ADA Anniversary: Reflecting on the Progress of Digital Accessibility

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990, is a landmark civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and public accommodations. As we celebrate the ADA Anniversary, it’s crucial to reflect on the progress made in digital accessibility—a field that has become increasingly important in our digital age.

The Evolution of Digital Accessibility

When the ADA was first enacted, the digital world as we know it today did not exist. The internet was in its infancy, and digital interactions were minimal. Fast forward to today, and digital accessibility has become a core component of ADA compliance. The growing reliance on websites, apps, and digital platforms for everyday tasks means that ensuring these digital spaces are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities, is more important than ever.

The ADA’s extension into the digital realm has been driven by legal interpretations, advocacy, and the evolving needs of people with disabilities. Courts have increasingly recognized that websites and digital services must comply with ADA standards, ensuring equal access for individuals with disabilities. This shift underscores the ADA’s adaptability and its continued relevance in the digital age.

Key Milestones in Digital Accessibility

The Rise of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), have become the benchmark for digital accessibility. These guidelines provide clear criteria for making websites accessible to people with disabilities, covering everything from text alternatives for non-text content to keyboard navigability and screen reader compatibility.
Landmark Legal Cases: Several high-profile lawsuits have set important precedents for digital accessibility. Cases against companies like Domino’s Pizza and Winn-Dixie have highlighted the legal requirement for accessible digital content, pushing businesses to prioritize website compliance with accessibility standards. These cases serve as reminders that digital accessibility is not optional—it’s a legal necessity.
Advancements in Assistive Technology: Over the years, advancements in assistive technologies like screen readers, voice recognition software, and braille displays have significantly improved the digital experience for people with disabilities. These technologies, combined with accessible web design, enable users to navigate and interact with digital content more effectively.
Increased Awareness and Advocacy: Advocacy groups and accessibility champions have played a vital role in raising awareness about digital accessibility. Organizations like the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) have been instrumental in pushing for broader adoption of accessibility standards and holding businesses accountable.

The Current State of Digital Accessibility

While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. Many websites and digital platforms continue to fall short of accessibility standards, creating barriers for millions of users with disabilities. Common issues include poor color contrast, missing alternative text for images, lack of keyboard accessibility, and videos without captions—all of which make digital content difficult or impossible to access for some users.

The pandemic underscored the importance of digital accessibility as more services, education, and work shifted online. However, it also revealed significant gaps in accessibility, highlighting the urgent need for businesses, educational institutions, and governments to prioritize inclusive digital experiences.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Accessibility

The future of digital accessibility lies in continuous improvement and innovation. As technology evolves, new opportunities and challenges will arise. Here are a few key areas to watch:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI-powered tools are making strides in enhancing digital accessibility. From automated alt text generation to real-time transcription services, AI can help make digital content more accessible. However, it’s crucial to ensure these technologies are developed with accessibility in mind to avoid introducing new barriers.
Voice and Gesture-Based Navigation: Voice recognition and gesture-based controls are becoming more prevalent, offering alternative ways for users to interact with digital content. These technologies provide opportunities to enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments or those who struggle with traditional input methods.
Inclusive Design Practices: The shift towards inclusive design—designing digital experiences that work for everyone—will be essential in the future of accessibility. By involving people with disabilities in the design and testing phases, businesses can create more intuitive and accessible digital products.
Stronger Regulatory Oversight: As digital accessibility becomes a greater focus, we can expect more robust regulatory oversight and stricter enforcement of compliance standards. Businesses will need to stay vigilant and proactive in maintaining accessible digital properties to avoid legal repercussions.

As we celebrate the ADA Anniversary, it’s essential to recognize the significant strides made in digital accessibility and acknowledge the challenges that remain. Digital accessibility is not just about compliance—it’s about creating a more inclusive world where everyone has equal access to information, services, and opportunities online.

The ADA’s impact on the digital landscape underscores the importance of continued commitment to accessibility. By embracing the principles of universal design and staying informed about evolving standards, businesses and organizations can play a crucial role in making the internet a more accessible space for all.

Let’s continue to honor the spirit of the ADA by advocating for digital inclusion and ensuring that no one is left behind in our increasingly connected world.

How Website Accessibility Can Protect Your Business from Lawsuits

In today’s digital age, ensuring your website is accessible to everyone isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a legal necessity. As more businesses shift their operations online, the importance of complying with accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), has grown significantly. Failure to do so can expose your business to costly lawsuits, reputational damage, and a loss of customer trust.

This blog post explores how prioritizing website accessibility can protect your business from legal challenges and create a better experience for all users.

The Rise of Website Accessibility Lawsuits

Website accessibility lawsuits have been on the rise in recent years. These lawsuits are often filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. While the ADA was originally focused on physical spaces, its application has expanded to include websites, particularly those that provide goods and services.

In 2020, more than 2,500 ADA website accessibility lawsuits were filed in federal court, highlighting the growing trend of digital accessibility litigation. High-profile cases against companies like Domino’s Pizza, Nike, and Winn-Dixie have set precedents that underscore the importance of compliance. Businesses that fail to provide accessible digital experiences can face lawsuits, fines, and settlements, often amounting to thousands or even millions of dollars.

