Tag: website ADA lawsuit

Blog Banner featuring the topic "The Benefits of Accessible Web Design for Senior Citizens" accompanied by an image showcasing a person using a website on a laptop.
  • Post author By EcomBack
  • Post date June 27, 2023

Understanding Accessibility: The Concept of ADA Website Design

The digital world is evolving rapidly, creating an unprecedented need for inclusivity and accessibility. At the forefront of this movement is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Website Design – an initiative that pushes the boundaries of traditional web design. The primary goal of ADA Website Design is to ensure that online experiences are universally accessible, including to senior citizens and those with disabilities.

EcomBack, a leading provider of ADA Website Compliance Services, leverages these principles to build websites that not only comply with ADA and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) compliance but also offer an enhanced user experience. This commitment to inclusivity helps connect businesses with a broader audience, including the often-overlooked demographic of senior citizens.

The Power of ADA Accessible Website

With age, navigating the web can become challenging for senior citizens due to varying factors such as deteriorating eyesight, reduced mobility, or cognitive changes. An ADA accessible website, like those offered by EcomBack, can bridge this digital divide.

ADA accessibility features include adjustable text size, easily understandable content, and straightforward navigation pathways. These considerations enable senior citizens to comfortably engage with online platforms, leading to enhanced interaction and customer engagement. When websites are designed with ADA and WCAG compliance in mind, they create a more inclusive digital landscape that empowers all users.

ADA Website Compliance Services: A Key to Inclusivity

EcomBack’s ADA website compliance services ensure that websites are accessible to the widest range of users. This means meeting ADA and WCAG compliance standards by implementing features such as text alternatives for non-text content, captions for multimedia, and options to adjust colors and contrast for improved visibility.

By focusing on ADA website compliance services, EcomBack helps businesses unlock a massive and often untapped market segment. Seniors, as active consumers, bring substantial economic power to the table, and ignoring their needs could mean missing out on a significant opportunity.

How EcomBack Leads in ADA and WCAG Compliance

At EcomBack, we recognize the importance of inclusivity and accessibility. Our team is proficient in ADA and WCAG compliance, using these guidelines as a benchmark for all our website designs. With our tailored ADA website compliance services, we guarantee that your website will cater to the widest possible audience, including senior citizens.

Implementing these standards helps businesses expand their customer base, improve brand image, and reduce the risk of costly legal complications associated with non-compliance. By creating ADA compliant websites, EcomBack sets a new standard for web design, where accessibility and usability go hand in hand.

The Advantage of ADA Website Design for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens often find themselves left behind in the rapidly evolving digital age. Whether due to deteriorating eyesight or reduced mobility, the digital divide can feel almost insurmountable. With the implementation of ADA website design, however, this need not be the case. EcomBack, through its superior ADA website compliance services, ensures senior citizens can stay connected and engaged.

An ADA accessible website can help senior citizens maintain their independence, enabling them to carry out online transactions, stay in touch with loved ones, and access valuable information with ease. By ensuring ADA and WCAG compliance, businesses not only engage this demographic effectively but also demonstrate social responsibility and inclusivity.

Inclusivity and Customer Engagement through ADA Accessible Website Design

Creating an ADA accessible website means recognizing and accommodating diverse user needs, leading to higher customer engagement. The inclusivity fostered by ADA and WCAG compliance allows businesses to reach and engage a broader audience, resulting in improved brand loyalty and customer retention.

EcomBack’s proficiency in ADA website design brings forth the benefits of ADA and WCAG compliance in a compelling manner, directly translating into a higher level of customer satisfaction. By ensuring that every user can navigate and interact with your website effortlessly, EcomBack facilitates an inclusive online environment for all.

Maximizing Business Opportunities with ADA Website Compliance Services

Apart from inclusivity and social responsibility, ADA website compliance services present a significant business advantage. EcomBack, with its expertise in ADA and WCAG compliance, enables businesses to tap into the potential of the senior citizen market.

Senior citizens represent a considerable portion of the population with substantial buying power. By ensuring your website is ADA compliant, your business stands to gain a significant competitive edge, maximize customer engagement, and ultimately improve the bottom line.

The Transformative Power of ADA Website Design

In the age of digital transformation, ADA website design stands as a powerful tool in ensuring no one is left behind. EcomBack, with its focus on ADA and WCAG compliance, strives to create a digital landscape where every user, including senior citizens, feels seen, heard, and valued.

By opting for ADA website compliance services, businesses can not only broaden their customer base but also create meaningful connections with users. The future of web design is accessible and inclusive, and with EcomBack, your business can be at the forefront of this revolution.

EcomBack’s Commitment to ADA and WCAG Compliance

EcomBack is committed to setting the standard for ADA and WCAG compliance in web design. Our ADA website compliance services ensure that your website is built from the ground up with accessibility in mind. We believe in the power of an inclusive digital world and strive to make it a reality.

