

For each of these items, we guide how to resolve the issue and include any relevant references to the WCAG 2.0 at Level AA success criteria or other sources for more information.

PDF Remediation:

When it comes to PDFs, you need a company that can handle the job for an affordable price. There are specialists out there who will remediate your entire website in bulk at discounted rates if needed; we recommend using one of these services instead!

Choosing a Sect 508 / ADA Website Remediation Consultant:

To start, ask for references from an attorney specializing in web accessibility or an experienced website designer.

You’re looking for a person or team who can get both the code and how people with disabilities use assistive technologies to navigate websites – which isn’t your average developer!

Conclusion:

The ADA Website Remediation Guide is a comprehensive set of recommendations and best practices for making websites accessible to individuals with disabilities.

The guide offers an overview of the requirements of the ADA, explains how to make websites accessible, and provides case studies of organizations that have successfully remediated their websites.

If you’re looking for help remediating your website or want more information on the ADA, this guide is a great place to start.

January 21, 2022August 3, 2023 By content@adaforweb.com Law Firms

15 Important Things to Include on Your Law Firm’s Website

Do you have a website for your law firm? If not, you’re missing out on a big opportunity to reach potential clients.

A website is the first place people will learn more about your firm and what you can offer them.

Did you know that 96 per cent of individuals looking for legal counsel are used search engines? You want to make sure your legal practice’s website is set up for success and ranks high in search results when potential clients are conducting online research.

So, what should you include on your website? Let’s See.

15 Important Things to Include on Your Law Firm’s Website:

Here are the 12 important things to include on your law firm’s website:

Dedicated Pages for Each Practice Area:

The first step is to set up a separate page for each practice area you want to work in. For example, if you’re a personal injury lawyer, dedicate an entire page of your website to that specific practice area and include case studies and testimonials from past clients.

Staff Profiles:

Don’t just list the names of your employees under the heading “Our Team.” Add photos and give biographical information about all your employees, including legal assistants and paralegals.

Provide short bios with their specialties and qualifications so potential clients can easily identify who they’d like to speak with when requesting information or setting up an appointment.

Law Firm Blog:

By adding a blog to your law firm’s website, you can showcase your unique expertise in both its depth and breadth.

Not only will this help serve as another resource for site visitors who want more information on certain legal topics related specifically to what they are experiencing at their practice areas, but it also ranks higher.

When put into search engines like Google or Bing, blogs are indexed directly by these companies rather than having websites do so separately.

This means there’s no need to spend time advertising through other channels if we have all of our bases covered straightaway!

Create a blog to publish articles about current legal issues, updates in your practice areas, and any interesting news related to your law firm. This gives potential clients another way to connect with you outside of phone calls or consultations.

Blog-based websites have 434% more search engine-indexed pages than non-blogger websites.

Mobile-Friendly Functionality:

More than half of all internet users access the web using their mobile devices.

So, make sure your website is mobile-friendly by checking out how it looks on phones and tablets before you launch it. Also, make sure to include social media links so people can contact you through Facebook or Twitter if they prefer.

Video Testimonials:

If possible, film video testimonials from clients about the services you provided to them (and why they’re satisfied). Place these videos on individual pages dedicated to each practice area that needs more exposure because this allows consumers to see real people talking about working with your law firm in that particular field – not just words or screenshots on a page.

A Call to Action on Every Page:

A call to action is a way for site visitors to get in touch with you, whether by phone, email, or by sending an online inquiry.

The call to action button should be prominently displayed on every page of your website so potential clients can find the contact information they need quickly and easily.

Live Chat Functionality:

Let site visitors chat directly with you through the live chat function on your website! This is one of the easiest ways for people to ask questions about cases they may have or inquire about how much certain services cost – even if it’s just good old-fashioned curiosity that drives them.

SSL Security:

SSL security adds an extra layer of protection for your site visitors. It means that all information they provide to you is encrypted and secure, making it more difficult for potential legal issues and personal information to be hacked.

Law Firm Testimonials:

You should seriously consider including a testimonials page on your legal firm’s website. According to a report by Bright Local, 76 percent of customers trust internet reviews as much as recommendations from family and friends, and positive evaluations increase the likelihood of client usage by 91%.

Post testimonials from past law firm clients on your website. If you’ve received positive reviews, share them to reach out and connect with potential new clients.

