ADA Compliance in North Carolina
By achieving ADA compliance in North Carolina, businesses can gain a competitive advantage and reduce the risk of costly legal consequences. Protect your bottom line and reputation by building a more accessible website.
North Carolina ADA Requirements
North Carolina is committed to empowering institutions, businesses, communities, and individuals by promoting accessibility and equity. Here are the digital accessibility laws implemented in the state:
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act, also known as ADA, makes sure people with disabilities can access important things in their everyday lives across different areas, like products and services.
Title III of the ADA says that businesses that are places where the public goes, like restaurants and stores, must make sure they are accessible, whether they are in the real world or online. This means places like your local coffee shop or websites where you can book stuff or shop online should be easy for everyone to use.
In North Carolina, there are a ton of groups that help businesses make their online spaces easier to use and meet ADA requirements. One of these groups is the NC Digital Equity and Inclusion Collaborative.
Rather than operating as a business, this group pulls together nonprofits, government agencies, and community groups from all over the state. They all share a goal of closing the digital gap by teaming up with local governments and partners to make sure everyone has access and feels included.
State of North Carolina Digital Accessibility and Usability Standard
The State of North Carolina Digital Accessibility and Usability Standard is issued by the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) Digital Solutions Team. Its primary goal is to elevate public engagement by offering accessible, user-centred, and mobile-friendly interfaces.
Who Must Comply
This guideline is for all public websites and apps used by North Carolina state agencies. It covers online portals and digital tools too, including any that are run by contractors or third-party services for the state.
Businesses should adhere to this standard, as their websites are essential conduits for accessing goods and services. Prioritizing digital accessibility enables individuals with disabilities to navigate business platforms smoothly, make purchases, book services, and access vital information without encountering barriers.
Key Standards
The standard outlines specific requirements to maintain digital accessibility and usability:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA Compliance: Websites and services must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, guaranteeing equal access for users with disabilities
- User-Centered Approach: Conduct usability testing, gather user feedback, and guarantee language accessibility for diverse audiences.
- Mobile-First Design: Prioritize mobile accessibility and responsiveness to accommodate growing mobile users.
Consequences of Noncompliance
Not being compliant with the ADA can really put you in a tough spot, both legally and for your reputation. If you don't stick to accessibility rules, you might have to deal with lawsuits that can result in significant financial penalties, like $75,000 for a first-time mistake and $150,000 for any repeats.
Customers who care about inclusion might take their business to someone else, and potential partners might hesitate to team up with you to steer clear of being connected to non-inclusive practices. Fixing a damaged reputation can take ages since word can spread fast, and online reviews can happen in a snap.
If your website is not set up for accessibility, you might be closing the door on the disabled community, which makes up about 13% of the population, leading to lost sales.
How To Make Sure Your Website Complies With North Carolina Accessibility Standards
Here are some of the best practices to improve ADA compliance in North Carolina:
- Conduct Manual Audits: Engaging human auditors to assess website operability ensures more thorough testing. Manual testing can identify issues, such as overly descriptive alt text, that automated tools may overlook.
- Employ User Testing: Involving users with disabilities in testing and feedback sessions provides valuable insights that promote inclusivity.
Collaborating with Be Accessible makes it easy to improve your website and digital services' accessibility and usability in North Carolina. We handle the heavy lifting by conducting comprehensive site audits, adjusting PDF remediations, performing continuous accessibility repairs, and offering personalized training to help you improve your digital presence and legal compliance.
Be Accessible Increases Digital Accessibility Every Day
We serve a wide range of industries from restaurants to tech companies to financial institutions and everything in between.
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