Compliance matters.
Section 508 compliance is focused more on ICT tools and information for federal and state agencies. However, businesses and those with online content can also benefit from making their data and information accessible for all. Standards-compliant online content means you provide all-inclusive data and information across your target audiences, without their fear of discrimination.
There are other important reasons why successful companies and organization focus on accessibility compliance even when it is not required.
Avoid unnecessary legal issues. Although not explicitly stated, ADA violations can also extend to online content like websites. Data and information not accessible for persons with disabilities can be seen as discrimination and can be held liable under ADA. With accessible websites and other online content, businesses have taken a positive step against discrimination. With most legislation already broad in scope that it can be applied to digital content as well, making websites and other information accessible for all discourages potential lawsuits.
Target new markets. Full and equal use of websites, media, and other company content online widens the target audience and expands the market. More people are relying on the internet and digital content for their needs. Businesses make sure that their products and services are available online. With content accessible for all, this means that businesses and organizations with ADA- and Section 508-compliant content have higher prospects to capture business and reach a wider range of audience.
Enhance your business brand. Businesses with online content accessible to all are branded with positive image as inclusive organizations, since they remove barriers for people with disabilities and those with special needs. Commitment to information and data available for all means businesses will have positive branding. In turn, this image is a great help in marketing and growing the business, especially in successful marketing campaigns and aligning a successful PR.
Further improve online visibility. Accessible online content like websites also builds better ranking and search results. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Management (SEM) best practices include accessible content, since quality content like accessible interfaces, clean and responsive design, and high-quality content are among the basic metrics for SEO and SEM. With accessibility options like text-based navigation, visually-friendly design and layout, and alternative texts for content, websites and other online assets can be read easily by search engine algorithms.
Reduce technical overhead. Accessible websites and online assets make them flexible. Implementation of accessibility guidelines often result in positive technical performance. For example, with text-based accessibility, loading times and speeds are reduced for websites and online media. Meanwhile, accessible content also means that different versions with optimized design and layout are available for different platforms like PC workstations, tablets, and mobile phones.
Avoid unnecessary legal issues. Although not explicitly stated, ADA violations can also extend to online content like websites. Data and information not accessible for persons with disabilities can be seen as discrimination and can be held liable under ADA. With accessible websites and other online content, businesses have taken a positive step against discrimination. With most legislation already broad in scope that it can be applied to digital content as well, making websites and other information accessible for all discourages potential lawsuits.
Target new markets. Full and equal use of websites, media, and other company content online widens the target audience and expands the market. More people are relying on the internet and digital content for their needs. Businesses make sure that their products and services are available online. With content accessible for all, this means that businesses and organizations with ADA- and Section 508-compliant content have higher prospects to capture business and reach a wider range of audience.
Enhance your business brand. Businesses with online content accessible to all are branded with positive image as inclusive organizations, since they remove barriers for people with disabilities and those with special needs. Commitment to information and data available for all means businesses will have positive branding. In turn, this image is a great help in marketing and growing the business, especially in successful marketing campaigns and aligning a successful PR.
Further improve online visibility. Accessible online content like websites also builds better ranking and search results. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Management (SEM) best practices include accessible content, since quality content like accessible interfaces, clean and responsive design, and high-quality content are among the basic metrics for SEO and SEM. With accessibility options like text-based navigation, visually-friendly design and layout, and alternative texts for content, websites and other online assets can be read easily by search engine algorithms.
Reduce technical overhead. Accessible websites and online assets make them flexible. Implementation of accessibility guidelines often result in positive technical performance. For example, with text-based accessibility, loading times and speeds are reduced for websites and online media. Meanwhile, accessible content also means that different versions with optimized design and layout are available for different platforms like PC workstations, tablets, and mobile phones.
