Public Library Websites Need to Comply with Title II ADA Rule: Here’s How to Do It
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that public entities, including public libraries, guarantee that their services can be used by individuals with disabilities. This requirement extends to digital content, such as websites. Ensuring web accessibility is essential for public libraries to carry out their mission of providing fair access to information and services for all community members.
EcomBack has created a guide to help you navigate Title II ADA web accessibility standards.
How to Meet ADA Title II Standards
In recent months, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has enforced new regulations under Title II of the ADA to establish specific technical requirements for ensuring digital accessibility for state and local government entities. As per these regulations, public entities must ensure that their digital platforms, websites, and mobile apps adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
The aim of these guidelines is to enhance access to digital content for individuals with a range of disabilities (visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments) by making it perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
Libraries are community hubs meant to serve everyone. ADA compliance ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to online resources, catalogs, and services, promoting inclusivity and fairness. Plus, complying with the ADA not only enhances the user experience but also prevents lawsuits.
How can you tell if a website is ADA-compliant?
Libraries need to design their websites to be navigable and usable by people with disabilities, including support for various assistive technologies, such as screen readers and voice recognition software. Additionally, websites need to have text alternatives for images, ensure that all interactive elements are keyboard accessible, and the content uses clear and simple language.
Accessible websites for public libraries ensure that all members of the community have equal access to necessary resources and services. By fostering inclusivity, public libraries play a crucial role in providing individuals, regardless of their abilities, with the opportunity to access a wide range of reading materials, including e-books, magazines, and documents.
EcomBack’s Web Accessibility Offering
EcomBack is fully dedicated to developing websites that are accessible to everyone. Our team of ADA consultants offers a comprehensive range of services to support public libraries in this endeavor. These services include thorough manual audits to identify accessibility issues, effective remediation, rigorous testing to ensure compliance, and ongoing monitoring to maintain accessibility standards.
Explore our website today and ensure that your library’s online presence is fully accessible and inclusive.