ADA compliant websites go beyond simply adhering to regulations – they represent a commitment to an inclusive and accessible digital future. EcomBack is proud to be part of this movement, providing businesses with the tools and services they need to create engaging, accessible online experiences for all, including senior citizens.

A Step by Step Guide to Creating an ADA Compliant Website Blog Banner
  • Post author By EcomBack
  • Post date June 13, 2023

As technology continues to advance, more and more businesses are establishing their online presence. However, creating a website that is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, is essential. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it is also required by law. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to creating an ADA-compliant website and explain how EcomBack’s accessibility services can help businesses improve their online accessibility and prevent ADA lawsuits.

Step 1: Understand ADA Guidelines

The first step to creating an ADA-compliant website is to understand the guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and requires businesses to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to their goods and services. The guidelines for web accessibility cover four main areas: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. These guidelines provide a framework for making sure that all users can navigate and access the information on your website.

Step 2: Conduct a Website Audit

The next step is to conduct a website audit to identify any accessibility barriers. This includes checking for things like image alt text, proper heading structure, and keyboard navigation. EcomBack offers a comprehensive website ADA audit that covers all areas of web accessibility, including content, design, and functionality. We’ll provide you with a detailed report of our findings and work with you to implement the necessary changes.

Step 3: Make Necessary Changes

Once you have identified any accessibility barriers, the next step is to make the necessary changes. This can include things like adding alt text to images, improving color contrast, and ensuring that all content can be accessed with a keyboard. We can help you make these changes quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your website is accessible to everyone.

Step 4: Conduct Ongoing Testing

The final step in creating an ADA-compliant website is to conduct ongoing testing to ensure that your website remains accessible. This can include manual testing, automated testing, and user testing. EcomBack’s Web Accessibility services offer ongoing testing to ensure that your website remains compliant with ADA guidelines and that your users can access your content without any barriers.

Benefits of EcomBack’s Web Accessibility Services

By using EcomBack’s Web ADA Accessibility services, you can improve your online accessibility and prevent ADA lawsuits.

Our services include:

  • We Audit – Comprehensive website audits to identify accessibility barriers.
  • We Fix – Expert developers use WCAG guidelines to make necessary changes to your website.
  • We Certify – Ongoing testing to ensure that your website remains accessible.
  • We train – We teach you how to keep your website accessible as you make updates.
  • We monitor – Protection against ADA lawsuits.

In conclusion, creating an ADA-compliant website is not only the right thing to do but it is also required by law. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using EcomBack’s Web ADA Accessibility services, you can improve your online accessibility and prevent ADA lawsuits.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create an accessible and ADA compliant website.

Accessibility Audits: Identifying and Addressing ADA Compliance Issues Blog Banner
  • Post author By EcomBack
  • Post date May 16, 2023

In recent years, with the growing trend of businesses moving online, web accessibility has become a critical issue. Websites that are not accessible to users with disabilities not only lose potential customers but also increase the risk of ADA lawsuits. This is where EcomBack’s Web Accessibility & ADA Compliance Services come into play. In this blog post, we will discuss the significance of web accessibility and how our services can help businesses ensure ADA compliance and improve their online accessibility.

The Importance of Web Accessibility

Web accessibility refers to the ability of people with disabilities to use websites, applications, and digital tools. This includes individuals with vision, hearing, mobility, and cognitive disabilities. Accessible websites not only make it easier for people with disabilities to navigate the web but also improve the user experience for everyone.

Web accessibility is not just a moral imperative but also a legal requirement. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses that operate public accommodations, including websites, must provide equal access to people with disabilities. Failure to comply with ADA regulations can result in lawsuits, with businesses facing substantial financial penalties and reputational damage.

Identifying ADA Compliance Issues

Identifying ADA compliance issues on a website can be challenging, particularly for businesses that are not familiar with accessibility guidelines. This is where an accessibility audit comes in. An accessibility audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a website’s accessibility, including its design, code, and content.

An accessibility audit can help businesses identify ADA compliance issues, such as non-descriptive links, missing alternative text for images, and non-compliant color contrast. An audit can also identify issues with website navigation, keyboard accessibility, and other usability issues hidden in the source code that can affect the user experience.

Addressing Accessibility Compliance Issues

Once website accessibility compliance issues have been identified, the next step is to address them. This can involve making changes to the website’s design, code, and content. Some common solutions include adding alternative text to images, ensuring color contrast meets accessibility standards, and improving keyboard navigation. We use WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines where feasible.

Addressing ADA compliance issues can be a complex and time-consuming process, particularly for businesses that lack experience in web accessibility.

How EcomBack Can Help?

EcomBack’s ADA Compliance Services can help businesses comply with ADA regulations and improve their online accessibility. Our services include a comprehensive accessibility audit that identifies compliance issues, followed by remediation services using WCAG 2.1 AA criteria that address those issues.

Our team of accessibility experts has extensive experience in web accessibility and can ensure that your website meets ADA compliance standards. We use a combination of manual and automated testing to ensure that all ADA compliance issues are identified and addressed. We also work closely with our clients to ensure that their website is optimized for accessibility and provides a user-friendly experience for all users.