Legal Requirements and Standards

The ADA requires that businesses open to the public, including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, provide accessible facilities. In the context of the internet, this means websites must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Courts often refer to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 as the standard for determining whether a website is accessible.

WCAG provides a set of guidelines that help ensure websites are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users with disabilities. The guidelines are divided into three levels of conformance: A (minimum), AA (mid-range), and AAA (highest). Most legal actions and settlements focus on meeting WCAG 2.0 or 2.1 Level AA standards.

Common Accessibility Barriers That Lead to Lawsuits

Businesses often face legal challenges due to common accessibility barriers on their websites. Some of these include:

Missing Alternative Text (Alt Text): Images without descriptive alt text make it difficult for screen readers to interpret visual content for visually impaired users.
Inaccessible Forms: Forms that are not properly labeled or lack error identification can prevent users with disabilities from submitting information.
Poor Color Contrast: Text that lacks sufficient contrast with its background can be hard to read for users with visual impairments.
Keyboard Navigation Issues: Websites that cannot be navigated via keyboard alone can be challenging for individuals who cannot use a mouse.
Missing Video Captions: Videos without captions exclude users with hearing impairments from accessing the content.

Addressing these barriers is critical to achieving compliance and avoiding legal issues.

Steps to Protect Your Business

Conduct an Accessibility Audit: The first step in protecting your business from lawsuits is to conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit of your website. This audit will help identify areas where your site does not meet WCAG standards. While automated tools can provide a basic overview, a manual audit conducted by accessibility experts offers a more thorough evaluation.
Implement Accessibility Enhancements: Based on the results of your audit, work with experienced developers to implement necessary changes. Focus on areas that have the most significant impact, such as adding alt text, improving keyboard navigation, and ensuring forms are accessible.
Regularly Update Your Website: Accessibility is not a one-time fix. As you add new content and features to your website, it’s essential to continuously monitor and update your site to maintain compliance. Regularly scheduled audits and updates help ensure your website remains accessible and legally compliant.
Provide an Accessibility Statement: An accessibility statement on your website demonstrates your commitment to providing an accessible experience. This statement should outline your efforts to comply with accessibility standards and provide contact information for users who need assistance.
Train Your Team: Ensure your team understands the importance of accessibility and how to implement best practices. Training content creators, developers, and designers can help maintain accessibility standards across all digital content.

Business Benefits of Accessibility Compliance

Beyond legal protection, making your website accessible offers significant business benefits. Accessible websites often see improved search engine rankings, as Google and other search engines prioritize sites that provide a positive user experience. By ensuring your website is accessible, you can also tap into a broader market, including the aging population and individuals with disabilities, enhancing your brand reputation and customer loyalty.

Proactively Protect Your Business

Website accessibility is more than a compliance requirement—it’s a commitment to inclusivity and good business practice. By taking proactive steps to ensure your website meets accessibility standards, you can protect your business from costly lawsuits, improve user experience, and demonstrate your dedication to serving all customers.

Don’t wait for a legal challenge to take action. Invest in website accessibility today to safeguard your business and create a welcoming digital environment for everyone.

World Autism Awareness Day: Creating Inclusive Websites for All

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day, a time to raise awareness and promote acceptance of individuals on the autism spectrum. As businesses and organizations, it's crucial to recognize the importance of digital accessibility and the role it plays in creating an inclusive environment for everyone, including those with autism. Ensuring your website is accessible is not just about compliance—it’s about embracing diversity and providing equal opportunities for all users.

Why Website Accessibility Matters for Individuals with Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects millions of people worldwide, and each individual's experience is unique. Many individuals with autism encounter specific challenges when navigating the web, such as difficulties with sensory overload, understanding complex navigation, or processing certain types of content. By making your website accessible, you help reduce these barriers, making your digital presence more welcoming and usable for everyone.

Key Accessibility Features to Support Users with Autism

Clear and Consistent Navigation: A straightforward navigation structure with clear labels helps users with autism find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. Avoid overly complex menus and unexpected changes in layout, as these can create confusion.
Minimalist Design and Reduced Clutter: A clean, minimalist design reduces sensory overload. Avoid flashing elements, auto-playing videos, or busy backgrounds that can distract or overwhelm users. Instead, use a simple color scheme and keep the layout consistent across pages.
Predictable Functionality: Ensure that all interactive elements—such as buttons, forms, and links—behave in predictable ways. For example, if a button looks like it should submit a form, it should not redirect users to another page unexpectedly. Predictable functionality helps build user trust and confidence.
Readable Text and Clear Instructions: Use simple language and short paragraphs to make content easier to understand. Break up large blocks of text with headings, bullet points, and spacing. Providing clear instructions for completing forms or navigating the site can make a significant difference for users with cognitive processing differences.
Provide Alternatives for Audio and Visual Content: For users who might struggle with processing sensory information, offering text alternatives for audio and video content is crucial. This includes providing transcripts for videos, captions for audio, and descriptive text for images, allowing users to consume information in the format that best suits them.

