I started CharlesWorks in June of 1998. One of the reasons is because it was very expensive to get on the web back then. I hoped to change that and make it easier for small businesses and organizations to get on the web. On the Internet user side, I believe everyone should be able to access the web. Unfortunately, everyone cannot always access the web due to disabilities.

As a website owner, you need to realize that website accessibility involves making your website usable for site visitors with disabilities. This includes visitors to your site such as those who are blind or deaf or otherwise impaired and unable to view the site.

I strongly suggest ensuring that disabled individuals are able to navigate and interact with your site using assistive technologies. Assistive technologies are those like screen readers or keyboard navigation. Website accessibility is important because it allows everyone to access information and services online, regardless of their disabilities.

Accessibility is a Rampant Problem

At the time of this writing, over 95% of websites are still not accessible to folks with disabilities. I have seen this lead to legal consequences. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requires that all public accommodations, including websites, be accessible to disabled people.

If your website is not accessible and someone with a disability is unable to use it, you could face a lawsuit.

The Accessibility Solution

CharlesWorks can help you to mitigate such issues. Either I or someone on my team will discuss the steps your organization can take to ensure your website is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other accessibility laws. This includes:

• • conducting accessibility audits
  • implementing accessibility best practices
  • testing the website with assistive technologies
  • possible tax benefits of compliance
  • mitigation of accessibility complaints

Preventive Maintenance

You should act on this now. Don’t be one of those wishing you had done something to mitigate your legal exposure after being sued! It’s important that your site be accessible to all.

Let CharlesWorks help you have a better understanding of your legal risks with your inaccessible website and how to make your website accessible to everyone. Contact us via this site at https://CharlesWorks.com/contact/ or call us at 603-924-9867 and let us help.