Benefits of EcomBack Web ADA Services

  • Avoid ADA Lawsuits: By ensuring that your website meets ADA compliance standards, you can avoid the risk of ADA lawsuits.
  • Reach a Larger Audience: By improving your website’s accessibility, you can reach a larger audience, including users with disabilities who may have previously been unable to use your website.
  • Improve User Experience: An accessible website provides a better user experience for all users, not just those with disabilities.
  • Enhance Reputation: By demonstrating a commitment to accessibility, businesses can enhance their reputation and demonstrate that they value diversity and inclusion.

Conclusion

Web accessibility isn’t just a “nice to have,” it’s a crucial component of modern business operations. By ensuring your website meets ADA compliance standards, you not only avoid potential legal penalties but also widen your audience reach and enhance the user experience for everyone. Our specialized ADA website compliance experts can guide your business toward meeting WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria and amping up your online accessibility. With our thorough accessibility audit and remediation services, we strive to make your website universally accessible, irrespective of the abilities of your users.

Don’t delay, seize this opportunity to make your website better for everyone, while mitigating the risk of ADA lawsuits. Contact us today to avail your FREE website accessibility audit. We’re ready to help you improve your online accessibility and make your business a more inclusive space.

More Businesses Fight Back Against Onslaught of ADA Website Lawsuits Blog Banner
  • Post author By EcomBack
  • Post date May 10, 2023

Electric Bike Technologies, Inc. (Electric Bike) has submitted a memorandum in opposition to the motion to dismiss the declaratory judgment counterclaim in the ongoing lawsuit involving Plaintiff Jose Quezada.

The central issue in the case revolves around whether the parties agreed to settle a previously filed and dismissed federal lawsuit. Electric Bike seeks a declaration from the Court that Plaintiff’s state court lawsuit, which alleges there was a federal court settlement, is without merit and frivolous. The counterclaim does not allege an independent cause of action for sanctions. However, Electric Bike argues that by filing a cursory motion to dismiss the counterclaim, Plaintiff sidesteps the requirement of responding to the specific factual allegations that make it self-evident that Plaintiff’s complaint is not only without merit, but also frivolous.

The background of the case involves Plaintiff suing Electric Bike in the Southern District of New York, claiming that Electric Bike’s website was inaccessible to blind people in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New York law. The motion alleges that the Plaintiff’s law firm Mizrahi Kroub LLP had no apparent intention of litigating the lawsuit against Electric Bike, but instead aimed to leverage the “cost of defense” to obtain a “cost-of-litigation” settlement.

In August 2022, Plaintiff’s counsel offered to settle for $4,950 plus website remediation. Electric Bike’s counsel at the time, David Stein of Stein & Nieporent LLP, responded by accepting the $4,950 payment but did not address the remediation demand or other material terms. Instead, they stated that they would draft the settlement agreement. The following day, Electric Bike’s counsel clarified that confidentiality was a material term and that they did not agree to any confidentiality provision.

Screenshot of an email between lawyers in the case as included in the motion, which states that Electric Bike Tech will not agree to a confidentiality provision of the settlement agreement.
Screenshot of an email between lawyers in the case as included in the motion, which states that Electric Bike Tech will not agree to a confidentiality provision of the settlement agreement.

They further stated that if Plaintiff’s counsel insisted on confidentiality, there would be no agreement on the $4,950 settlement amount either.

This case highlights the ongoing dispute between Electric Bike Technologies and Plaintiff Jose Quezada, with Electric Bike arguing that the motion to dismiss the declaratory judgment counterclaim allows Plaintiff to avoid addressing specific allegations.

As the case proceeds, the Court’s decision will provide further insight into the validity of the counterclaim and the outcome of the lawsuit.

Electric Bike is now represented by Richard S. Mandaro of Amster, Rothstein & Ebenstein LLP and Peter J. Brann and Hannah L. Wurgaft of Brann & Isaacson.

Download and read the full filing here.

website chatbot can lead to a wire-tapping lawsuit in California Blog Banner
  • Post author By EcomBack
  • Post date May 10, 2023

A US District Court has ruled that a lawsuit filed against Old Navy, a San Francisco-based clothing retailer, can proceed after a customer accused the company of violating California’s Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) through the use of a chatbot feature on its e-commerce site. In August 2022, Miguel Licea filed a lawsuit alleging that the company “eavesdropped” on his private conversations without his knowledge or consent.

Old Navy sought to have the case dismissed entirely, but Judge Sunshine Sykes of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California has allowed Licea’s CIPA Section 632.7 claim against the retailer to move ahead. This section imposes liability on anyone who “without the consent of all parties to a communication, intercepts or receives and intentionally records … a communication transmitted between two … telephones.” Old Navy argued that Licea “cannot allege that both parties were using a qualifying telephone device to conduct the customer chats,” but Judge Sykes ruled that smartphones are included in the definition of cellular phones and thus fall under the scope of Section 632.7.

However, the court dismissed Licea’s Section 631(a) claim, which prohibits “intentional wiretapping,” including in the context of internet communications. Judge Sykes stated that Licea had sufficiently pled facts to allege that his communications with Old Navy’s chatbot “were intercepted in transit” without his knowledge and without his consent. The court determined that Old Navy “uses a third-party service to ‘covertly embed code into its chat feature that automatically records and creates transcripts of all such private conversations,’ and ‘allows at least one third party … to secretly intercept in real time, eavesdrop upon, and retain transcripts of [the Old Navy] chat communications with unsuspecting website visitors.'”

Old Navy argued that it did not “intercept” the communications in transit as required by Section 631(a), and more than that, the communications were not “intercepted” because “the third parties [that] access the messages [do so] after they are electronically stored rather than while they are in transmission.” However, the court dismissed the Section 631(a) direct liability claim on the basis that CIPA exempts from liability any individual or entity who is a “party” to the “communication.” Since Old Navy “was a party to the customer chats at issue in [the] complaint,” Licea’s claim that it is directly liable for wiretapping fails, according to the court.

This case highlights the importance of businesses understanding the legal implications of using chatbots and similar technology in a business context. While technology can be a powerful tool for improving customer engagement and support, businesses must tread carefully and deliberatively when introducing new technologies that interact with consumers to ensure that they remain in compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations. Few of these laws will have been written with these new technologies in mind, and a failure to comply can lead to lawsuits and reputational damage.

Read the full article: Court Refuses to Toss Out Chatbot-Centric Wiretapping Lawsuit Against Old Navy

Contact your attorney or The Karlin Lawfirm for questions regarding the use of chat boxes and what you can do to protect your business in this litigious landscape.

website chatbot can lead to a wire-tapping lawsuit in California Blog Banner
  • Post author By EcomBack
  • Post date May 2, 2023

A US District Court has ruled that a lawsuit filed against Old Navy, a San Francisco-based clothing retailer, can proceed after a customer accused the company of violating California’s Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) through the use of a chatbot feature on its e-commerce site. In August 2022, Miguel Licea filed a lawsuit alleging that the company “eavesdropped” on his private conversations without his knowledge or consent.

Old Navy sought to have the case dismissed entirely, but Judge Sunshine Sykes of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California has allowed Licea’s CIPA Section 632.7 claim against the retailer to move ahead. This section imposes liability on anyone who “without the consent of all parties to a communication, intercepts or receives and intentionally records … a communication transmitted between two … telephones.” Old Navy argued that Licea “cannot allege that both parties were using a qualifying telephone device to conduct the customer chats,” but Judge Sykes ruled that smartphones are included in the definition of cellular phones and thus fall under the scope of Section 632.7.

However, the court dismissed Licea’s Section 631(a) claim, which prohibits “intentional wiretapping,” including in the context of internet communications. Judge Sykes stated that Licea had sufficiently pled facts to allege that his communications with Old Navy’s chatbot “were intercepted in transit” without his knowledge and without his consent. The court determined that Old Navy “uses a third-party service to ‘covertly embed code into its chat feature that automatically records and creates transcripts of all such private conversations,’ and ‘allows at least one third party … to secretly intercept in real time, eavesdrop upon, and retain transcripts of [the Old Navy] chat communications with unsuspecting website visitors.'”

Old Navy argued that it did not “intercept” the communications in transit as required by Section 631(a), and more than that, the communications were not “intercepted” because “the third parties [that] access the messages [do so] after they are electronically stored rather than while they are in transmission.” However, the court dismissed the Section 631(a) direct liability claim on the basis that CIPA exempts from liability any individual or entity who is a “party” to the “communication.” Since Old Navy “was a party to the customer chats at issue in [the] complaint,” Licea’s claim that it is directly liable for wiretapping fails, according to the court.

This case highlights the importance of businesses understanding the legal implications of using chatbots and similar technology in a business context. While technology can be a powerful tool for improving customer engagement and support, businesses must tread carefully and deliberatively when introducing new technologies that interact with consumers to ensure that they remain in compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations. Few of these laws will have been written with these new technologies in mind, and a failure to comply can lead to lawsuits and reputational damage.

Read the full article: Court Refuses to Toss Out Chatbot-Centric Wiretapping Lawsuit Against Old Navy

Contact your attorney or The Karlin Lawfirm for questions regarding the use of chat boxes and what you can do to protect your business in this litigious landscape.

Accessibility Standards for Websites Blog Banner
  • Post author By EcomBack
  • Post date May 2, 2023

Ensuring Inclusive User Experience

As the internet becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it’s essential to ensure that everyone can access the information and services available online. Unfortunately, not all websites are designed with accessibility in mind, making it difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to use them. That’s where accessibility standards come in.

In this blog post, we’ll cover the basics of web accessibility, the importance of following accessibility standards, and how to implement them on your website. We’ll also touch on some common misconceptions about accessibility and provide resources for further reading.

Understanding Web Accessibility

Web accessibility refers to the inclusive design and development of websites that enable all users, including those with disabilities, to navigate and interact with content effectively. Websites that aren’t accessible can be frustrating and limiting for people with disabilities, hindering their ability to access vital information, products, or services.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability. These disabilities may be physical, cognitive, visual, or auditory. Web accessibility aims to address these barriers by providing an inclusive user experience for all users, regardless of their abilities.

The Importance of Following Accessibility Standards

Following accessibility standards ensures that your website is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. In addition to providing an inclusive user experience, there are legal requirements to consider. In many countries, including the United States, websites must comply with accessibility laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Failure to comply with these standards can result in lawsuits, financial penalties, and damage to your brand’s reputation. Making your website accessible not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility.

Overview of WCAG 2.1 Guidelines

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is a set of guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that outlines the best practices for making web content accessible. WCAG 2.1 is the most recent version of these guidelines, released in 2018. WCAG 2.1 is organized into four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). Each principle includes specific guidelines and success criteria for achieving accessibility.

These guidelines cover areas such as:

  • Providing alternative text for images and non-text content
  • Make sure that all content is keyboard Accessible.
  • Ensuring that the color contrast between text and background is sufficient for people with low vision.
  • Making sure that content can be accessed with assistive technology such as screen readers.
  • Providing captions and transcripts for audio and video content

Following these guidelines can help ensure that your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

Implementing Accessibility Standards on Your Website

Ensuring that your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is crucial for creating an inclusive user experience. Implementing accessibility standards may seem daunting, but taking the necessary steps can greatly improve the usability and reach of your website. Here are some detailed tips on how to implement accessibility standards on your website:

  • Conduct an Accessibility Audit

The first step in implementing accessibility standards is to conduct an accessibility audit. This process will help you identify areas of your website that need improvement to meet accessibility guidelines. You can conduct an audit yourself using tools like WAVE or hire an accessibility consultant such as EcomBack to perform an audit.

During our free audit, we will examine your website for barriers that could prevent people with disabilities from using your website. These barriers can include, but are not limited to, poor color contrast, inaccessible forms, and missing alt text for images. Once we have identified areas of improvement, we can begin to implement changes to make your website more accessible.

  • Use an Accessible Content Management System (CMS)

When choosing a content management system (CMS) for your website, make sure that it is accessible by design. One popular CMS that offers a range of accessibility features and plugins is WordPress. WordPress includes built-in accessibility features, such as keyboard navigation, and plugins that can add features like automatic alt text for images.

By choosing an accessible CMS, you can save time and ensure that your website is accessible to a wider range of users from the start.

  • Ensure That All Images Have Alt Text

Alternative text (alt text) is a brief description of an image that can be read by assistive technology, such as screen readers. Providing alt text for images ensures that users with visual impairments can understand the content of the image. In addition to providing accessibility benefits, alt text can also improve the search engine optimization (SEO) of your website.

When creating alt text, make sure that it is descriptive and concise. Avoid using generic phrases like “image of” and instead provide a brief description of the image’s content and context.

  • Make Sure All Content is Keyboard Accessible

Not all users can use a mouse to navigate your website. Ensure that all content on your website can be accessed using only the keyboard. This means that users can use the “tab” key to navigate through links and forms, and the “enter” key to activate them.

To test keyboard accessibility, try navigating your website without using a mouse. If you find that certain elements are difficult to access or activate, consider making changes to improve keyboard accessibility.

  • Ensure That Color Contrast is Sufficient

For users with low vision, sufficient color contrast between text and background is essential. Ensure that the color contrast on your website meets accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

One tool that can help you test color contrast is the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker. This tool provides a pass/fail rating based on the contrast ratio of your text and background colors. If your website fails the contrast check, consider making changes to improve the readability for users with low vision.

  • Provide Captions and Transcripts for Audio and Video Content

Providing captions and transcripts for audio and video content ensures that users with hearing impairments can access your content. Captions are a text-based representation of spoken words and sound effects, while transcripts are a written version of the audio content.

When creating captions and transcripts, ensure that they are accurate and synchronized with the audio or video content. This will provide a seamless and accessible experience for users who rely on captions and transcripts to understand your content. For an example of video content with transcripts, see the video on our homepage and click on View Transcript under it.

  • Test Your Website with Assistive Technology

To ensure that your website is accessible to users with disabilities, it’s important to test it with assistive technology. Screen readers, voice recognition software, and other assistive technology can help you identify potential accessibility issues and ensure that your website is fully accessible to all users.

During testing, try to use a variety of assistive technology to simulate the experiences of users with different disabilities. This will help you identify potential issues and ensure that your website is accessible to as many users as possible.

  • Train Your Team

Finally, it’s important to train your team on the importance of web accessibility and how to implement accessibility standards on your website. Ensure that everyone on your team understands the importance of creating an inclusive user experience and has the knowledge to make your website accessible to all users.