Attorney Bios:

Like testimonials, attorney bios are an effective way to establish authority in your practice area.

From legal experts who co-authored publications on important issues to professionals in the private sector, bios are a great way for site visitors to learn more about who they’re communicating with and what experience they bring to the table.

Law Firm Website Disclaimers:

In general, disclaimers are a legal requirement to protect your firm from any liability. However, that doesn’t mean they need to be boring! Law firm website disclaimers can be creative and include appealing imagery or even videos that help visitors understand the types of cases you’re willing (and not willing) to take on.

Newsletters:

Newsletters are an effective way for law firms to find new clients and build relationships with existing ones.

These publications should contain industry-specific content, such as updates about recent legislation or case law changes within your state and other useful information (e.g., upcoming seminars and events). The more valuable these newsletters are, the more likely people will want to read them!

Law Firm Website Privacy Policy:

A privacy policy is required by law to ensure site visitors are protected if they submit personal or sensitive information.

These policies should include how you’ll use any data collected, whether it’s selling the information to third-party companies for marketing purposes or using it within your firm.

Also, let users know who they can contact if they have questions about their privacy.

Contact Us Page:

When people can’t find what they’re looking for on a site, they usually look under the “contact us” section (if there is one). Site visitors need clear instructions on where to go and how to get in touch with you – especially when concerning testimonials, testimonials, and attorney bios.

Cookies Consent Pop-up:

Have you ever noticed a little pop-up box on a website that asks for your permission to use “cookies?” The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, commonly known as the GDPR, is largely credited for the growing popularity of consent notifications for cookies data files sent by websites and kept on a user’s computer by their Web browser.

According to the EU’s “Cookie Law,” also known as the privacy Directive, you may not follow individuals without their consent. The Cookie Law requires publishing a Cookie Policy, consent form, and pop-up notification.

You must also describe the many sorts of Cookies you’re utilizing and give visitors a choice to accept or delete them.

Conclusion:

To make sure your website is effective, here are 12 important things you should include on it. It’s a great way to showcase your firm’s credentials, expertise, and past cases.

If you’re looking for more information or need help with any of these points, don’t hesitate to contact us! We offer comprehensive web design services that will take care of all the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most- providing top-quality legal advice and representation.

January 13, 2022August 3, 2023 By content@adaforweb.com Law Firms

10 Common ADA Compliance Issues with Law Firm Websites

Almost every business needs a website, and the legal industry is no exception. But when it comes to creating a website that meets ADA compliance standards, law firms can be significantly challenged.

This blog post will outline 10 of the most common ADA compliance issues with law firm websites.

By being aware of these pitfalls, you can avoid them in your website design. Let’s get started!

10 Common ADA Compliance Issues with Law Firm Websites

Here are the ten common ADA Compliance issues with law firm websites:

Missing Alternative Text:

Alternative text allows visually impaired users to know what an image is about. This is referred to as “Alt” text because it’s meant to provide alternatives for images that can’t be seen or are hard to see.

The alt text should always describe each image in full detail on any page where there are images. For example: if your website uses a photo of a man holding up his hand with five fingers showing, you might write alt text that reads, “A man is holding up his hand with 5 fingers showing.”

Without this important alternative information, many users will have no idea what your images are about, which could lead them away from your site entirely! It’s also worth noting that search engines use alternative text for search results.

Lack of a Logical Reading Order:

One of the main guidelines for effective web design is that a page should always “flow.” The user should not get hung up on anything, especially not reading the order.

Your paragraphs of text should flow from one to the next in a logical order. The order you write them in may be different from how they’re numbered within the content, but the actual information itself must make sense when read from start to finish.

Here’s an example: “There are several common issues that many law firm websites have,” this would be a poor way to structure a paragraph because it jumps all over the place and doesn’t follow any particular pattern. Don’t put your readers through that!

Lack of a Clear CTA:

In the US, a call-to-action is a primary method used for getting people to take action on your site – whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase or simply completing contact information so you can send them more information later.

A call-to-action is how you get your readers from Point A to Point B in the most straightforward way possible. It typically involves using language like “sign up,” “shop now,” or “let us know.”

If you don’t have one of these CTAs somewhere on every single page, then it’s time to add some in! That will help direct visitors toward conversion goals and reinforce that your CTAs are always meant to take visitors further into the site.

Lack of Alternate Navigation Methods:

Many people cannot or do not use a mouse, including those with disabilities or simply aging adults. The ability to control cursor movement using only the keyboard is known as “mouse-less browsing.”

Suppose you’re not catering to these users by allowing them another method of navigating your site. In that case, they will start closing it down and looking elsewhere for information much faster than other users.

You must also make sure any page links have descriptive text instead of just words like “click here” or “here.” Rather, say things like, “Contact us now,” “Shop Now,” or whatever works best for your needs.

Icons With No Alternate Text Descriptions:

Icons can be a great way to add some visual interest to your website, but if they don’t have any alt text associated with them, it’s like leaving out half the equation.

For many visually impaired users, this means they won’t know what your icons are about – which could lead them away from your site entirely!

To get around this issue, you should always include an alternate description of what each icon is supposed to mean when you’re designing your site.

Here’s an example: “A man holding up his hand indicating that he wants to speak in front of others in a meeting” would be perfectly acceptable alt text for an icon that shows a picture of someone holding up their hand.

A Lack of Keyboard Accessible Links:

There are plenty of tools out there that can help automate the testing process for keyboard-only users, but it all starts with you making sure those links show up despite not using a mouse. Here’s how:

Anchor text – Always use descriptive anchor text like “Contact us now” instead of “click here.”
Icon alt text – You already know what we’re going to say about this one! Every single icon used on your site should have an alt tag associated with it, so someone who uses a screen reader knows what they do ahead of time.
Link order – If you’re most important pages (like product pages) aren’t accessible via keyboard, you’re going to lose out on the majority of potential traffic.

Flash Content:

Flash is like Kryptonite for search engines because it’s notoriously difficult for machines to read without human influence.

That means no matter how excellent your flash intro or movie is, maybe if it doesn’t have a transcript, then you’re losing out on valuable content that could be indexed and used in relevant searches – instead of pages that are just filled with junk text. Not cool!

Automatic Playback of Audio & Video Content:

When it comes to accessibility, auto-playing audio can get old pretty fast. Not everyone wants to hear what you have to say, so make sure you include an “off” button or another method of stopping the media from starting on its own.

No Keyboard Shortcuts or Assistive Technology Support for Site Navigation

Keyboard shortcuts are an easy way to make sure your website is accessible for users whose disabilities may prevent them from using a mouse or trackpad. These are often readily available, so always check with your web developer first if you have any technical questions about implementing them.

Non-Standard (Non-Mobile) Viewports

Law firm websites need to be responsive and viewable by mobile devices because that is where many lawyers and law firms find their clients these days – especially those who don’t live in major cities like New York, Chicago, etc.

That means you’ll want to make sure your website is viewable on any devices that you may visit at some point. That’s where things like “viewport” settings come into play.

Conclusion:

This article covered the ten most common ADA compliance issues on law firm websites. This is a crucial topic for any lawyer running an online business that may be violating one of the most important laws in America today.

Make sure you read through these 10 points and take action to make your website accessible before it’s too late!

January 7, 2022August 3, 2023 By content@adaforweb.com Law Firms

How ADA Compliance Can Affect Your Law Firm Website Ranking?

If you’re a law firm with a website, it’s important to make sure that your site is ADA compliant. Otherwise, you could face some severe consequences.

This blog post will discuss how ADA compliance can affect your law firm’s website ranking.

We’ll also offer some tips on making your site more compliant. Keep reading for more information!

What is ADA Compliance?

ADA compliance refers to the regulations laid out by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Webmasters must follow these regulations so that sites can be more accessible for people with disabilities.

Failure to do so could result in significant penalties and fines! So, if you’re a law firm trying to rank high on search engine results pages, it’s important to make sure your website is ADA compliant.

Benefits of Compliance:

When you make your site ADA compliant, you improve its overall user experience and give every visitor access to the content they can enjoy.

Making your site accessible for everyone gives users a better browsing experience and ensures that all potential clients will find what they’re looking for when they visit.

Ultimately, this can help you rank higher on search engine results pages. In addition to giving you a better ranking on SERPs, ADA compliance also allows you to enjoy other benefits. These include:

Better user experience.
A better chance of getting your content shared on social media sites.
Improved conversions and revenue potential.
Higher rankings for local listings.

