Colorado is one of the first states to mandate that both state and local government agencies adhere to web accessibility standards, with the coming into effect of House Bill 21-1110. As of July 1, 2024, all government agencies are required to implement accessible websites and digital content or apply for a one-year extension.
The precedent has been set, and the trend toward mandated web accessibility is in motion. This is a huge win for disability rights and for normalizing inclusion practices in the digital space. It also indicates the need for business leaders to get familiar with disability legislation.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990, but states like Colorado are now making moves to explicitly include websites in their accessibility legislation. Colorado’s HB 21-1110 requires that websites conform to the most updated version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
The ADA specifically addresses accessibility requirements for places of public accommodation, including businesses open to the general public. To be compliant, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ruled that your business website and mobile app must be equally accessible to people with disabilities—just like your storefront.
Like most people in 2024, you would likely describe yourself as someone who believes in equality for everyone and that disabilities shouldn’t detract from opportunities or quality of life. Your business decisions around accessibility have the power to prioritize inclusion while discovering multiple business benefits that come with them—and it starts with your website.
Why Your Website Counts
We live in a time in which a business’s website is often the first point of contact for customers and the location of transactions. Ensuring website accessibility means that people with disabilities can navigate and interact with your site seamlessly and effectively.
Without an accessible website, you are not only excluding these potential customers but also putting your business at risk of noncompliance under the ADA.
Prioritizing website accessibility yields numerous business benefits:
1. An accessible website expands your potential customer base, allowing individuals with disabilities to engage with your products or services.
2. Accessible design principles can enhance the user experience for all users, leading to higher engagement, increased conversions and improved customer satisfaction.
3. Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility is an important statement for your brand, generating loyalty among your customers and stakeholders.
The ADA and the ongoing disability legislation that’s going into effect underscores the importance of accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of public life, including the digital sphere. Colorado has taken a stand, marking the beginning of the web accessibility era as indicated by state legislation.
By ensuring that your website is accessible to individuals with disabilities, you’re not only enabling the basic civil right of equal access and complying with legal requirements but also unlocking opportunities for business growth and brand engagement.
Web Accessibility Does Not Have To Be Daunting
Just a few years ago, the only option for building and maintaining an accessible website was to do so manually, leaving businesses daunted by the cost and operational complexities. Thanks to AI, the process and cost of web accessibility are finally accessible to every business. Leveraging automated accessibility solutions can streamline the process by automatically scanning, identifying and fixing accessibility issues on your website.
By investing in accessibility proactively, your business can demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and mitigate potential legal costs and turmoil, while improving the user experience for everyone. Digital accessibility encompasses more than website formatting.
Here are some steps your brand can take to become more accessible and inclusive:
1. Assess your marketing materials to ensure they are accessible for people using screen readers and other assistive technology.
2. Make sure any videos or audio features on your website or social media have captions.
3. Ensure that your virtual meetings are accessible—both in terms of technology and best practices for disability inclusion.
Investing in web accessibility is no longer something only enterprise businesses can afford, and it isn’t just about legal risk mitigation—it’s about building a more inclusive and equitable reality for everyone while boosting both website performance and your brand.
In 2024, like most people, you would likely describe yourself as someone who believes in investing in equality for everyone. You can start with an accessible website.
Source: Forbes