Benefits of Inclusive Web Design

Enhanced User Experience: By making your website accessible, you improve the user experience for everyone—not just individuals with autism. Features like clear navigation, predictable interactions, and easy-to-read text benefit all users, leading to higher satisfaction and engagement.
Expanded Audience Reach: An accessible website opens your business to a broader audience, including the 1 in 36 children identified with autism, according to the CDC, and their families. By accommodating their needs, you can increase your audience reach and foster a more inclusive brand image.
Legal Compliance and Risk Reduction: Websites that do not meet accessibility standards may face legal challenges under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Ensuring your website complies with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) helps protect your business from potential lawsuits while aligning your practices with inclusivity standards.

How to Get Started

Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Begin by assessing your website against WCAG standards to identify barriers that may impact users with autism. While automated tools can catch many issues, a manual audit by accessibility experts will provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
Implement Accessibility Enhancements: Work with developers familiar with WCAG guidelines to implement necessary changes. Prioritize updates that significantly improve usability, such as simplifying navigation, reducing sensory input, and providing clear content structures.
Commit to Ongoing Accessibility: Digital accessibility is not a one-time project. Regularly review your website for accessibility issues, especially when adding new content or features. Engaging with the autism community for feedback can also offer valuable insights into making your site more inclusive.

Creating Inclusive Websites for All

World Autism Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the importance of creating digital spaces that are inclusive and welcoming to all. By prioritizing accessibility, your business can play a crucial role in supporting individuals with autism and promoting a more inclusive online environment. Accessible websites are not just a legal requirement—they are an opportunity to connect with a diverse audience, enhance your brand’s reputation, and make the digital world a better place for everyone.

If you need help ensuring your website is accessible, our team is here to guide you through the process. Together, we can create a more inclusive digital space for all users.

Ready to make your website accessible? Contact us today to get started!

5 Common Website Accessibility Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

In today’s digital world, ensuring website accessibility is more than just a legal requirement—it's a fundamental aspect of building an inclusive and user-friendly online presence. Yet, many businesses still struggle with common accessibility mistakes that prevent users with disabilities from effectively engaging with their websites. Addressing these issues can help your business reach a wider audience, improve user experience, and avoid potential legal consequences.

In this post, we’ll explore five of the most common website accessibility mistakes and offer practical tips on how to avoid them.

1. Insufficient Color Contrast

Mistake: Many websites use color schemes that fail to provide enough contrast between text and background, making it difficult for users with visual impairments or color blindness to read content. Low color contrast is one of the most common accessibility barriers and can significantly affect the readability of your site.

Solution: To ensure sufficient color contrast, use tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker to verify that your text and background colors meet the minimum contrast ratios specified by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Additionally, consider using high-contrast modes or offering users the ability to switch to a high-contrast theme.

2. Lack of Text Alternatives for Non-Text Content

Mistake: Websites often neglect to provide text alternatives, or "alt text," for non-text content such as images, icons, and multimedia. Without descriptive alt text, screen readers cannot convey the meaning of these elements to visually impaired users, resulting in a poor user experience.

Solution: Ensure that all non-text content has descriptive alt text that clearly conveys its purpose or function. For images, use alt text to describe the content and context. For multimedia content like videos, provide captions and transcripts. Remember to keep alt text concise yet informative to effectively communicate the element's purpose to all users.

3. Poor Keyboard Navigation

Mistake: Many websites are designed primarily for mouse users, neglecting those who rely on keyboards or other assistive technologies to navigate. If your website’s interactive elements, such as menus, forms, or buttons, are not fully operable using a keyboard, it can create significant barriers for users with motor disabilities.

Solution: Make sure your website is fully navigable using a keyboard. This involves checking that all interactive elements are accessible and can be reached using the "Tab" key, and that users can activate them with the "Enter" or "Space" keys. Conduct regular keyboard-only navigation tests to identify and address any barriers. Provide visual indicators, such as a visible focus outline, to show which element is currently selected or focused.

4. Improper Use of Headings and Structure

Mistake: A common mistake is failing to use proper heading structure (e.g., H1, H2, H3) to organize content. Headings are essential for helping users understand the hierarchy and structure of the content, especially those using screen readers to navigate a webpage. Improper use, such as skipping heading levels or using headings purely for visual formatting, can create confusion and reduce content accessibility.

Solution: Use HTML heading tags (H1-H6) to create a clear and logical structure on each page. Ensure there is only one H1 per page, which should be reserved for the main title or topic. Subsequent sections should use H2 for primary headings, H3 for subheadings under H2, and so on. Avoid using headings purely for styling; instead, use CSS for visual adjustments while keeping a semantic structure.

5. Failure to Provide Accessible Forms

Mistake: Forms are a critical component of many websites, but they are often designed without accessibility in mind. Common issues include missing labels for form fields, unclear error messages, and forms that require a mouse for interaction. These problems make it difficult for users with disabilities to complete forms, resulting in frustration and abandonment.

Solution: Ensure that all form fields have clear and descriptive labels that are programmatically associated with the input fields using the <label> element. Provide helpful error messages that are specific and easy to understand. Make sure all forms are keyboard-accessible and that users can easily navigate between fields using the "Tab" key. Consider using ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to enhance the accessibility of more complex form elements.

Taking Steps Towards a More Accessible Website

Addressing these five common accessibility mistakes can significantly improve the usability and inclusivity of your website. By ensuring sufficient color contrast, providing text alternatives, enabling keyboard navigation, using proper heading structure, and designing accessible forms, you can create a more welcoming digital experience for all users. Not only will this help you comply with legal requirements, but it will also enhance your brand reputation, increase user engagement, and reach a wider audience.

Accessibility is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Regularly reviewing and updating your website to align with the latest accessibility standards is essential. At Accessibilities, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of website accessibility. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you in creating an inclusive online presence.

By avoiding these common mistakes, your website can be a welcoming and user-friendly space for everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Website accessibility inspection case study: Amazon.com

There are one billion people in the world living with some form of disability. Regardless of the scale of this fact, it is essential to ensure these people have the same level of online access as everyone else. So, what barriers might we find on the most popular websites out there?

We have performed a website accessibility inspection on Amazon.com. The following will outline how it falls behind in accessibility and what it should do to improve its design.

Why this matters

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of instructions for website developers. They explain how to make the Internet more accessible to those with disabilities. This allows people with a wide variety of needs to have an equitable experience.

It is essential to create such experiences for everyone accessing your site. This is because the Internet is so ingrained in our lives that we must consider it a human right, alongside other utilities.

Barriers and other issues

The following areas on Amazon.com breach WCAG and make it harder for disabled people to use the site. Each barrier explains how it can affect a person with a disability.

Screen Reader Button Parsing

The website has locations where screen readers do not read out page content accurately. For example, the "Select your address" button during ordering. For a person who requires a screen reader, this can cause confusion or a lack of ability to navigate the site.

Screen Reader Header Misclassification

The site's headers are not the correct header level on some occasions. This can create difficulty in navigating between these headers. It also creates confusion for people listening to a screen reader describe the site's hierarchy.

Main Menu Keyboard Access Issues

One cannot access all locations without a mouse. The main menu, for example, will not open when the main menu button is selected, and the user presses enter. This locks off the user from all navigation under this menu.

Synchronized Closed Captions on Videos

In some instances, close captioning was not available. For those who do not hear, closed captions are essential to understand the contents of a video. Amazon.com, specifically product pages, lacks closed captioning.

Horizontal Scrollbar Zoom

Some zoom levels create a horizontal scrollbar, which could intrude on those with mobility issues. This is because it can capture any attempts to scroll vertically. An example of where this is relevant is if a person has mobility issues and has a habit of accidentally swiping sideways.

More on website accessibility

As you can see above, there are a number of places Amazon.com falls behind in web accessibility.

With a lack of screen reader functionality and closed captions, they fail to engage with those with hearing or sight difficulties. As the main menus do not work without a keyboard, those who are unable to use a mouse have no recourse to access vast swathes of their site. Also, by showing a horizontal scrollbar, those with motor impairment will have frustration using every page.

A Guide to the ADA Tax Credit: How to Apply, Who Qualifies, and More

According to the World Health Organization, 15% of the world's population lives with some disability.

Disabilities can make it harder for people to access websites. Still, businesses can take steps to improve this experience and make it easier for these people. The IRS offers an ADA tax credit to incentivize businesses to make their websites accessible. Keep reading to learn about this credit and how you can claim it.

Disclaimer: we are not tax professionals. Please confirm with your CPA.
Here is what we know through discussion with many of our clients and our CPA:

Website accessibility initiatives (inspections and remediation) qualify for the Disabled Access Credit.
Small businesses (i.e., less than $1M in revenue OR less than 30 employees) qualify for the Disabled Access Credit.
The Disabled Access Credit is a TAX CREDIT, not a tax deduction.
Expenditures between $250-$15K qualify for a 50% tax credit.

What Is the ADA Tax Credit?

The ADA tax credit is listed under Section 44 in the IRS codes. This credit can cover 50% of the expenses made in the previous tax year.

For example, if you spent $500 on an accessibility inspection for your website, you could subtract $250 from that. This means you'll have $250 left over that is eligible and receive 50% of what's left over. This means you'd get $125 in credit and only have to pay $375 a year on the website inspection (after the credit).

Who Is Eligible?

When managing your budget for the next year, the ADA tax credit is available for businesses that make less than $1 million or have less than thirty full-time employees.

If you meet either of those requirements, you can then file for the credit.

If you purchased a manual inspection of the accessibility of your website, this will qualify, depending on how much was spent.

How Does This Apply to Accessible Websites?

The ADA was initially written to apply the regulations and rules to the Internet and make it more accessible. The ADA covers websites, and it mandates that they must be digitally accessible.

The tax credit can apply to businesses that are investing in creating an accessible website to accommodate those with a disability.

They can also be used for fees on ADA consulting services, removing architectural barriers, producing accessible printed materials and adaptive equipment, or hiring sign language or interpreters.

How to Apply

You'll need to first refer to the IRS's Tax Incentives for Improving Accessibility Fact Sheet. This will give you even more information about this tax credit and how to apply for it.

Once you've ensured that your business is eligible, you'll need to find Form 8826. You'll need to fill this out and attach it to your annual tax return. You can find this form on ADA.gov.

Other Benefits of Being Website Accessibility Compliant

In addition to being able to claim this ADA tax credit, you'll also enjoy other benefits of having an accessible website. For example, having an accessible website will help reduce the chances of an accessibility complaint. You'll also have an accessible website that makes it easier for your disabled customers and employees.

How The Last of Us Accessibility Options Help Disabled Gamers

If you've seen HBO's latest hit show, The Last of Us, you might know this series is based on a critically acclaimed video game.

Initially released on the PlayStation 3, players praised the game's ability to balance engaging gameplay with rich storytelling and nuanced characters.

In addition to its initial success, The Last of Us made headlines due to an impressive suite of accessibility features that broke new ground for accessibility in video games in 2013.

The Last of Us: Part I

The Last of Us: Part I is the 2022 remake of the original game and has carried on the franchise's legacy of accessible gaming.

It builds on the original and gives gamers a visual and gameplay experience fit for the PlayStation 5's capabilities. It's a great way to catch up on the series for those who have heard about it but have never played it. The story follows Joel and Ellie as they travel across the United States amid a zombie-like outbreak. The game was lauded for its graphical prowess, enriching gameplay, and immersive story.

The developer, Naughty Dog, has long emphasized accessibility as a foundational part of the game's development.

Some key accessibility innovations include DualSense haptic vibrations, a screen reader narration function, and cinematics that come with audio descriptions.

Other accessibility options included alternate controls for gameplay—such as changing the directional input for movement on ladders and removing the need for repetitive button presses.

In the accessibility menu of the game, players can set Navigation and Traversal settings, enabling customization of their character's movement through the game. This feature provides a range of options, including automatic jumping, unlimited underwater breathing, and various other settings to make movement more manageable.

Gamers with disabilities will also appreciate the game's Enhanced Listen Mode. This mode provides sound and audio cues for items within a character's proximity.

A new accessibility feature introduced in The Last of Us Part 1 is the Speech to Vibrations option—if activated, the DualSense wireless controller produces vibrations that simulate spoken dialog, enabling the player to experience the emotions behind each line delivered.

Another key accessibility feature, called Combat Accessibility in the game settings, allows players to modify the game's difficulty by tailoring enemy behavior to suit their preferences. The result is a customizable gameplay experience accommodating various player abilities and preferences.

Room for improvement

While The Last of Us: Part I has made significant strides in accessible gaming, there is still room for improvement. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has noted that the game's Enhanced Listen Mode lacks customization and range.

This feature is triggered by hitting the circle button to look for items and the square button to search for enemies. It is expected that the developers will keep making improvements to this mode in subsequent releases.

Audio Description Mode

The game's audio description mode was a wildly successful implementation of the updated PlayStation 5 version. This mode was the first of its kind for a Triple-A game and is a strong indicator that companies are increasingly keeping disabled gamers in mind and making these sorts of features par for the course.

Remakes provide an excellent opportunity to add these features to popular and successful games released throughout the years. These features are a welcome addition mainly because they bring more gamers into the fold when it comes to taking in and appreciating the story.

Without some of these additions, it'd be incredibly difficult for gamers with disabilities to complete the game. With the audio description feature on, gamers will be able to get narrations for cut scenes. Since The Last of Us franchise depends on cutscenes to move the story along, gamers would be missing out if they didn't have this feature.

Criticisms the Franchise Has Faced

Though The Last of Us is widely hailed as one of the greatest games of its generation and of all time, it still hasn't been exempt from criticism.

The $70 price tag for the latest edition, The Last of Us: Part I, is one of the most notable criticisms the franchise has received. Many gamers felt that the rise in the price tag was a slap in the face. One of the big reasons they felt this way was because The Last of Us: Part I is the third release of the original title.

So conceivably, many gamers had already bought and played the game twice. This would include gamers who purchased the original 2013 title for PlayStation 3, the remastered edition for the PlayStation 4, and the current version.

The Last of Us: Part II

The Last of Us: Part II came before The Last of Us: Part I in the franchise's timeline. This one was released in 2020 for the PlayStation 4. While PlayStation 5 gamers could play it once the system was released, it wasn't a game that was initially developed for the system.

As such, The Last of Us: Part II doesn't have the number of options gamers would later get from the original remake. It has been rumored that the PlayStation 5 will also get a full remaster, but no official announcement has been made.

Room for Improvement

While Naughty Dog originally made some accessibility upgrades for The Last of Us: Part II, the consensus was that the game left room for improvement.

It was considered a step forward in achievement since the developer gave PlayStation 4 gamers some accessibility presets and the ability to control more of their settings. One of the biggest rooms for improvement was the area of audio descriptions.

The game modes didn't make The Last of Us: Part II fully accessible to blind and low-vision gamers. It was clear that Naughty Dog learned from this since the PlayStation 5 original remake featured every accessibility setting that people appreciated in The Last of Us: Part II while adding audio descriptions and other vital features.

