ADA Compliance in Arizona
ADA compliance in Arizona goes beyond legal requirements—it is a commitment to inclusivity and equal access for all. Make your digital spaces accessible to everyone and empower individuals with disabilities to live independently and fully participate in society.
Arizona ADA Requirements
Digital accessibility is becoming a big deal across the country, and Arizona is stepping up with policies that work well with federal laws.
Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a key law that shields people with disabilities from discrimination in areas like jobs and public services.
If someone in Arizona feels they have been discriminated against, they can reach out to the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD) to file a complaint.
The ADA now covers digital spaces, requiring websites and online platforms to be accessible. Title I guarantees equal access to job-related content. Title II requires local governments to offer accessible digital services. Title III makes sure businesses give full online access to what they offer.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act is meant for federal agencies to ensure that their digital resources are accessible for people with disabilities. This means equal access for federal employees and anyone needing government information.
Businesses in Arizona, especially those with an online presence, need to follow both ADA and Section 508 guidelines to foster inclusivity and build public trust.
Arizona Web Accessibility Policy
Arizona’s statewide accessibility policy aims to remove technical barriers for individuals with disabilities when accessing information on state websites. It supports compliance with accessibility requirements through a coordinated model involving content creators, designers, and developers.
Scope and Responsibilities
The policy applies to all Arizona state budget units, which include any department, board, commission, institution, or agency that handles state funds. This includes entities like the Board of Regents and the State Board for Community Colleges, but excludes universities and community colleges under those boards and the legislative and judicial branches.
Key Web Page Designs and Accessibility Features
The policy outlines specific areas to address in making state websites accessible:
- Color Use: Avoid using color alone to convey information and ensure sufficient contrast between text and background.
- Forms: Make sure form labels are properly placed and programmatically associated with their input fields; consider time-based interactions.
Although businesses are exempt under the policy, implementing such accessibility practices can build customer trust and confidence.
Consequences of Noncompliance With Accessibility Requirements
If you don’t follow ADA guidelines in Arizona you could face some serious legal and financial trouble. People may go after compensation, which can include lawyer fees and emotional stress.
For a first-time slip-up, you might get hit with fines up to $5,000, but for repeat issues, it could go up to $10,000 if it’s seen as a public concern. Federal fines for breaking ADA and Section 508 rules can be even tougher.
Plus, businesses can suffer damage to their reputation, lose out on market reach, and make it harder to gain trust from stakeholders.
A key case to look at is James Close v. Four Arizona Websites from 2017. Close took four businesses to court, claiming their websites didn’t meet Title III because they were not compatible with screen readers. He asked them to make their sites meet WCAG 2.0 standards, train staff to conduct ongoing audits, and create accessibility policies.
How To Guarantee Your Website Complies With Arizona Accessibility Policies
Here are some practical web accessibility tips to help you move toward ADA compliance in Arizona:
- Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Start by identifying areas of non-compliance through an accessibility audit. Audits highlight website issues and guide how to fix them, making them an essential first step.
- Train Your Teams: Make accessibility a shared responsibility by educating employees on ADA requirements, WCAG standards, and best practices.
Be Accessible offers a useful solution for achieving website accessibility and inclusivity. We provide detailed accessibility audits, automated PDF remediation, and personalized training. Our services guarantee compliance and improve the overall user experience.
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