Using accessible fonts that conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is a vital step towards designing websites that are ADA compliant and can reach a broad audience. An accessible font is one that is simple, clear, and legible, and will not slow the reading speed of any user, including those with visual impairments, dyslexia, and reading disorders.
Innovative solutions based on text to speech synthesis, optical character recognition, and speech recognition have empowered the visually impaired to navigate the digital landscape and enjoy the internet experience similar to people with sight. The only barrier that stands before them now is inaccessible content lacking support for assistive technology.
Website accessibility is not a recommendation but a requirement. That is why every organization's website should adhere to ADA standards for both business success and legal protection.
Although the ADA law does not explicitly state compliance as a requirement for websites and digital solutions, reality dictates businesses to make their website accessible to people with disabilities. Following W3C’s guidelines for accessible design helps avoid the risks of litigation and damages in the form of fines and penalties.
Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act protects the rights of disabled individuals in obtaining state & federal services using information and communication technology. With regard to online services, it points to the web content accessibility guidelines as a reference on how to achieve compliance.
The ADA was enacted to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same civil, legal, and human rights as others and are not discriminated against. Within the digital landscape, this means that businesses need to provide accessible content and web services or otherwise bear serious consequences, including litigation, heavy fines, and penalties.
Web accessibility is about enabling the digital world to be operable and within the reach of all individuals, including people with disabilities. It is important for all businesses and organizations to understand the web accessibility guidelines, the legislation, and the risks of failing to comply with these laws.
It is the right of all individuals to have equal access to online digital content and services, regardless of their race, nationality, and especially their mental and physical abilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects the rights of the disabled people, and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines establish sound principles to ensure that people with impairments are provided equal opportunities online.