ADA-driven Lawsuits Continue to Rise
Since we last wrote about common ADA compliance errors, lawsuits continue to increase. Businesses and their websites are being targeted for their digital accessibility errors every day. EcomBack helps business owners address common accessibility barriers and problems on their websites.
We’ve mentioned the most common ADA errors in a previous blog. This includes link errors, alt text, form labels, and more.
Today we’d like to point out more ADA errors on websites that lead to lawsuits.
What Websites Need to Look Out for
Here are more ADA errors on websites that were reported by plaintiffs in recent ADA lawsuits.
Search bar isn’t accessible
If the screen reader can’t find the magnifying glass icon and search button, then the user can’t find the search bar and look up something.
Missing audio descriptions
An audio description gives additional information on videos for blind people to hear what is happening since they are unable to see it.
Confusing product price
If there is a strikethrough on a price to tell the user it is on sale; screen readers ignore the strikethrough text. Screen readers need to be able to know the regular price and sale price. If your website has a strikethrough price on the home page, collection page, or product page, make sure users know how much they are saving.
Example: $15.99 now $10.99. You save $5.
Unable to see color options for products
If a product’s color variants are not accessible, screen readers can’t read the color swatches for products. The user needs to know what colors the product is available in.
No verbal notifications
Visually impaired users need to know when an item is added to the cart. A screen reader needs confirmation that the item was added. If the shopping cart pops up as a separate window, this needs to be verbally announced to the user as well.
Can’t access the keyboard
Keyboard accessibility is super important because many blind users and users with motor disabilities use a keyboard to browse websites. A keyboard is an alternative to a computer mouse.
Also, if only the mouse is required to complete a transaction on the website and keyboard accessibility isn’t available, this is an ADA error that can result in a lawsuit.
The shopping cart page on a website needs to be navigated with a keyboard.
Screen readers can’t interpret visual cues on the website
There should be a way for users to use a keyboard instead of a mouse to clearly see the different page elements. There should be visual cues like highlighting the element, so a user knows where they are on the page.
No navigation links or empty links that contain no text
Navigational links direct website visitors to another page. These links are necessary on a website and must have informative text describing where the link goes. For example: “Click here to register.”
Vague link text is an ADA error as well. Text like “Read more” is considered ambiguous and gives the screen reader user a bad online experience. Also, don’t use redundant links where adjacent links go to the same URL address.
Missing or inaccurate alt-text
Alt text, an alternative description for an image, must accurately describe the content of graphics.
Social media icons need alt-text descriptions.
Inaccessible dropdown menus
Dropdown menus have to be usable with a mouse, keyboard, and screen reader.
Image maps aren’t accessible
An image map (ex: Google Maps) on a website needs to be interactable for disabled users and must have alt text. An accessible image map lets people using keyboards navigate between various map markers.
Online forms can’t be filled out, and there are no form labels
Online forms need correct labels and clear instructions. If a form was filled incorrectly, the specific error needs to be explained to the user.
Other EcomBack blogs to read: 10 Most Common ADA Compliance Errors and How to Avoid Them and Why You Shouldn’t Use Accessibility Overlay Solutions.
Even after these issues are resolved, some websites have been known to be “repeat offenders” and keep being sued for inaccessibility. Even though a website accommodates those with disabilities, this does not prevent another plaintiff from filing a lawsuit claiming the same thing the plaintiff claimed before.
Get an Expert ADA WCAG Compliance Consultation with EcomBack
When you work with us, you can avoid ADA-related lawsuits. EcomBack designs a compliant website for your business. We have experts on our team that are well-informed in ADA compliance standards and can help your business get on the right track towards accessibility.
Get a free ADA audit and consultation today!
