Do small businesses need to follow ADA and WCAG?

Yes. Most small business websites are expected to meet accessibility standards to avoid barriers for users and reduce legal risk.

What Is ADA & WCAG Compliance?

Q: What is ADA compliance?

ADA compliance means ensuring your website is accessible to people with disabilities, following the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Q: What are WCAG guidelines?

WCAG guidelines are internationally recognized standards that outline how to make websites accessible, covering content, design, navigation, and technical requirements.

Website accessibility is guided by two major standards: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Together, they define what it means for a website to be accessible, inclusive, and usable for people with disabilities.

While ADA is a U.S. civil rights law, WCAG is a set of technical guidelines used worldwide. Most small business websites are expected to follow WCAG to meet ADA requirements.

What Is ADA Compliance?

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires businesses to provide equal access to people with disabilities. Although the law was written before modern websites existed, courts and regulators interpret websites as part of a business’s public presence.

In simple terms: if your website is essential to your business, it should be accessible.

What Are WCAG Guidelines?

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) provide the technical standards for making websites accessible. They are organized around four core principles:

Perceivable – Information must be presented in ways users can perceive.
Operable – Users must be able to navigate and interact with the site.
Understandable – Content must be clear and predictable.
Robust – Content must work with assistive technologies.

Learn more: Common Website Accessibility Issues

Do Small Businesses Need to Follow ADA & WCAG?

Yes. Even small businesses are expected to provide accessible digital experiences. Accessibility lawsuits have increased significantly in recent years, and many target small businesses with websites that unintentionally exclude users.

Following WCAG is the best way to meet ADA expectations and reduce legal risk.

How Compliance Helps Your Business

Improves usability for all visitors
Builds trust and professionalism
Reduces legal exposure
Improves SEO and performance
Expands your potential audience

Need Help Meeting ADA & WCAG Standards?

If you're unsure whether your website meets accessibility requirements, I can help you evaluate your site and make the improvements needed to stay compliant and inclusive.

Request Website Help

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