Website accessibility is not optional -- it is the law. The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to websites, and lawsuits against non-compliant businesses have increased substantially. But beyond legal requirements, accessibility is good business.
What the Law Requires
The DOJ has stated that websites must be accessible under ADA Title III. The standard referenced is WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which includes:
- Color contrast: Text must have sufficient contrast against background colors
- Keyboard navigation: Every function must be usable with a keyboard alone
- Screen reader compatibility: Content must be properly structured for assistive technology
- Alt text: All meaningful images must have descriptive text alternatives
- Form labels: All form fields must have associated labels
- Captions: Videos must have captions or transcripts
The Business Case for Accessibility
Over 61 million adults in the United States have a disability. That is roughly 25% of the population. An inaccessible website excludes a quarter of your potential customers.
Accessible sites also tend to have better SEO (screen reader-friendly structure helps search engines), lower bounce rates, and higher conversion rates because clear design benefits everyone.
Common Accessibility Issues
The most common problems we find on Michigan business websites:
- Missing alt text on images
- Poor color contrast ratios
- Forms without proper labels
- Keyboard traps in navigation menus
- Auto-playing media without controls
- PDFs that are not screen-reader accessible
AppWT includes an ADA accessibility widget on every site we build and conducts accessibility audits as part of our design process. Learn about our accessibility services.
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Tony Paris
Founder and Tech Wizard at AppWT Web & AI Solutions. With over 29 years of experience in web development, Tony helps businesses succeed online through custom websites, SEO, and AI integration.
Learn more about TonyFrequently Asked Questions
Does the ADA apply to websites?
Yes. The Department of Justice has clarified that ADA Title III applies to websites. Businesses that serve the public must ensure their websites are accessible to people with disabilities. This applies to all business sizes.
What WCAG level do I need to meet?
WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the standard most courts and regulations reference. This covers contrast ratios, keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, alt text for images, and other accessibility requirements.
How much does website accessibility remediation cost?
Basic accessibility audits and fixes start around $1,497 for small sites. Comprehensive remediation for larger sites ranges from $2,997 to $7,997. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance adds $97-$297 per month.
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