ADA Accessibility

Definition of Accessible

The following is the definition of accessible according to the Federal Office of Civil Rights:

“Accessible” means a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use. The person with a disability must be able to obtain the information as fully, equally and independently as a person without a disability. Although this might not result in identical ease of use compared to that of persons without disabilities, it still must ensure equal opportunity to the educational benefits and opportunities afforded by the technology and equal treatment in the use of such technology.

Office of Civil Rights in the Resolution Agreement with South Carolina Technical College System

Why should my website be accessible?

Providing equal access to content is a basic human right. ADA Accessibility for digital products is also required through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Non-compliant content opens up Frostburg State University to very costly lawsuits. Here's a list of similar cases.

Additionally, the Web Accessibility Initiative points out that ADA accessibility is simply good for business:

There is also a strong business case for accessibility. Accessible design improves overall user experience and satisfaction, especially in a variety of situations, across different devices, and for older users. Accessibility can enhance your brand, drive innovation, and extend your market reach.

Who is affected?

One in five people report to have some type of disability. Making your digital information accessible is crucial, required by law, and regularly improves ALL users' experiences.

Accessibility not only supports inclusion for people with disabilities, but is value to other users, including: