THE ULTIMATE
Mobile websites and apps are what everyone is talking about, but what they are not talking about is the need for developers to utilize an ADA website compliance checker to ensure that the web content is accessible. With a smartphone, the internet, and all its resources are literally within arm’s reach, anywhere and anytime. Americans love the convenience of smartphones, and they have continued to increase in popularity. According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, 55% of cell phone owners have a smartphone, and many of those users are using their smartphone as their means of getting online. Businesses should ensure their mobile site is functioning and the site is accessible to all users, the best way to do this is by utilizing an ADA compliance checker. Consumers can now pick up their phones to look for information, book appointments, find directions, listen to music, and so much more. Businesses should have a website that works well on mobile devices or has a website that is designed specifically for mobile, otherwise, they are missing out on a huge opportunity. Similarly, as physical store locations and websites need to be able to offer equal access and services to individuals with disabilities, so do mobile websites. Failure to provide the same benefits on mobile websites to disabled individuals could result in a lawsuit. Mobile accessibility lawsuits are becoming a part of the already mounting cases that are surfacing surrounding web accessibility in the digital sphere. Mobile accessibility is making sure the mobile version of a businesses’ website is accessible to all users, inclusive of those with disabilities. Businesses should evaluate if their website is accessible on mobile devices. If websites and mobile apps have accessibility errors, then it is vital to correct the problems and avoid future legal hassles. The best option is to design the website or mobile app with accessibility in mind. Designing with Accessibility will be far easier and less costly than remediating a site. Generating a mobile friendly accessible website will undoubtedly open doors for new customers, potential sales, and help business owners avoid serious legal hazards. One of the increasingly popular tools being used by legal teams and web developers is AuditGenie.com's robust ADA compliance testing tool. The World Wide Web Consortium, an entity that generates guidelines and standards for all things on the web, recommends that mobile sites follow two guidelines to ensure accessibility, Mobile Web Best Practices, and WCAG. By adhering to these two guidelines, both the accessibility on a smartphone and for users with disabilities will be addressed. Following the accessibility suggestions for non-mobile content, Section 508 and WCAG will help to fix many issues that might surface on a mobile device. However, there are accessibility issues that are only found when using a mobile device. Some examples include screen magnification and moving text should be avoided. This is where the W3C Mobile Web Best Practices can help. Taking a closer look at the two guidelines for mobile sites. Section 508 is part of the United States Rehabilitation Act. 508 outlines requirements for the government, and is recommended for all web and software developers, utilizing a Section 508 Compliance Checker is highly recommended. The WCAG, Web Content Accessibility 2.0 guidelines, offers similar suggestions to section 508, as well as further designs guidelines to make websites accessible to all users. Both 508 and WCAG guidelines should be used when designing content for a mobile web. Mobile web best practices are a series of guidelines established by the W3C for mobile websites. These are not specifically focused on impaired users, but following them will greatly help enhance accessibility to disabled users. An example of a best practice is screen size. Mobile devices have small screens and the best practice suggests developers use a minimalist approach in regards to text and navigation. To learn more details on best practices visit w3c.org. Smartphones and mobile websites are on the rise and expected to increase. Everyday more and more consumers are buying internet accessible phones. Business owners and developers need to consider the look, functionality, and accessibility of their mobile site. Following suggested guidelines and providing a user-friendly mobile website will increase business and help to provide protection from accessibility lawsuits.
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