ADA Compliance

Introduction

In today’s digital age, accessibility is not just a courtesy; it’s a necessity. At Eardley Financial Agency, LLC our website’s commitment to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance exemplifies our dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access and benefit from our online services.

Understanding ADA Compliance

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public. In the context of digital accessibility, ADA compliance means making your website accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, language, learning, and neurological disabilities.

How Our Website is Built for ADA Compliance

1. User-Friendly Design: Our website is designed with a user-friendly interface that accommodates various disabilities. This includes easy navigation, clear headings, and a consistent structure.
2. Text Alternatives: We provide text alternatives for non-text content, allowing it to be changed into other forms people need, such as large print, braille, speech, symbols, or simpler language.
3. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): Our website adheres to the principles of the WCAG, ensuring that content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
4. Keyboard Navigation: The website is fully navigable via keyboard for users who cannot use a mouse.
5. Screen Reader Compatibility: Our content is compatible with screen readers to assist visually impaired users.
6. Contrast and Color: Text and images are designed with sufficient contrast to be discernable by users with visual impairments.
7. Closed Captioning and Transcripts: For auditory content, we provide closed captioning and transcripts for users with hearing impairments.

Why ADA Compliance is Necessary

1. Inclusivity: ADA compliance ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access our website, promoting inclusivity and equality.
2. Wider Audience Reach: By being accessible, our website can reach a broader audience, including the 61 million adults in the USA who live with a disability.
3. Improved User Experience: Features that make a website ADA compliant often improve the overall user experience for all visitors.
4. Corporate Responsibility: As a responsible entity, we believe in upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, which includes making our digital content accessible to everyone.
5. Legal Compliance: Failing to comply with ADA standards can lead to legal repercussions, as ADA compliance is increasingly becoming a requirement for websites.

The Benefits of Having an ADA Compliant Website

1. Enhanced Brand Image: An ADA-compliant website reflects positively on our brand, showcasing our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
2. Increased Traffic and Engagement: By accommodating a wider range of users, our website experiences increased traffic and engagement.
3. Search Engine Optimization: Accessibility features often align with SEO best practices, potentially improving our website’s search engine ranking.
4. Reduced Legal Risk: Compliance mitigates the risk of legal action for non-compliance with the ADA.

Legal Requirements and Compliance

The ADA does not explicitly mention websites; however, Title III of the ADA requires businesses to remove “access barriers” that inhibit a disabled person’s access to a company’s goods, services, and facilities. Several court cases have established that this extends to websites. Notably, the Department of Justice has affirmed that websites must be accessible to people with disabilities and comply with WCAG guidelines.

Moving Forward: Continuous Compliance and Improvement

ADA compliance is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. We are committed to regularly updating our website to accommodate new standards and technologies to ensure continued accessibility.

Customer Feedback
We actively encourage the participation of all customers and guests in our feedback process. In addition to sharing your comments in person, you may also contact us by:

Mail:
309 Allegheny St #9a, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

Email:
info@eardleyfinancial.com

Conclusion

In conclusion, our ADA-compliant website is not just about adhering to legal requirements; it’s about fostering an inclusive digital environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access and benefit from our content. By prioritizing accessibility, we are not only expanding our audience but also reinforcing our commitment to social responsibility and equality.