How making your site compliant can affect your law firm website ranking?

It’s important to know how to implement these changes to ensure they’re successful. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to make this process run smoothly:

Do a Site Audit.

Before doing anything else, go through your site and check for any issues. Ensure that all of your links are working correctly, there aren’t any broken images, and that the content is accessible to everyone.

Fix Issues With Your Current Content.

You must fix any issues with existing content before it goes live on the internet so you can avoid public embarrassment or legal action later on.

Implement Changes to Future Content.

Once all of your current content has been fixed, implement changes to future posts, so they comply with ADA regulations as well! This ensures even more consistency across the board and makes it easier for web crawlers to find your new content in the future!

Improve SEO:

Title Tags: When you’re trying to rank for competitive keywords, title tags are one of the most important elements to optimize for search engines.

Many people overlook them because they’re not as flashy as other SEO strategies, but these simple tweaks can do wonders for your law firm website ranking!

Make sure that all titles have a clear call to action and use relevant keywords throughout. This will give crawlers more reasons to link back to your site and improve its overall SEO value!

Meta Descriptions. Meta descriptions influence how searchers find your content, so yours must be optimized for maximum impact.

Try using a few descriptive sentences followed by your target keyword so web crawlers know precisely what to expect when they click on your content.

Use Webmaster Tools.

You can help improve the chances of your law firm website ranking high by submitting a sitemap through Google’s Webmaster Tools. This will ensure that all pages are indexed and easier to access for crawlers.

Additionally, you should always use relevant keywords in your URL structure, so search engines know exactly where each link leads! And don’t forget to add social media tags to share your site on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc.!

Improve Your Page Speed.

There are plenty of factors known to affect rankings, but page speed is one of the most important! If you search engines to rank your law firm website higher, you need to make sure that your pages load quickly. Google has even recorded that slow page speeds can lead to a demotion in search engine results pages!

Avoid Duplicate Content.

Having too much duplicate content on your site will not only hurt your law firm website ranking but also violate Google’s guidelines for web admins. There are several ways you can avoid this problem.

Auditing Your Law Firm’s Website Accessibility

Websites are now legally required to provide equal access, and having an ADA-compliant site also improves your search engine visibility. 98% of websites aren’t currently in compliance with these laws, which means they could be sued by anyone who visits them!

Every image on your site should have an equivalent text description. This is important for screen readers, who can use this information to read and understand what you are attempting to display visually.

Your alt tags will help describe the images so that people with disabilities have access!

Make videos more accessible by adding audio descriptions and captions. This will allow everyone, not just those with disabilities or limited hearing abilities, an opportunity to enjoy your content as you intended!

It’s also important to avoid dictating colors and font settings. It may be challenging to read, especially for vision difficulties, if you utilize complicated fonts and hues.

Auditing Your Law Firm’s Website Technical SEO & Content:

SEO is more important than ever because most people are searching for lawyers on Google when it comes to the legal space. Suppose you aren’t at or near top rankings in your niche.

So, what should you do first? We provide a FREE SEO/Website Review that details your law firm’s SEO and content problems if you need some quick assistance.

You may also use paid tools such as aHrefs, Moz, or SEMrush to perform similar activities, as well as keep an eye on your SEO elements.

Once you’ve identified your SEO mistakes, it’s critical to address them; that’s precisely why we audit your law firm’s website.

The most significant SEO/content issues can be quickly fixed for many companies by refreshing content, employing plugins, and altering your link-building approach.

Do law firm websites need to be ADA-compliant?

Yes, all websites need to comply with the ADA. If the site is not ADA compliant, it could put your company at risk of being sued or fined for discrimination.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that less fortunate citizens have equal access to public places and facilities.

The Act was passed so that people who may be differently-abled can pursue educational, professional, or personal goals outside their homes without having barriers present provided by physical obstacles in their way.

What happens if your website is not ADA-compliant?

If someone with a disability claims that your website is inaccessible, you may be sued. You may face legal costs, a possible settlement, a potential public relations crisis, and the expense of rebuilding your website to meet the ADA’s standards.

Does ADA compliance affect SEO?

Yes, ADA compliance can indirectly affect your website’s SEO ranking. The long answer is that there are a number of ways in which your website can be compliant with the ADA, and each of these will have a different impact on your SEO.

