In July of 1990 the American with Disabilities Act make it a requirement for businesses to make their goods and services accessible to those with disabilities. At the time, the internet and operating a business online was not nearly as prevalent as it is today.

In March of 2022, this Act has since been updated to include websites. Meaning, just as a business needs to be wheelchair accessible for those with different needs, your business website (or virtual storefront) needs to be accessible for those with different needs.

This recent change has brought on 2 things:

1. A number of businesses are experiencing lawsuits due to their websites not being accessibility friendly.

2. Companies have popped up providing solutions to websites owners looking to make their websites compliant.

In our recent podcast Episode 253, I discuss in detail this change, what makes a website compliant, what you can do to ensure your website is compliant, and some of the benefits in doing so. Give it a listen below.

AccessiBe

In considering the options for those looking to keep their website compliant, I recommend checking out the resources available with AccessiBe. Specifically these two options:

1) Website Audit Tool

The website audit tool is a free tool that scans your website for accessibility standards. It provides you with a score and specific steps you can take to improve your websites accessibility.

2) Website Widget

The second option is the website widget. The widget is attached to your website and when toggled on provides those with disabilities multiple options for making your website compliant according to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In fact, the MediaBooks website currently has the AccessiBe widget installed on our website. All you need to do is click on the blue person icon on the bottom right. From there you will see accessibility options that customize our website to meet specific needs.

To learn more about this tool click here.