You can provide training through workshops, online courses, or by hiring an accessibility consultant to provide training tailored to your website’s specific needs.

Common Misconceptions About Accessibility

Web accessibility is crucial in ensuring that all individuals can access and use websites and digital content. However, there are many misconceptions about web accessibility that may prevent website owners and designers from implementing accessibility standards. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about web accessibility and why they are inaccurate:

  • Accessibility is Only Necessary for Blind Users:

While accessibility is undoubtedly essential for blind users, it is not just blind individuals who benefit from accessibility. Other groups that require accessibility include users with hearing impairments, motor impairments, cognitive impairments, and more. For example, users with motor impairments may require the use of a keyboard to navigate a website, while users with cognitive impairments may benefit from clear and straightforward language.

  • Accessibility is Too Expensive:

While it is true that implementing accessibility standards may incur costs, the cost of not doing so can be much higher. The cost of potential fines, legal fees, and damage to a brand’s reputation can far outweigh the costs of making a website accessible. Moreover, accessibility can also help increase a website’s usability, improve customer satisfaction, and increase engagement. Contact us for a quote to remediate your website for accessibility.

  • Accessibility Will Ruin My Design:

Many website owners and designers believe that implementing accessibility standards will negatively impact their website’s design. However, this is not true. In fact, accessible design can enhance a website’s usability and improve the user experience for all users. Implementing accessible design principles, such as using proper contrast ratios, alt tags for images, and descriptive link text, can also improve a website’s SEO.

  • Accessibility is Only Necessary for Government Websites:

While some countries have laws that require government websites to be accessible, accessibility is vital for all websites, regardless of the industry or sector. All individuals, regardless of their abilities, have the right to access and use digital content. Moreover, websites that prioritize accessibility demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, which can positively impact a brand’s reputation and customer loyalty.

Conclusion

Web accessibility is essential for creating an inclusive user experience and complying with legal requirements. Implementing accessibility standards on your website can be a complex process, but it’s a necessary one. By following best practices and educating yourself and your team, you can ensure that your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

To get a free accessibility audit for your website, book a free call with our experts.

Stop California AB 950: The Bill That Threatens Small Business Websites Blog Banner
  • Post author By EcomBack
  • Post date April 29, 2023

As businesses move more and more of their operations online, website accessibility has become a critical issue for many. While the intention behind Assembly Bill 950 (AB 950) in California is to improve website accessibility, the bill could have severe consequences for small businesses with customers in the state. It doesn’t just affect businesses IN the state, but businesses that do business with residents of the state.

AB 950 seeks to place the responsibility for website accessibility on small businesses and developers, which could result in costly lawsuits that could put small businesses at risk. Many small businesses rely on their websites to generate income, so a costly lawsuit could be catastrophic. Additionally, the bill does not provide any relief from abusive or frivolous claims of inaccessibility under the Unruh Act, which has statutory fines of $4000 per infraction.

The bill is also vague in its requirements, leaving small businesses unsure of what they need to do to comply with the law. The bill solely relies on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 AA) as a legal standard for website accessibility, which was never created to be a legal standard. As a result, businesses could be fined for technical glitches that are not intentional and may not be feasible to fix.

For example, one of the criteria to pass WCAG 2.1 AA is the requirement of Audio Descriptions on all videos. The vast majority of video content does not contain a separate track for audio descriptions, which can be costly to create. This would result in websites having to remove all video content for fear of a lawsuit.

AB 950 could also have significant economic consequences and a chilling effect on the tech sector of California. The bill could increase the cost of creating, maintaining, and insuring a website, which would harm entrepreneurs, especially those who are minorities, people of color, the disabled, the elderly, and those who are just starting out. Furthermore, if this bill passes, there may be an organized effort to GEO block California by many out-of-state businesses, and many California-based businesses will opt to use third-party platforms to sell their goods and services instead of hosting their own websites.

In its current form, AB 950 is an ill-conceived bill that could have unintended and harmful consequences for small businesses. However, there is hope. California residents can contact their local representatives, including San Diego Assemblyman Brian Maienschein, and ask them to vote no on AB 950. Non-California residents can also help spread the word and share the petition on Change.org.

It’s essential to improve website accessibility for all, but it’s crucial to do so in a way that is fair and reasonable to all parties involved. The current version of AB 950 does not accomplish this goal, and instead, it could put small businesses at risk. Let’s work together to find effective solutions that improve web accessibility without harming small businesses.

What can you do?

Visit our Stop AB 950 Action Page to take steps to stop the bill and spread the word.

Celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day The Importance of Inclusive Design Blog Banner
  • Post author By EcomBack
  • Post date April 27, 2023

As the world becomes more connected, it’s essential to ensure that everyone can access the information they need. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on May 20th. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusive design and the impact it can have on people’s lives.

