Helping You Meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Unfortunately, most companies do not know they violate Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) until after they receive notice of a costly civil suit. Due to several factors, the number of websites facing this type of litigation is on the rise as opportunists seize the chance to take advantage of those not in compliance.
However, proactively working with a skilled professional who understands this unique aspect of web design is the easiest way to reduce the chance of dealing with a costly legal battle.
At Website Comply, we are proud to offer this unique assistance to our clients where we run an audit to assess the content accessibility and then make specific modifications to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. All website changes are passed by the search criterion laid down in the WCAG document to ensure the websites we deliver are WCAG and ADA compliant.
WCAG Violation Risk Audit
Before making changes to your website, our team of WCAG compliance auditors will work to verify that your site is not missing any critical steps. This is a vital part of the process, as it allows us to ensure you are on the right side of the law and are not vulnerable to future lawsuits.
Auditors look for very specific elements including vision accessibility, hearing accessibility, and coordination accessibility. We also provide tips on how to continue to be in WCAG compliance after correcting the most glaring issues. In some cases, we uncover problems that previous web developers left behind.
Text-to-Speech Software
We will ensure the code on your website is compatible with most common text-to-speech programs. This allows the website visitor to translate the text on your page into an audio format that plays over speakers or headphones.
Descriptions of Images: All images on your website need descriptions in the form of alt tags. These tags tell text-to-speech programs what an image contains in great detail. As a bonus, adding these tags to your site may actually increase search engine optimization and improve your overall digital marketing efforts.
Review of Current Text-to-Speech Capabilities: You might be open to security issues if you’ve previously worked with a website developer to add this function but have not updated the coding in a while. Our team can look for issues related to older text-to-speech methods and provide peace of mind that your page is safe.
Hearing Accessibility
Another important area of WCAG compliance is hearing accessibility. Website owners have to ensure those who are deaf or who have significant hearing loss have access to content in the same manner as everyone else. Hence we make specific modifications to the website as per the WCA Guidelines to ensure visitors with hearing disability can access your content with the help of assisted technology.
Coordination Accessibility
Interactive Functionality
If your website allows visitors to view interactive elements to explain products or view a variety of options, you need to be in WCAG compliance. This is especially critical for e-commerce pages where certain shopping cart programs include click heavy functionality. We can adjust coding to ensure that all commands can be made using the keyboard.
Navigation and Keyboard Commands: The law specifically states that anything users can do on a site must be equally done with the keyboard. This includes navigation. Our team ensures this is possible and looks at every potential aspect for use of keyboard command features to keep your page in WCAG compliance.
Video Transcripts and/or Captioning
If your website contains audio or video content, it is important to include transcripts and/or captioning. This allows those with auditory issues the same access to the content as those who are in good hearing.
Other Audio Functionality for Interactive Content: The need for WCAG compliance also includes other interactive content your site might have. Our team can review your specific page to determine other areas to make changes for auditory disabilities.
Why Hire an Expert?
Ensuring that your website is WCAG compliant comes down to two things: keeping yourself free from a lawsuit and enabling everyone equal access to the useful and engaging information your page provides. Litigation is costly, impacts your overall reputation, and takes time away from more pressing issues. Plus, the more access everyone has to your website, the easier it is for them to engage or purchase the goods and services you offer.
Not every web designer offers this type of service, even though it is a very critical part of your digital presence. Doing it yourself is both time-consuming and takes quite a bit of technical knowledge. Hiring an expert in ADA and WCAG ensures the process is correct and meets all legal guidelines. Think of it as enjoying peace of mind in knowing you’re protected against future issues.
Are you ready to ensure your website is WCAG compliant? Have you worked with a web designer in the past and are unsure the status of your site’s WCAG compliance? Contact our Website Comply team now to discuss your situation further.