The ADA compliance law is a federal statute. It requires companies with physical locations that serve the general public to make all reasonable modifications to their physical premises and online services so they can be made accessible to individuals with disabilities. This means that a business must make all its documents ADA compliant and take all the necessary measures to ensure that differently-abled people get the best experience.
This is done so that differently-abled people can be accommodated and can avoid barriers in any way possible. At times without proper planning, businesses may not understand what ADA compliance entails, hence leading them to feel overwhelmed and trapped by the law. Here I will list out a few reasons why ADA compliance is important for every business and should be included as part of their daily tasks.
How ADA Compliance Can Help Your Business
- Protects Your Business Against Legal Action
You can avoid potential lawsuits by ensuring that your organization’s facilities are accessible to differently-abled individuals. This threat can be averted by ensuring everyone is welcome to shop, work, or receive services with ADA-compliant entryways. By investing in compliance, businesses can avoid the legal risk and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
- Builds Goodwill and Helps You To Keep Up With The Reputation
Goodwill is important for businesses and organizations if they want to maintain a positive reputation within their local and professional communities. For privately held small and medium-sized businesses, it is especially important to show goodwill as it can encourage a large group of new customers to visit the business and expands the pool of potential employees. Showing that your business cares about differently-abled people demonstrates that your business has a strong sense of character and social responsibility and that usually outperforms paid advertising.
- Inclusivity – Supposed To Be For Everyone
The importance of digital accessibility also lies in the fact that it is inclusive. The internet should be for everyone, regardless of any difficulties they may face. Can you imagine being unable to do something online that most other people can? This happens to some people because of issues beyond their control, which may also present challenges in other areas of their lives.
As digital experiences become more and more common, it’s important that we remember that the web is for everyone. This means that we need to design and develop our online experiences with inclusivity in mind. By taking the time to consider all users, we can create products and services that everyone can enjoy. This will also attract more people to your business, making it easier for you to grow.
- Improves User Experience
Improving accessibility can improve user experience and increase sales. The ADA requires businesses to accommodate people with disabilities regardless of their illness or disability. They need companies to provide access to the goods and services that are offered. Businesses should update their websites, mobile apps, and other customer-facing applications to ensure they are accessible for all users. Businesses should also ensure that the information posted on their website is easily accessible by all users, including those with vision impairments, hearing impairments, motor disabilities and more. Doing this will ensure that differently-abled people have a great experience interacting with your business or its services.
- Tax Write-Offs and Financial Assistance
While the ADA sets up some standards, it also helps businesses to create resources that help them to meet their goals. There are many benefits to making your website or business ADA compliant, including lower odds of being fined for violating the ADA, and the potential to receive financial assistance from the government. The Internal Revenue Service’s Disabled Access Credit (section 44) can help cover the costs of making your website or business accessible, with a deduction of up to $15,000 per year. This makes these efforts much more affordable and worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, business owners can gain many benefits by making sure their businesses are ADA compliant. It is not only the right thing to do, but also benefits your bottom line.
