How to Make Your Website ADA Compliant

An accessible website must meet standards in four categories. It must be considered:

Perceivable;
Operable;
Understandable; and
Robust.

To satisfy the four categories, the following actions can be taken to improve and maintain website accessibility:

Include alternative text (alt text) for each photo or graphic. Popular screen-reading software can audibly cue image descriptions to visually impaired users. (accessiBe is a popular SaaS platform that offers fully automated 24/7 website accessibility compliance).

Incorporate readable fonts. Only use fonts that are easy to read in both large and small font sizes. Fonts such as Georgia, Open Sans and Quicksand are good choices for maximum accessibility.

Evaluate contrast and color accessibility (WebAIM). Turn on "high contrast" mode in Windows; this mode is essential for low-vision users.

Create logical navigation. Your website should have a good flow. Put a large "x" in the corner of pop-ups and a title over each new block of content. ADA-compliant content not only includes all website text and images, but third-party vendors and downloadable documents as well.

Make it keyboard-friendly. Those with motor and visual impairment can rely solely on a keyboard to get around a website. To test your website, try only using your "tab" key or navigate your website without a mouse for the best results. Also, eliminate auto-play videos and allow users the ability to pause, stop, restart or slow down videos and slide shows.

Include audio descriptions. All content should be accessed through sound to aid those with visual impairment.

Provide concise, clear text for the reader. If you use unique words, provide a definition and refrain from using phrases that could confuse the average reader. If you have downloads available, provide them in a text-based format such as HTML in addition to PDFs. Keep your membership disclosures and lending forms updated.

Simplify web forms. If you have online applications or contact forms, make sure they have audible text and explanations of how the user can properly navigate them. Stick to one-page forms as much as possible for ease of use.

Write a website accessibility policy. Credit unions like SC Telco Federal Credit Union provide an accessibility statement through a clear link on their website.

Consistently check and update your website. ADA compliance regulations can change with the introduction of new technologies. Plus, changes to your website's design or IT team can affect compatibility.

Make a Personal Commitment to Website Accessibility

Until the federal government provides clear guidelines on website accessibility for credit unions, lawsuits will continue to rise in murky waters. While the investment of ADA compliance may be a cost you were not prepared to handle, you must now weigh website accessibility versus possible litigation. However, avoiding a lawsuit isn't the only reason you should consider following ADA guidelines.

How to Make Your Website ADA Compliant

Make a Personal ­Commitment to Website Accessibility

Make a Personal Commitment to Website Accessibility

Instant Insights /

Why ADA Compliance Is Important at Your Credit Union

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