Why Inclusive Design Matters

Inclusive design matters because it ensures that no one is left behind. In today’s digital age, access to information is critical. Websites, applications, and other digital products can be gatekeepers for essential services like healthcare, education, and finance. If these products are not designed with accessibility in mind, they can create barriers for people with disabilities, limiting their ability to participate fully in society.

Moreover, inclusive design is not just about accommodating people with disabilities; it’s about creating products that work for everyone. For example, a website that is easy to navigate for someone with a visual impairment is also likely to be easier to use for someone who is new to the language or has a different learning style. By designing with inclusivity in mind, we can create products that are more intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone.

How Inclusive Design Can Benefit Your Business

In addition to the ethical imperative of inclusive design, there are also many practical benefits for businesses. By designing products that are more accessible, you can expand your potential customer base significantly. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15% of the world’s population has some form of disability. By designing products that are accessible to people with disabilities, you can tap into a vast and largely untapped market.

Moreover, inclusive design can also help you create better products. When you design with inclusivity in mind, you’re forced to think more critically about your user’s needs. This can lead to more innovative solutions, as well as a better understanding of your user’s pain points and frustrations. By creating products that are more intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone, you can build a stronger and more loyal customer base.

Best Practices for Inclusive Design

Conduct user research

Before you begin designing your product, it’s essential to understand your user’s needs. This includes not only people with disabilities but also people with different learning styles, languages, and cultural backgrounds. By conducting user research, you can gain a better understanding of your user’s pain points and frustrations, as well as their needs and desires.

Follow accessibility guidelines

There are many accessibility guidelines available to help you design products that are accessible to people with disabilities. Some of the most well-known guidelines include the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your products are accessible to the broadest possible audience.

Design for flexibility

Inclusive design is all about creating products that can be used by as many people as possible. To achieve this, it’s essential to design for flexibility. This means creating products that can be customized to meet individual user’s needs.

Test and iterate

Finally, it’s crucial to test your products with real users and iterate based on their feedback. By testing your products with people with disabilities and other diverse groups, you can identify any accessibility issues and make the necessary improvements.

Consider different types of disabilities

It’s essential to design for a range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments. For example, people with motor impairments may have difficulty using a mouse or keyboard, while people with cognitive impairments may have difficulty understanding complex information. By designing for a range of disabilities, you can ensure that your products are accessible to the broadest possible audience.

Provide alternative formats

In addition to designing for different types of disabilities, it’s also important to provide alternative formats. For example, providing closed captions for videos can make them accessible to people with hearing impairments. Providing alternative text descriptions for images can make them accessible to people with visual impairments. By providing alternative formats, you can ensure that your products are accessible to people with a range of disabilities.

Use plain language

Using plain language can make your products more accessible to people with cognitive impairments and people who are not native speakers of the language. Plain language is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon, technical terms, and complex sentence structures.

Consider cultural differences

In addition to designing for disabilities, it’s also important to consider cultural differences. For example, different cultures may have different attitudes towards disability, and different cultural groups may have different communication styles. By designing products that are sensitive to cultural differences, you can ensure that your products are accessible to people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, inclusive design is critical for creating products that are accessible to as many people as possible. By designing with inclusivity in mind, we can create products that are more intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone. Not only is this the right thing to do from an ethical perspective, but it can also benefit your business by expanding your customer base and helping you create better products.

So let’s celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day and commit to designing products that work for everyone. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and connected world.

5 Signs Your Website Isn't ADA Compliant Blog Banner
  • Post author By EcomBack
  • Post date April 25, 2023

As a business owner with an online presence, it’s important to ensure that your website is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Failure to do so could result in lawsuits, which can be costly and damaging to your brand reputation. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the 5 signs that your website isn’t ADA compliant and how you can fix it to prevent lawsuits.

Lack of Alternative Text for Images

Images are an essential part of any website, but they can also be a barrier for people with visual impairments. Alternative text or alt text provides a description of the image, allowing screen readers to communicate the content to users who cannot see the image. If your website is missing alt text, you’re not providing equal access to all users.

To fix this issue, you need to add alt text to all images on your website. This can be done through your website’s content management system or by editing the HTML code directly.

Explore our blog to discover the best tips for writing effective image alt text: “The Best Tips for Writing Alt Text”

Inaccessible Forms

Forms are another common barrier for people with disabilities. If your website’s forms are not accessible, it can prevent users with disabilities from completing important actions such as submitting an order or signing up for a newsletter.

To make your forms accessible, ensure that they can be completed using a keyboard only. Add labels to all form fields, and provide clear instructions on how to complete the form.

Videos Without Captions

Videos are an effective way to engage with your audience, but they can also be a challenge for people with hearing impairments. Without captions, users who are deaf or hard of hearing cannot fully access the content.

To make your videos accessible, add captions or transcripts to all videos on your website. This will ensure that everyone can access the content, regardless of their hearing ability.

