ADA Compliance in Alabama
Taking proactive measures to achieve ADA compliance in Alabama helps you avoid legal complications and build a positive user experience. Don’t wait for legal issues to arise—make accessibility a priority by building a website that is inclusive for all users.
Alabama ADA Requirements
Alabama follows both federal and state laws that support accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. These rules help businesses, organizations, and public services ensure that their websites and physical spaces are usable by everyone. Clear knowledge of these requirements helps businesses follow the law and improve access for all across the state.
Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508
The Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA, is a civil rights law that gives people with disabilities the same opportunities as everyone else. It protects against discrimination just like other laws that help people based on their race, gender, where they're from, and their beliefs.
In Alabama, the Code of Alabama (Title 21 – Handicapped Persons) works with the ADA to make sure public spaces are accessible so individuals with disabilities can access facilities and services equally across the state.
The ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008 broadened what counts as a disability and stressed that the ADA looks out for people with both physical and mental impairments. This amendment reinforces the rights of individuals with disabilities in all parts of the ADA, including work practices, government services, and public spaces.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, updated in 1998, requires federal agencies to make electronic and information technology accessible. Even though Section 508 mainly targets federal entities, businesses should follow it too. This can help avoid legal troubles while reaching more customers and boosting their brand image.
Alabama's Information Technology Standard 530S2-00: Universal Accessibility (ITS-530S2)
Alabama's Information Technology Standard 530S2-00: Universal Accessibility (ITS-530S2) establishes guidelines to make government websites accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Alabama Office of Information Technology (OIT) oversees the adoption of this accessibility standard across government entities.
Who Must Comply
ITS-530S2 applies to all government branches in Alabama, like agencies, boards and commissions that provide digital services to the public.
The primary objective of this accessibility standard is to enable individuals with visual, physical or developmental disabilities to navigate online more easily.
This goal can also help businesses by nudging them to boost their accessibility even if they don’t have to follow this standard. When they do this, it makes the online space better for everyone.
Specific Requirements
The ITS-530S2 outlines essential web accessibility practices, including:
- Alt Text for Functional Images: Include meaningful descriptions for every functional image.
- Navigation Graphics: Make sure icons and graphical navigation elements have descriptive text.
Consequences of Noncompliance with Alabama ADA Requirements
If you don’t follow the accessibility rules in Alabama it can really cost you both money and trouble. Breaking the ADA and Section 508 can hit you with fines starting at $55,000 for your first mistake and up to $110,000 for any additional offences.
Legal battles can get super expensive, too, since lawsuits can total millions once you add in attorney fees and settlements. Plus, if your accessibility efforts aren’t up to par, it could hurt how people see your business, which can have a big effect on your earnings and reputation with vendors.
A relevant example is Hope Elly v. The Southern Grind, where Elly filed a lawsuit under ADA Title III, alleging the company’s failure to provide accessible digital platforms for individuals with disabilities. The claims included denial of equal website access, lack of mobile application accessibility, and insufficient policies.
How To Ensure Your Website Complies With Alabama Accessibility Standards
There are various best practices to make your website adhere to federal and state digital accessibility standards. Here are two of them:
- Work on Multimedia Accessibility: Use captioned videos and images. Provide presentations, forms, and web text as accessible PDFs compatible with assistive technology devices.
- Implement Third-Party Solutions: Engage reputable services to achieve ADA compliance in Alabama. These professionals efficiently identify and resolve accessibility issues, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Be Accessible is here to assist you in implementing the best web accessibility practices in Alabama. Your business's reputation and legal standing are critical. We've got your back with expert website accessibility audits, automated PDF remediations, swift repairs, and professional training. Keep your digital presence compliant with accessibility standards and built to support long-term inclusion.
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