Ensuring that your nonprofit’s website is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities, is not only a matter of inclusion, but a legal requirement. Web accessibility involves designing and developing your website so that all users, regardless of their abilities, can engage with your content and services. This commitment to accessibility is crucial for nonprofits aiming to reach and serve their entire community effectively. Additionally, compliance with web accessibility standards can safeguard your organization against legal challenges. Let’s explore the essentials of making your nonprofit website accessible and compliant.

Understanding Web Accessibility

It’s about creating a digital environment that accommodates everyone’s needs. Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can use the web without barriers. This includes individuals with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.

The Cornerstone: WCAG Guidelines

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the gold standard for web accessibility. These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for making web content accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. Adhering to WCAG can significantly improve your website’s usability for all visitors.

Legal Implications of Web Accessibility

In many jurisdictions, web accessibility is not merely recommended; it’s mandated by law. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to websites, requiring them to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Non-compliance can result in legal action. Understanding and adhering to the legal requirements in your area are essential for maintaining an accessible online presence.

Steps Towards Achieving Compliance

Conduct an Accessibility Audit

Begin by evaluating the current state of your website’s accessibility. Use both automated tools and manual testing to identify compliance gaps with WCAG standards.

Need help conducting an accessibility audit? Contact Us.

Prioritize and Fix Issues

Identify and address accessibility issues based on their impact and the complexity of implementation. Focus initially on those that significantly affect user experience and are relatively straightforward to fix.

Implement and Review Changes

Collaborate with your web development team to adjust your website’s design, structure, and content. Ensure that these changes meet accessibility standards.

Need a team to make your website more accessible? We can help.

Train Your Team

Ensure that everyone involved in your website’s operation understands the importance of accessibility and how to maintain compliance over time.

Resources for Your Accessibility Journey

Automated Testing Tools

Utilize tools like WAVE, Axe, and Lighthouse for preliminary assessments of your site’s accessibility.

WCAG Guidelines

Deep dive into the WCAG documents for comprehensive guidance on meeting accessibility standards.

Professional Accessibility Audit

Consider engaging consultants for in-depth evaluations and actionable recommendations. Need help conducting an accessibility audit? Contact Us.

By understanding and implementing the principles of web accessibility, you can ensure that your digital content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, while also complying with legal requirements. Keeping your website accessible is an ongoing journey, but it’s one well worth taking.

Learn more about how to make your non profit accessible

Read our top tips for ensuring your emails are accessible or learn how to build an accessible donation form or learn how to optimize images for accessibility.