INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Lawsuits are coming for sites and apps that don't follow web standardsBeth FranssenContributor
Beth Franssen is an expert in digital
accessibility, WCAG and Section 508 compliance
She helps fintech, retail and payment companies implement digital accessibility strategies for Nexient, a leading provider of 100% US-based
potential visitors will experience your content with their eyes
get serious about digital accessibility.As tempting as it might be to prioritize a stunning visual and mobile experience over an accessible
to blind users like the plaintiff and therefore illegal.Failing to accommodate people with disabilities not only limits your market (blind
people buy concert tickets and merchandise too), it can also bring legal and reputational consequences.The Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) requires US businesses that serve the public to provide equal access and accommodations to everyone, whether through a physical
building or a digital experience
Just as stores provide ramps as well as stairs, websites need to accommodate people with varying abilities, from movement disorders to
visual and auditory impairments
The number of website accessibility lawsuits raised against private companies more than doubled last year
A single plaintiff won $100K in a similar ADA lawsuit in 2017.While ADA is the enforcing legislation in the United States for the private
sector, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide de facto global standards web designers should follow
your digital content (websites, apps, e-books, etc) is WCAG-compliant, have a certified accessibility consultant conduct an assessment
immediately, and contact your legal team should you identify any risks.However, simple compliance is only the first step
Understanding how accessibility is defined will broaden your understanding of the overall user experience, so you can create better content
customer contracts, intellectual property (IP) and corporate matters
This series is designed to provide founders the information needed to assess legal risks in the areas common to most startups.Should you
identify legal risks facing your startup after reading this or other articles in the series, Extra Crunch resources can help
You can reach out to the Verified Experts of Extra Crunch, who focus on serving companies at your stage, for further guidance in the
particular issues at hand.The Web Content Accessibility Checklist:PerceivableTime-based mediaText alternativesAdaptableDistinguishable (Use
of color)OperableKeyboard accessibleNavigableInput modalitiesEnough timeSeizures and physical
reactionsUnderstandableReadablePredictableInput assistanceRobustCompatible for various assistive technologies (Links can be programmatically