Optimize for Accessible Gaming

There has never been a better time for accessibility in video games—and there are steps you can take to optimize your setup. There are many steps that you can take to enjoy your favorite games despite disability issues!

Here are a few things that you can do to get the most out of your gaming setup:

Always Check the Settings

Now that gamers know how The Last of Us franchise has improved accessibility in gaming, gamers should be mindful of settings in other video games with these features. In addition to the ones we've covered, there are many general features that you might want to look for, including large subtitles, audio for cutscenes, vibration modes, navigation assistance, and several different contrast and brightness levels.

Look for games with several accessibility options, and research these options before purchasing the game.

Purchase Accessible Controllers

Aside from the built-in settings, there are also some disability-friendly controllers and other peripherals that gamers can look into. These controllers are set up to help gamers with a variety of disabilities to get the most from a variety of titles that they have in their catalog.

Third-party companies have released controllers with various plug-and-play presets that can be configured in whatever way works for the need. They have several triggers that are lightweight and sensitive to the touch, so they are responsive to however they are chosen.

Companies have also developed controllers that feature several joysticks that gamers can use to have more control over how characters move. These controllers are more spread out and made to help gamers with different physical limitations.

There are even controllers that gamers can control with their mouths if they are amputees or otherwise don't have the full use of their arms, hands, or fingers.

Deaf gamers can buy special vests that vibrate and shake as their character interacts with environments in the game. It makes the game more immersive so they can feel what is happening even though they can't hear the audio cues.

Companies have also come out with single-handed controllers for gamers who only have the use of one of their hands.

Consider Other Devices and Equipment

Finally, consider the many other types of equipment available to gamers with disabilities. Now that accessibility awareness is rising, look for more peripheral developers to develop products that help. This includes everything from voice command technology to gamer chairs for gamers with disabilities.

The Future of Accessibility in Gaming

Naughty Dog truly showed with The Last of Us franchise that accessibility in gaming is vital to delivering groundbreaking experiences. There are roughly 400 million disabled gamers worldwide, representing a large population hoping to see these features become more commonplace.

It not only fosters goodwill, but it also makes good business sense to provide service to the millions of people who want to play their favorite titles. Many other developers are also following suit. Games like God of War Ragnarök and Elden Ring were not only smashed hits – they also had accessibility features.

By continuing this trend, you can expect these features to become more commonplace in gaming. The key is for gamers and advocates to keep using their voices so that these features are included in every piece of hardware and software that developers release.

The Last of Us franchise did an admirable job of furthering the conversation, but it's clear that there's still much work to be done. All indications point toward the fact that it's only the beginning.

Why Manual Accessibility Audits Are Better Than Automated Scans

Did you know that there are approximately 2 billion websites on the Internet as of 2022?

One of the most critical responsibilities business owners have is maintaining an accessible website. Audits are a great way to do so, but not everybody understands why manual audits are superior to automated scans.

Let's take a closer look at the key information you need to know.

More Accurate Results

The inspectors conducting the inspection can check for errors in real time and address any potential performance issues that could arise in the future. This level of accuracy is unmatched by automated scans, which often miss errors or misdiagnose the barrier.

Even a single overlooked problem could evolve into something greater that could be difficult to navigate in the future.

Adhere to Current Trends and Standards

As time passes, accessibility trends develop, and new standards must be met. If you aren't on top of these, you could find yourself dealing with complications in the future.

One of the most notable is dealing with a lawsuit—something that has become much more common over the past couple of years.

Fortunately, working with a professional will help you avoid a situation like this and the problems that come with it.

Time-Efficient Process

Manual inspections can save you time in the long run since they help your website run more smoothly and efficiently.

This means fewer errors or problems that need to be addressed down the line and fewer resources necessary for maintenance and upkeep.

Can You Use Automated Scans in Addition to Manual Audits?

Yes, it's possible to use automated scans in addition to manual inspections.

Automated scans can provide a broad overview of your website and its performance, while manual audits can go into greater detail and provide more accurate results. Both methods are essential for maintaining the highest quality website possible.

However, it's recommended that you use a manual inspection first to get a comprehensive idea of any issues that might be present.

What Are the Downfalls of Automatic Scans?

There are certain attributes you should consider before hiring someone to inspect your website. One of the most important is the downfalls of automatic scans.

Let's take a closer look at some of the most notable reasons.

Oversight

Interestingly, many people are unaware of the fact that automatic scans are prone to making oversights. To clarify, there are certain things automatic scans cannot do compared to humans.

Put simply, they won't be able to tell if certain aspects of your site make sense to users. This can prove to cause a large number of issues in the future if you don't take this into consideration.

Lower Accuracy Rates

Many people choose automatic scans to save time. However, the time you save won't matter much if you sacrifice accuracy. This is especially true for those who are unfamiliar with automatic scans.

This process involves using different tools, and those with more experience will be able to get better results from them. However, even the most accurate automatic scan user still won't be able to match a professional auditor.

You Cannot Consult With a Human

Once you receive your scan results, you are left to fend for yourself. You won't be able to get in touch with acumen and discuss them. For many business owners, this leaves them in the dark and unsure of what steps to take next.

A professional, on the other hand, will be able to guide you through the process.