In general, following ADA regulations should help improve your website’s rank by making it easier for search engines to crawl and index its content.

What does ADA-compliant mean for websites?

Making a website ADA-compliant means it has Home and End buttons, enlarged text and images, easy-to-follow formats for navigation, etc.

These features can help people with disabilities get the most information they need from your site without too much difficulty.

Why do websites need to be ADA-compliant?

All entities with a physical presence are legally obligated to make their websites ADA compliant. Website owners must also comply with federal regulations set out by the Section 508 Amendment of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which outlines standards for web accessibility.

As content providers, it is our responsibility to ensure that websites adhere to these regulations to provide all levels of disability access.

Does ADA compliance apply to websites?

ADA compliance is a legal requirement for most businesses, including websites. To make your website ADA compliant, you’ll need to ensure that all content is accessible to people with disabilities and that all functionality works properly when accessed via a screen reader or other assistive technology.

Does accessibility affect Google ranking?

It is speculated that ADA-compliant websites accessible to everyone have a higher chance of ranking better in search engine results pages.

This is because making your website accessible to everyone shows that you care about your potential customers and are not just targeting those who don’t have any disabilities.

Additionally, following ADA compliance can help you avoid any legal issues that could arise from non-compliance.

How does a website comply with ADA?

The ADA is a federal statute that forbids discrimination based on disability. A website must be accessible to persons who use assistive technology while online to meet the ADA’s accessibility requirements. Your website is not in compliance with the law if it is not accessible to persons with disabilities.

Is ADA compliance mandatory for websites?

ADA compliance is not mandatory for websites, but it is strongly recommended. Non-compliant websites can face legal penalties, so it’s important to make sure your website meets all ADA requirements.

For more information on ADA compliance, please contact an attorney or web Development Company.

Is GoDaddy ADA compliant?

Yes, GoDaddy is ADA compliant. ADA compliance includes ensuring that at least 20 percent of your website content is in a format that enables text reading programs to read it aloud.

If you are having trouble with this or any other aspect of ADA compliance, GoDaddy will walk you through the process with resources for each step in their customer service portal.

How do I make my GoDaddy website ADA compliant?

To make your website ADA compliant, you’ll need to ensure that all content is accessible to people with disabilities.

This includes ensuring that all text is readable, making sure images have alternative text, and providing a way for users to navigate your website manually.

You can also use a third-party tool like the WAVE accessibility checker to test your website compliance.

How to Make Sure Your Website is ADA Compliant?

If you’re running a business, it’s essential to ensure that your website is ADA compliant. Here are a few tips on how to make sure your website is up to code:

Make sure all of your content is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes videos, images, and text.
Use clear and concise language on your website.
Use headings and subheadings to organize your content.
Use accessible forms and input fields on your website.
Use easy-to-read fonts and colors on your website.

By following these simple rules, you can ensure that your website is compliant with the American Disabilities Act. If you follow all of these steps, it will also help boost your website’s search engine ranking!

This is because ADA-compliant websites are easier to navigate and read for people using search engines like Google. For more information on making sure your website is ADA compliant, contact a digital marketing company today.

How much does it cost to make a website ADA compliant?

When it comes to meeting ADA standards, the first thing you have to do is assess the damage and begin at $500. And making your website accessible may cost anything from $3,000 to $50,000.

Does the ADA cover web accessibility?

The ADA does not mention the term web or mobile accessibility. However, the Department of Justice has said on numerous occasions that ADA compliance includes access to websites that provide services, public accommodations, and other capabilities already covered by the ADA.

Can a website be sued for not being ADA-compliant?

Yes, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has warned that it “may seek monetary damages, injunctive relief or other appropriate remedies” for violations of ADA Title III that are found to exist on any Web site, including job posting boards and bulletin boards.

The DOJ can exercise its enforcement power against individual who places content on behalf of entities covered by the ADA, and even if they are unaware, the sites contain accessibility barriers.

Conclusion:

So, now that you know how compliance can affect your law firm website ranking, it’s time to make the changes happen! If you need help preparing your site for ADA compliance, download our checklist here, which will walk you through each process step.

We hope this blog post has helped you gain more insight into how ADA compliance can affect your law firm website ranking.

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or comment below. Thanks for reading, and good luck with all of your future SEO work!