ADA Compliance in Massachusetts
As more of our daily lives move online, making digital spaces accessible to everyone becomes increasingly important. ADA compliance in Massachusetts focuses on designing websites and online tools that individuals with disabilities can use with ease. It’s about creating equal access and a better experience for all users.
Massachusetts ADA Requirements
Federal accessibility laws apply everywhere, but Massachusetts's IT policy goes further, aiming to better protect and empower people with disabilities.
Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) began in 1990 to eliminate physical obstacles faced by people with disabilities. Over the years, its reach has expanded to digital platforms, recognizing that websites and online services are just as important as physical spaces.
Of the ADA’s five titles, three zero in on digital accessibility: Title I guarantees fair access in federal jobs, Title II covers programs run by state and local governments, and Title III demands public-facing businesses provide equal online access.
Alongside the ADA, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that all technology used by federal agencies, like websites and software, be accessible. This assures that no one, whether an employee or member of the public, encounters barriers when using digital tools.
Massachusetts Enterprise Information Technology Accessibility Policy
The state of Massachusetts goes beyond simply meeting formal requirements with its Enterprise Information Technology Accessibility Policy. Thanks to Executive Order No. 348 and the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) guidance, state-run technology must be usable by everyone, including people with disabilities.
This does not just apply to state agencies. Contractors, consultants, and vendors, whether creating software or supplying equipment, are all part of this.
The rules are clear: websites, videos, and documents should meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Levels A and AA.
Adopting these rules sends a powerful message even if your business is not required to follow them. It shows you care about accessibility and people. It helps you reach more customers, builds trust, and protects you from potential legal complications.
Consequences of Noncompliance with Massachusetts ADA Requirements
If your website is not accessible, the consequences can extend well beyond a simple warning. In Massachusetts, digital discrimination can cost between $300 and $2,500. Federally, violations under the ADA or Section 508 can reach $75,000, doubling if it happens again.
If public funding is involved, contracts could be pulled. Legal action from individuals or advocacy groups only adds to the pressure. But it is not just about money. Failing to include people with disabilities can damage your reputation, alienate loyal customers, and shrink your reach. Inaccessible design does not just exclude; it quietly pushes your business backward.
How To Make Sure Your Website Complies With Massachusetts Accessibility Policies
Building a website that is welcoming to everyone can feel like a big challenge. But with the right attitude and tools, it does not have to be complicated. It is all about taking thoughtful steps to make sure no one gets left behind.
- Start With a Thorough Accessibility Check: Take the time to thoroughly review the website from all user perspectives. Look at how it is built, how it feels to navigate, and whether the content is easy to understand.
- Integrate Accessibility Into Every Stage: Do not postpone considerations of accessibility until the final stages; integrate them from the development process. Talk about it in team meetings. Train people on inclusive design. Assign someone to monitor updates and shifting standards.
At Be Accessible, we work with your business to meet the ever-changing needs of digital accessibility, from site audits to smart, smart PDF remediations, accessibility repairs and other services. Our comprehensive support goes further than that. We craft practical solutions, deliver meaningful improvements, and offer effective accessibility training.
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We serve a wide range of industries from restaurants to tech companies to financial institutions and everything in between.
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