Business Guidance
Resources and guidance to help organizations achieve web standards compliance and digital accessibility.
Getting Started with Compliance
Whether you're just beginning your accessibility journey or improving existing compliance efforts, these resources will help you create inclusive digital experiences.
Assess
Evaluate current accessibility status
Plan
Develop compliance roadmap
Implement
Execute accessibility improvements
Maintain
Ongoing testing and monitoring
Industry-Specific Guidance
Key Requirements:
- Accessible product catalogs and search functionality
- Keyboard-navigable shopping carts and checkout flows
- Screen reader compatible product images with descriptive alt text
- Clear form labels and error messages
- Accessible payment interfaces
Common Challenges:
- Dynamic content updates without ARIA live regions
- Image-based buttons without text alternatives
- Complex filtering interfaces
- Carousel accessibility
Key Requirements:
- Accessible course content and learning materials
- Video captions and transcripts
- Compatible with assistive technologies
- Keyboard-accessible interactive elements
- Alternative formats for multimedia content
Legal Considerations:
- Section 508 compliance for federally funded institutions
- ADA Title III for private institutions
- State-specific accessibility requirements
Key Requirements:
- Accessible patient portals and appointment scheduling
- HIPAA-compliant secure communications
- Clear medical information presentation
- Accessible telehealth interfaces
- Multi-language support where appropriate
Critical Considerations:
- Life-critical information must be perceivable by all users
- Privacy and security alongside accessibility
- Emergency contact information accessibility
Key Requirements:
- Section 508 compliance (mandatory for federal)
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA minimum standard
- Accessible forms and public services
- Document accessibility (PDFs, Word docs)
- Accessible communication channels
Procurement Standards:
- Vendors must meet Section 508 requirements
- VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) documentation
- Regular accessibility audits and testing
Key Requirements:
- Accessible online banking interfaces
- Screen reader compatible account information
- Keyboard-navigable transaction flows
- Secure and accessible authentication
- Clear financial data presentation
Compliance Considerations:
- ADA Title III requirements
- Equal access to financial services
- Mobile app accessibility
- Security vs. accessibility balance
Implementation Resources
Compliance Checklists
Step-by-step checklists for WCAG 2.2, ADA, and Section 508 compliance.
- WCAG 2.2 Level AA checklist
- ADA Title III compliance checklist
- Section 508 technical standards
- Mobile accessibility checklist
Testing Tools
Automated and manual testing tools for accessibility validation.
- WAVE browser extension
- Axe DevTools
- Lighthouse audits
- Screen reader testing guides
Documentation Templates
Templates for accessibility statements, policies, and reports.
- Accessibility statement template
- VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template)
- Remediation plan template
- Testing report template
Integrating Accessibility into Your Organization
Building an Accessibility Culture
Successful accessibility requires organizational commitment beyond technical implementation:
Leadership Buy-In
- Executive sponsorship and support
- Accessibility in organizational values
- Budget allocation for accessibility initiatives
Training & Education
- Developer training on accessible coding
- Designer training on inclusive design
- Content creator training on accessible content
Process Integration
- Accessibility in design and development workflows
- Automated testing in CI/CD pipelines
- Regular accessibility audits
Continuous Improvement
- Monitoring and measurement
- User feedback from people with disabilities
- Staying current with evolving standards
Legal Considerations
Accessibility lawsuits are increasing. Organizations face legal risks including:
- ADA Title III lawsuits: Private litigation for inaccessible websites
- DOJ enforcement: Department of Justice actions against non-compliant entities
- State-level requirements: California, New York, and other states have specific laws
- Reputation damage: Public accessibility issues can harm brand reputation
Note: This information is educational. Consult legal counsel for specific legal advice on ADA compliance and accessibility regulations.
Need Additional Guidance?
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