Website Accessibility for Small Businesses

Yes. If your business has a website and serves the public, the ADA likely applies. U.S. courts have ruled that websites are “places of public accommodation,” and thousands of small businesses have faced lawsuits over inaccessible sites.

Yes. Over 4,500 ADA-related website lawsuits were filed in 2023, and small businesses made up the majority. Fines and settlements can range from $10,000 to $75,000, and even one complaint can damage your brand.

Ignoring accessibility laws can lead to lawsuits, fines, and bad publicity. First-time ADA violations can cost up to $75,000, and each additional offense can bring higher penalties—not to mention the lost business from excluded users.

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is the standard most courts and agencies refer to when evaluating website accessibility. Meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA is widely accepted as the benchmark for ADA compliance online.

Section 508 is a U.S. law that applies to federal websites and contractors, requiring digital accessibility. While it may not apply to your business, following 508 standards is still a good practice for universal usability and compliance.

Overlays and widgets help with basic issues like contrast or text size, but they don’t address everything. Some overlays have been criticized for giving a false sense of compliance. Make sure any tool you use is backed by good practices and transparency.

Start by making your website more accessible with tools that address visual and navigation issues. Add an accessibility statement, document your efforts, and periodically audit your site. Our platform helps you take those first steps affordably.