For businesses today, having an accessible, user-friendly website is more than a matter of convenience—it's a legal and ethical necessity. A website that isn’t compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) not only restricts access for millions of people with disabilities but also exposes businesses to significant legal and financial risks. With ADA-related lawsuits on the rise, failing to ensure compliance could end up costing a business far more than not having a website at all. Let’s dive into the reasons why an ADA non-compliant website is more of a liability than an asset and how business owners can take responsibility for accessible web design.
The ADA requires businesses to make their services accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. When websites aren’t ADA compliant, they can be subject to lawsuits and hefty fines. The penalties for non-compliance can start at $50,000 per incident, and that’s just the beginning. Lawsuits, which can result in fines of $100,000 or more, can target businesses repeatedly until accessibility issues are corrected.
Numerous high-profile companies have faced significant lawsuits and reputational damage due to ADA non-compliance:
Even celebrities like Beyoncé, whose concert ticketing website wasn’t ADA compliant, have faced similar lawsuits. For all businesses, from retail to entertainment, these cases underscore the importance of building and maintaining accessible websites.
Not only do ADA violations risk fines and lawsuits, but they also alienate potential customers, translating to lost revenue. Businesses may think they’re saving money by launching a quick, inexpensive site, but cutting corners on accessibility is an expensive gamble. Each lawsuit brings not only legal fees but also the costs of web redesign and lost sales.
Consider the financial impact of neglecting ADA compliance:
Some web developers or business owners may look to accessibility plugins or overlays as a quick fix for ADA compliance, but these tools do not make a site truly accessible. In fact, accessibility overlays often create a false sense of security, covering only about 25% of compliance requirements. They don’t correct structural issues or content, such as improper alt text or missing captions, which can only be addressed by properly coded solutions.
A website that isn’t ADA compliant is likely to lose conversions due to accessibility barriers and slower load times associated with overlays. A one-second delay can result in a 4% loss in conversions, as Amazon’s studies have shown. Furthermore, Google considers page speed a ranking factor, so a slow website could lose valuable visibility in search results.
When visitors with disabilities face barriers on a website, they’re likely to leave quickly, which not only leads to higher bounce rates but also sends a negative engagement signal to Google. Failing to meet accessibility standards damages a brand’s reputation, especially when customers feel excluded. An accessible website can enhance brand loyalty by making all customers feel valued and welcomed.
Ultimately, it’s the business owner’s responsibility to ensure their website is ADA compliant. While web developers can and should be responsible for implementing compliant code, business owners are the ones liable for legal repercussions. Relying solely on quick-fix plugins or overlays is insufficient; real compliance requires attention to detail in the coding and ongoing maintenance.
A fully compliant website requires building in accessibility features from the start:
A website that isn’t ADA compliant is a liability rather than an asset. With the potential for lawsuits, fines, and lost business, companies should invest in accessible web design to avoid the substantial costs of non-compliance. Building and maintaining a compliant website not only shields your business from legal risks but also expands your customer base by welcoming individuals with disabilities. By prioritizing ADA compliance, business owners can enhance user experience, protect their reputation, and create a more inclusive digital presence.
ADA compliance isn’t just about legal avoidance—it’s about making your business accessible and open to all. If you’re not ready to invest in a compliant website, you may be better off without one.