Why accessibility testing matters

1. It's the law

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) aren’t just a suggestion. In many cases, they’re the law.

Depending on what type of organization you are and where you’re located, your website’s accessibility may be governed by a variety of different laws.

All of these laws use WCAG guidelines as a foundation for what is acceptable and not acceptable for digital accessibility:

Section 508 (Federal agencies) - “The Revised 508 Standards incorporate by reference the WCAG 2.0 Level AA Success Criteria” Section 508 Applicability & Conformance Requirements
EITA (Oklahoma State Agencies) - “One of the most significant changes was to incorporate the technical requirements of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 in reference to accessibility of websites” Information and Communication Technology Accessibility Standards
ADA (Websites in general) - “Existing technical standards provide helpful guidance concerning how to ensure accessibility of website features. These include the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)” Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (public and private schools accepting federal funding)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (public and private schools accepting federal funding)

IMPORTANT NOTE: We’re not lawyers and nothing on this website should be considered legal advice.

2. Lawsuits are no fun

Leaving accessibility issues unaddressed opens you up to complaints and lawsuits from the people who use your website.

3. Your site visitors are your customers

Roughly 26% of Americans have some type of disability. Wouldn’t you want to make sure they can use your products or services? Disability Impacts All of Us (CDC)