How Do I Know When I Need an Audit?

it's essential to be proactive when it comes to your website. Manual inspections should be conducted regularly to keep up with the ever-evolving web.

If you haven't had an inspection done in a while, it might be time to schedule one. You may also consider scheduling an inspection if you're making major changes to your website or recently added new content.

This will ensure that everything is in line with current standards and ensure there aren't any compatibility issues.

Finally, it's worth booking one if you aren't quite sure if you are meeting the relevant standards. It's much better to get a professional opinion to take the appropriate action if necessary.

Don't Overlook the Importance of Manual Audits

Manual audits are an invaluable tool for maintaining the highest quality website possible. By following the advice outlined above, you can make sure to get the most out of the ones you implement.

Looking for more information on what we can do? Contact us today to see how we can help.

What attorneys should know about automated website accessibility tools

Website accessibility is a fast-growing area of legal liability, with fines and settlements ranging up to tens of thousands.

Reports show that the number of plaintiffs who have filed an ADA Title III lawsuit has increased by 320% since 2013.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) conformance is a sticky area for businesses to get right. Most website and business owners don't have the skill set to achieve full website accessibility on their own. Many also don't have the financial resources to devote to top-notch accessibility compliance.

Thanks to this pain point, a number of automated tools have come onto the market. Some of these tools promise business owners that for a low monthly fee, all their website compliance needs will be filled.

Unfortunately, this is not the case. Automated website accessibility tools can play a valuable role in improving accessibility compliance. But, if not used in the right way, they can also leave website owners wide open to liability.

Are you an attorney who deals with accessibility compliance cases?

Keep reading for more information on the uses and limitations of compliance automation.

Automated Website Accessibility Tools Can Lower Costs For Businesses

Comprehensively remediating a website can be a costly, involved undertaking. Depending on the size and complexity of the website, auditing and remediation can take time. It can also require a fair financial outlay from business owners.

Many smaller businesses simply can't afford the cost of complete compliance. This is a well-recognized problem in the market.

Enter website accessibility tools. So far, these tools have been a double-edged sword.

Automated tools can play a role in reducing the barriers to full remediation. However, they aren't a turnkey solution.

Automated tools can quickly scan huge amounts of data. Through this, they can identify basic compliance issues, such as missing alt tags. Alt tags are one of the five most common accessibility barriers.

Automated tools can also uncover error patterns. This allows developers to get a top-down view of remediation needs.

The data that automated AI tools generate can help developers:

Sort through issues
Determine which accessibility issues are the most important to a website's usability
Identify less significant issues
Create a tailored remediation plan that targets the most critical accessibility barriers

All combined, AI tools can help developers maximize the efficient use of their time. This can result in cost savings which then get passed down to the website owner.

However, automated accessibility is still very far from being a one-stop remedy.

Automated Tools Are Not Enough to Ensure Website Compliance

Compliance automation can improve efficiency and drive down costs. Unfortunately, relying solely on automated tools leaves site owners wide open to liability.

Automation tools can help developers identify accessibility gaps. However, this doesn't mean they're a replacement for manual testing and remediation.

The pattern-spotting capabilities and speed of automated tools allow developers to scan vast amounts of codes within seconds. But, a compliance automation tool cannot pick up everything.

For instance, let's say an eCommerce site has a product image of a pair of black leggings. The alt tag should say "black leggings." But instead, it says "black jeggings." Jeggings and leggings are two different product types.

The shopper is looking for a pair of leggings. They do not want thicker, jean-like jeggings.

A small discrepancy like this will pass under the radar of an automation tool. For a customer who's visually impaired, it could be a source of frustration at best. At worst, it could lead them to buy the wrong item of clothing.

This is just one small example of the things an automated tool will miss. Compound this (and other issues) over an entire site? It will stand zero chance of achieving accessibility compliance.

Thanks to these capability gaps, the US government specifically warns against automated-only remediation. As per the General Services Administration website:

"Automated scanning cannot determine if a website is accessible or conformant with accessibility standards. Many accessibility checks require human judgment and must be evaluated manually using different techniques."

The Problem With AI Overlays

As we've outlined, automated tools haven't yet reached the stage where they're a set-and-forget service. This in and of itself isn't a problem. The technology is already assisting developers in creating more efficient website compliance processes.

The main problem lies in the marketing of compliance automation.

There are a variety of services that offer what's known as AI overlays. Some of these services hint that AI overlays can render sites completely ADA-compliant. A simple injection of code, a small monthly fee, and no more website compliance worries.

Most AI overlays don't specifically guarantee accessibility compliance. However, certain buzzwords can effectively overstate product capabilities.

Site owners are led to believe that automated detection will protect them. Ongoing remediation processes that work in the background are supposed to keep their site accessible.

Site owners are desperate for affordable, scalable solutions. If a web accessibility overlay promises a quick, cheap fix, it's likely to rake in business.

Unfortunately, site owners who believe these marketing claims can land in serious trouble.

One example of this is the recent Eyebobs lawsuit. Last year a visually impaired plaintiff won a class action lawsuit against the eyewear company, even though Eyebobs had deployed a market-leading web accessibility overlay.