Poor Color Contrast

Color contrast is a significant factor for individuals with visual impairments, as it directly influences their ability to read and navigate your website. If your website’s color contrast is suboptimal, it could pose challenges to certain users in accessing your content. To address this issue, ensure that the contrast between the background and the text is sufficiently high to facilitate easy reading. Various online tools are available to assess the color contrast ratio and allow for necessary adjustments.

Inaccessible Navigation

Navigation is a critical component of any website, but it can also be a challenge for people with disabilities. If your website’s navigation is not accessible, it can make it difficult for users to find the information they need.

To make your website’s navigation accessible, ensure that it can be navigated using a keyboard only. Use clear and descriptive labels for all links, and organize your content in a logical and easy-to-understand manner.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is essential for providing equal access to information and services. By addressing the 5 signs outlined in this blog post, you can make your website ADA-compliant and prevent costly lawsuits.

With an understanding that many individuals may not possess the technical expertise required to tackle the aforementioned challenges, EcomBack is dedicated to assisting you in resolving these essential matters. We are pleased to extend our services through a complimentary website accessibility audit, enabling you to identify any accessibility issues effectively.

Boost Your SEO with ADA and WCAG Compliant Web Design from EcomBack Blog Banner
  • Post author By EcomBack
  • Post date April 10, 2023

In the world of search engine optimization (SEO), having a website that is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is becoming increasingly important. One way to achieve this is by implementing WCAG success criteria 2.1 AA. Not only is it a legal requirement for businesses operating in the United States, but it also has many benefits for SEO. In this article, we will explore how ADA compliant web design can boost your SEO and help you outrank other websites.

What is ADA Compliant Web Design?

ADA compliant web design refers to the process of designing and developing websites that are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, physical, or cognitive impairments. This is achieved by following the guidelines recommended by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including the internet.

Why is ADA Compliance Important for SEO?

One of the main reasons why ADA compliance is important for SEO is that it improves the user experience for all visitors to your website, including those with disabilities. When a website is designed to be accessible to all users, it is easier to navigate, read, and understand. This can lead to increased engagement, longer page views, and lower bounce rates, which are all important factors in search engine rankings.

In addition to improving the user experience, ADA compliance also helps search engines understand the content of your website. This is because accessibility features such as alt text, captions, and transcripts can provide additional context and information about your content, which can help search engines better understand the purpose and relevance of your website.

How to Implement ADA Compliant Web Design with EcomBack

Implementing ADA compliant web design requires a combination of design, development, and content strategies. EcomBack offers Web Accessibility & ADA Compliance Services to all types of businesses, including small businesses that sell products and services online and have an online presence. Our services can help prevent Website accessibility lawsuits under the ADA filed by lawyers, and we are committed to helping businesses comply with web ADA regulations and improve accessibility for all users.

Some of the key elements to consider include:

Navigation and Structure – Design your website to be easy to navigate with clear headings and logical structure.

Colors and Contrast – Use colors and contrast that are easy to see for those with visual impairments.

Alternative Text – Provide alternative text for images, videos, and other media to ensure that screen readers can accurately describe the content to visually impaired users.

Keyboard Accessibility – Make sure that your website can be navigated using only a keyboard, as this is essential for individuals with physical disabilities.

Audio and Video Transcripts – Provide transcripts for audio and video content to ensure that all users can access the content, even if they are unable to hear it.

Forms and Input Fields – Design forms and input fields to be accessible to all users, including those with motor impairments.

By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your website is accessible to all users and compliant with WCAG guidelines with EcomBack’s help.

The Benefits of ADA Compliant Web Design for SEO with EcomBack

In addition to improving the user experience and helping search engines better understand your content, there are many other benefits of ADA compliant web design for SEO with EcomBack. Some of these include:

Increased Traffic – When your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, you can reach a wider audience and increase your traffic.

Improved Engagement – By providing a better user experience, you can increase engagement on your website, which can lead to longer page views and lower bounce rates.

Higher Conversions – When users are able to navigate your website more easily and understand your content, they are more likely to convert into customers or take other desired actions.

Improved Reputation – By demonstrating your commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, you can improve your reputation and build trust with your audience.

Competitive Advantage – As more businesses begin to prioritize ADA compliance, having an accessible website can provide a competitive advantage in search engine rankings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, implementing ADA compliant web design with the help of EcomBack can be a powerful tool for improving your SEO and outranking other websites. By making your website accessible to all users, you can improve the user experience, help search engines better understand your content, and increase your traffic, engagement, conversions, reputation, and competitive advantage.

At the end of the day, ADA compliance is not just a legal requirement, but also a moral obligation and a business opportunity. By creating a website that is accessible to everyone with EcomBack’s Web Accessibility & ADA Compliance Services, you can help make the internet a more inclusive and welcoming place, while also improving your SEO and customer satisfaction.

By choosing EcomBack for your web accessibility and ADA compliance needs, you can rest assured that your website will be fully compliant with ADA regulations and accessible to all users. Our commitment to providing high-quality services and personalized solutions ensures that your business will receive the attention and care it deserves.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve ADA compliance and improve your SEO.

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