ADA Compliance in Texas
In Texas, following ADA digital accessibility standards improves customer service, reflects a commitment to ethical principles, and helps avoid costly legal consequences. Make the smart move, invest in accessibility now to build lasting growth and true inclusion.
Texas ADA Requirements
The state of Texas has developed its own version of federal accessibility standards to promote broader inclusion and address the unique needs of its diverse population.
Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 508
The Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA, was created back in 1990 to put an end to discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life. It includes everything from physical access, like ramps and elevators, to online tools like websites and apps.
In Texas, this law is really important. Cities like Houston and Dallas are big players in business and innovation. Companies in these places often reach out to a wide range of people, including many with disabilities.
For these businesses, following accessibility rules is not just about staying legal. It is about making a real effort to treat everyone fairly.
Texas Electronic Information Resources Accessibility Policy and Web Accessibility Standards
Since September 1, 2006, the Texas Facilities Commission or TFC has been asking all state agencies to make their websites user-friendly for everyone. This includes individuals with disabilities and those who might not speak English very well.
This push is part of the Electronic Information Resources Accessibility (EIRA) Policy. It is based on Section 508 of the federal Rehabilitation Act and follows the guidelines in Title 1 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), especially Sections 206 and 213.
It covers a ton of digital resources like websites, online documents, videos, apps, and even interactive kiosks. Agencies must regularly check how accessible their platforms are and offer alternative formats if meeting the complete requirements is too complicated or costly.
Also included in this broader policy is the Texas Web Accessibility Standards, or TWAS. This framework is specific to Texas and builds on Section 508 to meet the state's changing digital needs. TWAS sets the standard for making sure all new or updated public-facing digital materials are accessible, especially interactive and multimedia content.
Some private businesses might think that these rules do not concern them. But following them is actually a great idea. Following these guidelines can help make your website more accessible for everyone and lower the chances of breaking any federal accessibility laws, especially the ADA, which many businesses have to follow.
Additional Criteria for Applets, Plug-ins, and Webcasts
TWAS also has additional rules for applets, plug-ins, and webcasts. These need to either work with assistive technology or provide an alternate version for access. For training sessions and webinars, agencies should inform people about any accommodations available and provide accessible presentation files.
Consequences of Noncompliance
Failure to comply with the ADA may lead to significant legal expenses, but Texas also has harsh penalties. If it is your first mistake with the Texas accessibility standards, you could face fines from $500 to $3,000. If you mess up again, those fines jump to $1,500 to $4,000 and can soar to $2,500 to $5,000 for repeat offenders.
In addition, businesses might have to deal with boycotts, bad publicity, unhappy customers, and frustrated employees and investors.
How To Make Sure Your Website Complies With Texas Accessibility Standards
Building a more inclusive digital experience becomes much easier with the right strategies and a few thoughtful adjustments.
- Conduct Testing: Do accessibility testing to make sure your website is usable for everyone across Texas. It helps you enhance user experience, attract more organic traffic, and achieve compliance with accessibility standards.
- Modify Your Website Design: Add alternative text to images, captions to videos, scalable font options, and large, clearly labelled CTA buttons to improve accessibility.
Be Accessible offers thorough website audits and fixes, automated PDF accessibility correction, and customized accessibility training programs. Our goal is to help you make accessibility a smart part of your business plan instead of just something technical to check off a list.
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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