This is just one example.

Reports show that 250 lawsuits were filed against businesses using overlays during 2020 alone.

How To Make a Website More Accessible

Now that we've covered what makes a website accessible, let's apply that information, so your clients' websites don't miss the mark. An excellent way to make a website more accessible is to offer an alternative way to consume media.

Many websites contain audio and video content to make the website more informational and interactive. If there is any audio content on your client's site, make sure they add a transcription of the audio. For any video content, it is best to add captions properly synced with the content and audio that is clear to hear.

How Site Owners Can Achieve Comprehensive Website Accessibility

Website accessibility is no longer something site owners can afford to forget.

So how can businesses effectively comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines? Relying on automation tools is a risky route. Although AI overlays can improve website accessibility, they won't render sites ADA compliant.

To protect themselves and move the needle on accessibility, site owners need to look further.

The leading accessibility services use software solutions combined with in-depth manual processes.

For instance, at Biz Builders, our clients receive manual audits, implementation, and confirmation. Through tailored implementation plans, we are also able to balance costs and timing with compliance.

All site owners need to do is request an accessibility report to get the ball rolling.

5 Most Common Website Accessibility Barriers

Here is our list of the 5 most common Website Accessibility barriers found on websites today.

Headings & Layout, Navigation, Alternative Text and Tags, Structure of Forms, and Non-HTML Content

Developing a website to comply with website accessibility standards will include an approach based on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The guidelines are designed for those with disabilities who would otherwise be unable to use the website they were hoping to navigate. For those with visual impairments, many issues may inhibit a user from using a website. The layout, headings, navigation, non-HTML content, missing, or inaccurate alt text affect the ability to use screen readers or other applicable technology properly.

Typically relying on keyboard commands, screen readers provide information about icons, files, folders, and other text found on the screen. All operating systems include a screen reader, and many can read all or parts of visible text on a page. To fully comply with a screenreader, however, a website must be created with website accessibility in mind. Technology supporting those with disabilities rely on well structured, accessibility enables code. Errors in code or faulty creation can triggers errors in screen readers and other technology used.

Here are a few of the most common compliance barriers for users with visual impairments:

Headings & Layout

Proper use of web headings is critical in allowing the user to find what they are looking for on a page. Rather than using headings decoratively, placing them in a descending order that is logical will increase the likelihood of an impaired user interpreting the web page correctly. Screen readers vary in complexity and ability to understand CSS or HTML. This can create issues when a screen reader must determine what sequence the text is presented. Screen reader technology also allows users to search for text on-screen, while these users rarely will read an entire web page. With this in mind, structuring HTML in a logical order that reads left to right/top to bottom will increase the likelihood of compliance with screen reader technology.

Navigation

Navigation is not detected by screen readers, meaning if not labeled accordingly, it will trigger a screen reader to read the text forcing a user with visual impairment to listen to the navigation over and over again each time a new page loads. Creating navigation that is website accessible allows the screen reader to skip over this text.

Alternative Text and Tags for Images

Alternative tagging on images must convey the content of the image. Images within a website can comply with accessibility standards, as long as tagging and descriptions are used correctly. Shorty and concise descriptions allow users to navigate content quickly as needed. Imagery with repeated alternative text should be avoided as screen readers will read each image descriptor, over and over again. Decorative images must be labeled accordingly, and having missing alternative text will negatively impact your web presence. Alternative text with no information, or a null attribute, will announce a non-descriptive image, which will create confusion for the user. If the image is critical in understanding the context of the page, the user will be unable to use the web page.

Structure of Forms

Labeling forms on a page is critical in enabling the use of the feature for those users with visual impairments. Forms are often a common barrier for users with disabilities as they are commonly misrepresented by screen reader technology. To fully comply with accessibility standards, clearly label each text box, button, and any use of captchas, as well as an alternative function enabling audio. Any errors made by the users must be prompted by displaying error text to the user if a form error occurs.

Non-HTML Content

Additional content, including PDF presentation, typically includes compliance barriers for those users with disabilities. Tagging PDFs for navigation by a screen reader is possible, while other document types offer technology within the software.

What does it take to make a website compliant?

Web programmers specializing in compliance barriers will review the code on your current site, looking for areas that would greatly benefit from ADA compliant website improvements. Understanding the goals of the website and the volume of improvements needed, an implementation plan is developed. How customer data is stored, managed, and used is also reviewed for GDPR and CCPA compliance. Remediation of compliance barriers can span from full website creation to tweaks and changes to balance costs and timing with compliance. Recommendations to best manage customer information are provided and a policy is developed. Following any changes, documentation of the improvements and ongoing testing and maintenance is performed.

What happens when your website is not compliant?

When your website is not ADA compliant, you could face serious financial setbacks in fines and penalties. A company’s first violation of ADA compliance can be anywhere between $55,000 and $75,000. A second violation increases to $110,000 to $150,000. If your site doesn’t utilize ADA compliant website design at all, it may become more difficult to keep up with the changing standards when it’s time to switch. Having a baseline of following ADA accessibility standards will make it easier to upgrade when guidelines change.