Web Accessibility

Create inclusive digital experiences that welcome and accommodate all users.

Understanding accessibility legislation and requirements.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, established crucial protections for individuals with disabilities. While originally focused on physical spaces, the digital landscape has evolved to become an essential part of public accommodation. Recent court decisions have firmly established that websites must be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

The landmark Gil v. Winn-Dixie case in 2017 set a precedent that websites connected to physical businesses must be accessible under ADA Title III. This ruling, along with numerous other cases since, has made it clear that digital accessibility is not just a best practice—it's a legal necessity for businesses and organizations of all sizes.

As of 2023, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA has emerged as the recognized technical standard for digital accessibility and is frequently referenced by courts when evaluating ADA compliance. Organizations that fail to meet these standards risk not only legal action but also miss out on serving a significant portion of their potential audience.

State-level legislation: What businesses need to know.

For businesses operating in California, the Unruh Civil Rights Act adds another layer of accessibility requirements. This state law prohibits discrimination based on disability and has been interpreted to apply to websites. Under Unruh, non-compliant websites can face statutory damages of up to $4,000 per violation, plus legal fees.

Since 2018, there has been a significant increase in web accessibility lawsuits in California. Small and medium-sized businesses have been particularly vulnerable, as they may not have dedicated resources for accessibility compliance but are still held to the same legal standards as larger corporations.

At GMG Web Design, we help businesses nationwide understand and navigate these complex legal requirements. Our accessibility solutions are designed to bring your website into compliance with federal ADA standards and state-specific requirements, protecting your business while enhancing your users' experience.

Building a web where everyone truly belongs.

Web accessibility is about more than just compliance—it's about creating a more inclusive digital world. True accessibility embraces the concept of intersectionality, recognizing that people's identities and experiences are shaped by multiple factors including disability, age, language, income, and education level.

When we design with accessibility in mind, we're not just accommodating users with disabilities—we're creating better experiences for everyone. For example, captions help deaf users but also benefit those watching videos in noisy environments. Clear navigation helps screen reader users but also improves the experience for those who are new to the internet.

The future belongs to brands and businesses that embrace inclusive design principles. By making your website accessible, you're not only fulfilling legal obligations but also demonstrating your commitment to serving all people with dignity and respect.

Intersectionality Venn diagram showing overlapping categories: disability, age, language, income, and education

GMG's accessibility process is comprehensive, effective, and validated.

Our team is committed to creating websites that are accessible to all users. We've developed a thorough accessibility workflow that ensures compliance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA guidelines—the standard recognized by courts when evaluating ADA compliance.

Accessibility Audit

We begin with a comprehensive audit of your existing website, identifying accessibility issues across multiple categories including keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, color contrast, and form accessibility.

This audit serves as both a roadmap for improvements and documentation of our accessibility efforts—valuable evidence if your website's accessibility is ever questioned.

Implementation

Our developers work methodically to address each identified issue, implementing fixes that maintain your site's visual design while improving its accessibility. We focus on semantic HTML, proper ARIA attributes, keyboard navigation, and other critical accessibility features.

For new websites, we build accessibility in from the ground up—ensuring a solid foundation rather than retrofitting features later.

Testing & Validation

We validate our work using both automated tools and manual testing. Our process includes verification with screen readers, keyboard-only navigation testing, and contrast analyzers.

We provide documentation of our testing results, giving you confidence that your site meets accessibility standards and providing evidence of your good-faith efforts toward compliance.

Ongoing Support

Accessibility is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment. Our care plans include regular accessibility checks to ensure your site remains compliant as content changes and new features are added.

We also provide training for your team on maintaining accessibility when adding new content to your site.

The business benefits of web accessibility

Larger Audience

Accessible websites can reach 15-20% more potential customers who might otherwise be excluded due to disabilities.

Legal Protection

Reduce your risk of expensive lawsuits and settlements with a proactive approach to accessibility compliance.

Brand Reputation

Demonstrate corporate social responsibility and build goodwill with customers who value inclusive businesses.

Ready to make your website accessible?

Let's discuss how our web accessibility services can help you reach more users and ensure compliance with legal standards.

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