With billions of websites and apps on the internet, it’s essential for all individuals, including those with disabilities, to have access. All businesses in Colorado must adhere to ADA compliance standards, which guarantee the right of people with disabilities to have access to today’s websites using various tools.
Keep reading to learn more about ADA compliance in Colorado, including its accessibility standards, requirements, legal basis, and advantages.
Understanding ADA Compliance in Colorado
One of the pioneering pieces of legislation was the Americans with Disabilities Act compliance (ADA). Enacted in 1990, it recognized the rights of disabled people and their need for accommodations across the public sphere, focusing on five key areas – public services, public accommodations (e.g., handicapped parking), work, telecommunications, and employment.
For example, a Colorado law mandates that physical barriers be implemented to assist individuals with disabilities, such as wheelchair ramps, designated signage, wider doorways, and other accommodations for comfort.
Title III states that all business websites must meet minimum accessibility standards. These website standards call for specific features, such as alternative text for images, alternative menus, deeper color contrast, and other helpful indicators that individuals with disabilities find useful when navigating websites.
One of the critical compliance benchmarks recognized by the Colorado General Assembly is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Founded in 1994 by Internet Pioneer Tim Berners-Lee, W3C calls for different technical specifications all websites must use to be ADA-compliant and meet ADA compliance in Colorado. The focus is on HTML, CSS, and numerous web APIs that promise accessibility for all populations.
Specifically, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines call for crucial website elements that allow individuals with disabilities to better digest content. These features include alternative text for images, compatibility with screen readers, focus management with keyboard navigation, and robust UI design for accessible forms and elements like buttons and cursors. Remember, individuals with disabilities perceive digital content much differently than the non-disabled, so these information technology features are very helpful.
Colorado HB 21-1110
They are also known as the Digital Accessibility Act, Colorado HB 21-1110 promises all individuals with disabilities greater website and mobile application access by making it easier for state agencies to secure grants and funding for website accessibility plans, as long as they commit to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines when retrofitting or creating new websites to meet ADA compliance.
This mandate also promises to create a more inclusive digital environment for individuals with disabilities, putting them on an even playing field. Failing to abide by federal legislation can result in monetary damages and a court order requiring compliance from government entities, private businesses, and individuals seeking reasonable accommodations.
A Word on the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC)
One of the foremost advocates for ADA compliance in Colorado is the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC), a nonprofit organization that focuses on disability rights and social justice by advocating for resources to serve individuals with disabilities. Whether it’s ongoing education, legal advocacy, or similar initiatives, the CCDC works tirelessly to raise awareness about web accessibility so that individuals with disabilities can enjoy equal participation like non-disabled individuals do.
The Importance of Complying with ADA Regulations
Failure to comply with ADA regulations could cause businesses and organizations to face the ongoing threat of lawsuits, legal fees, decreased revenue, and negative publicity by public or private business and state government agencies, eroding a company’s reputation over time.
Retrofitting or dedicating infrastructure and resources to ADA compliance can also quickly increase expenses as companies scramble to meet consistent standards, so staying on top of ADA compliance at all stages is essential. This also applies to government websites and government web content.
Keep in mind that not all businesses are required to comply with the ADA. For example, churches, synagogues, daycares, schools, private organizations, and similar companies are not required to comply. Website owners are not held to the same standard under Colorado government accessibility law.
The Benefits of ADA Compliance
There are several benefits to ADA compliance, including but not limited, to the following:
Improved UI
Arguably, the number one benefit for all businesses and organizations to “ADA comply” with state law is improved web accessibility standards for individuals with disabilities. Specifically, usability and navigability concerns are addressed with enhanced features such as highlighted cursors, simplified navigation menus, and better color contrast, allowing more understandable digital content.
No wonder we recommend the Accessibility app to create reasonable accommodations to raise one’s website accessibility standards for the disabled community.
Higher Traffic
Promoting accessibility naturally increases website traffic, encouraging compliance. A continued upward trend could also lead to higher rankings on Google and Bing, resulting in untapped revenue and new growth opportunities. That is why we recommend investing in an accessibility plan using third-party tools like Accessibly.
Another benefit of ADA compliance is enhanced reputation and customer loyalty. Being ADA-compliant signifies a commitment to social responsibility, respect for disability rights, and acknowledges that not all users have the same digital needs.
Avoiding Legal Issues
Even one discrimination lawsuit could force your business organization to pay thousands of dollars in fines and settlements. The higher your level of ADA compliance, the better!
Complying with ADA standards (e.g. A and AA guidelines) is a risk management technique that allows you to avoid potential lawsuits, negative publicity, court order monetary damages, decreased revenue, and other risks resulting from non-compliance with ADA regulations and AA guidelines.
Brand Recognition
One often overlooked benefit of ADA compliance is building brand equity. Individuals with disabilities appreciate brands that optimize their products and services by removing barriers to access. Plus, it also helps build trust and credibility by demonstrating that you recognize the needs of this special group.
Reduced Costs
In some cases, ADA compliance can even help reduce customer service costs. For example, adhering to web accessibility guidelines will limit frustration among individuals with disabilities and decrease the number of complaints and questions received through the “Contact Us” form. All of this translates to reduced errors and time saved by customer support.
