Do MSP Websites Need to Be ADA Compliant?
Is your MSP website compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990? Learn more about achieving full ADA compliance for your website here.
Earl of Tacoma, Washington brings us this week’s Ulistic Question of the Week:
“Does my MSP website need to meet ADA compliance requirements?”
Excellent question, Earl*. Let’s jump right in!
First, what does ADA compliance mean?
ADA stands for Americans with Disabilities Act. This act, signed into law in 1990, “prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.”
The act made it possible for those with disabilities to get around more efficiently, to communicate more readily, to find and keep employment, and to achieve many other deserved protections. In 2010, several regulations of the ADA were revised by the Department of Justice. In the amended ADA, new regulations appeared for website design.
*Ulistic is an MSP marketing company, not a legal office. We do not offer professional legal advice. When you have questions about the legality of your website’s ADA compliance, always consult with a lawyer.
Does your website have to be ADA compliant?
Yes. The ADA not only requires compliance with most websites, but it’s also simply in your best interest to have an ADA-compliant website. If you fail to reach compliance, you open yourself up to a host of lawsuits, which could, in turn, lead to the decimation of your brand as well as hefty legal feels.
How do you know if your website is ADA compliant?
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not explicitly outline the necessary guidelines for an ADA-compliant website. On the other hand, technology experts have enumerated a list of standards on their own. These are called Web Content Accessibility Guidelines or WCAG.
What is WCAG?
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines or WCAG was created to help web designers in a range of industries create more accessible content. Many times, website creators and companies themselves are not aware of how their content may be difficult for those with disabilities to navigate.
For example, someone who is blind or visually impaired may be visiting your website and using screen readers to navigate. If your content says to “click on the orange circle to the right” to get to another page, this isn’t something they could see to do. Likewise, a blind or visually impaired person will not be able to see images. Therefore, critical information should not be relayed through images but should be described in the text wherever possible.
Necessary changes like these are outlined in WCAG and should be followed to optimize your MSP website for those with disabilities.
Do You Have More Questions About ADA Compliance?
If you have legal questions about your website and ADA compliance, remember that it’s best to speak with a lawyer. For all other ADA guideline questions, contact Ulistic. We’re here to answer your basic questions concerning ADA compliance and to help you create an optimal marketing strategy for your MSP. With over ten years of experience under our belts, we know and understand the MSP market like no other company.
Let us ensure the ADA compliance of your website and ultimately help you win more IT service contracts. Contact Ulistic today by giving us a call at 855-964-2608.
| 
