ADA Compliance in an Online Digital World – A Tech With Heart Interview with Tim Burkart

In today’s digital age, online businesses play a crucial role in our economy, providing convenience, accessibility, and a wide range of products and services. However, as the online landscape continues to evolve, so do the legal requirements and expectations surrounding website accessibility. One such requirement is adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Tech With Heart focuses on empowering small business owners and minority students to embrace technologies, systems, and strategies that will keep them competitive and relevant in today’s digital business landscape. ADA compliance for online businesses is one of the ways to achieve such success. Tim Burkart, a website developer with 30 years of experience, shares some valuable tips about ADA Compliance in an Online Digital World in this episode of the Tech With Heart Show.

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In this interview you will learn

• Benefits of having an ADA compliant website
• Risks and costs of non-compliance
• Tax benefits for being ADA compliant online

Risks of Non-Compliance

Legal Consequences:?Non-compliance with ADA guidelines can expose businesses to lawsuits and legal proceedings. In recent years, there has been a surge in litigation related to website accessibility, resulting in substantial financial losses for non-compliant businesses.

Damage to Brand Reputation:?Failing to make your online business accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, can lead to negative public perception and damage your brand’s reputation. Social media and online review platforms provide a platform for customers to share their experiences, including instances of accessibility barriers.

Limited Customer Reach:?By not ensuring accessibility, your business excludes potential customers who may have disabilities, impacting your potential market reach and growth opportunities. Making your website accessible ensures that everyone can access your products or services, increasing your potential customer base.

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ADA Compliance Requirements

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG):?The WCAG 2.1, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), provides a comprehensive set of guidelines to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. It covers areas such as perceivability, operability, understandability, and robustness. Businesses should strive to meet at least Level AA compliance, which is widely recognized as the standard for accessibility.

Assistive Technologies:?Consider implementing features that facilitate the use of assistive technologies, such as screen readers, alternative text for images, and keyboard navigation. Providing options to customize font sizes and color contrasts can also improve accessibility. Try the?ADADefender.us?widget for free.

Testing and Evaluation:?Regularly conduct accessibility audits and user testing to identify and address any barriers that users with disabilities may encounter. It’s essential to involve people with disabilities during the testing phase to gain valuable insights and ensure a user-friendly experience.

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Marketing Benefits of ADA Compliance

Enhanced Brand Reputation:?By prioritizing accessibility, your business demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and equal access. This dedication can help build trust and loyalty among existing customers, and attract new customers who appreciate socially responsible and inclusive brands.

Expanded Customer Base:?Accessibility compliance opens up your business to a broader audience, including individuals with disabilities. By ensuring that all users can access and engage with your website, you increase your potential customer base and create new business opportunities.

Improved SEO and Search Rankings:?Many ADA compliance requirements align with best practices for search engine optimization (SEO). By making your website more accessible, you improve its visibility in search engine results, leading to increased organic traffic and better search rankings.

Positive User Experience:?An accessible website benefits all users, not just those with disabilities. By optimizing your site for accessibility, you create a more intuitive and user-friendly experience for everyone, reducing barriers to engagement and improving overall customer satisfaction.

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Conclusion

Achieving ADA compliance is not only a legal requirement but also a strategic move for small online businesses. By understanding the risks of non-compliance, meeting the necessary requirements, and embracing the marketing benefits, businesses can position themselves as inclusive, reputable, and socially responsible entities in the digital landscape. Embracing accessibility not only opens doors for individuals with disabilities but also fosters a more user-friendly and inclusive online environment for all.

About Guest Tim Burkart

Tim Burkart?is the principal and founder of?dot832.com. dot832 is an innovation stemming from Tim’s extensive corporate experience and enthusiasm for the Internet. Tim has over 20 years of web industry experience and has specialized in WordPress for the past 10.

Hailing from Wisconsin, Tim is a Marquette University alumnus. His career journey has taken him through a number of states. He currently calls Utah home.

dot832 offers blended in-house and freelance know-how for both large and small businesses, churches, advocacy groups, and community-oriented groups. Tim believes in serving the greater good, and seeks to work with impact-driven small businesses, and nonprofit organizations.

dot832?offers a stellar partnership built on trust and communication. If you can dream it,?dot832?can do it.

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About Tech With Heart

• Tech With Heart?is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) foundation focused on creating a safe, nurturing learning environment for entrepreneurs, students, and children.?Tech With Heart is a nonprofit with a passion to ENLIGHTEN and EMPOWER business owners to EMBRACE technology and business strategies that will keep them competitive and relevant for long-term success, in a rapidly changing digital world.?The entrepreneurial support program,?Tech With Heart Network, is unlike other business networks because they are a?nonprofit focused on serving and supporting, not gaining financial wealth.Members are heart-centered AND forward-thinking
• They teach emerging technologies and growth strategies
• All questions are good questions. They provide timely answers too!
• All ages and knowledge levels are welcome to participate
• Members build and nurture long-term business relationships as they grow alongside one another
• Warm, professional, and vetted business referral network

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