ADA Attorney in Los Angeles, California

The American Disabilities Act (ADA) is a significant civil rights law that was enacted in 1990. It prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The ADA gives equal opportunities to people with disabilities, allowing them to participate fully in society. It’s essential to understand that the ADA isn’t just about physical spaces; it extends to digital spaces like websites as well.

How We Can Help

We are more than just a law firm — we’re a team of dedicated professionals who go the extra mile so that our clients’ needs are met. Based in Los Angeles, California, we’ve built a reputation for our unwavering commitment to helping our clients through their legal issues, including compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA). We’re known for our unique blend of authority, credibility, and empathy.

We offer reassurance through clear and empathetic language, aggressively advocating while maintaining a warm and compassionate demeanor. If you’re dealing with ADA compliance struggles, we’re here to stand by your side and provide the professional assistance you need.

ADA Compliance: Requirements

ADA compliance refers to the adherence to the guidelines set forth under the ADA to prevent discrimination and ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. For organizations, businesses, and public entities, this means taking proactive steps to accommodate individuals with disabilities effectively. Specific requirements under the ADA include but are not limited to:

• Physical Accessibility: Facilities must be free of barriers that would prevent a person with a disability from accessing goods or services. This includes wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms, appropriate signage, and parking spaces.

• Reasonable Modifications: Entities must make reasonable modifications to their policies, practices, and procedures to accommodate people with disabilities unless doing so would fundamentally alter the nature of their services.

• Effective Communication: Communication with people with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities must be as effective as communication with others. This may involve providing auxiliary aids and services like interpreters or Braille materials.

• Accessible Design: New construction and alterations in facilities must comply with ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

• Digital Accessibility: Websites, online systems, and other digital tools should be accessible, following Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure they can be used by people with a range of disabilities.

These steps are essential for creating an inclusive environment and avoiding the legal consequences of non-compliance with the ADA.

The Importance of ADA Compliance for Websites

Having an ADA-compliant website isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a moral obligation. We believe in creating a digital world that’s accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.

When a website is ADA-compliant, it means that people with disabilities can use it as easily as those without disabilities. This includes people with visual impairments who use screen readers, people with motor disabilities who can’t use a mouse, and many others. An ADA-compliant website not only opens your business to more customers but also shows that you care about every individual’s rights.

Common Issues Leading to Non-Compliance

Several common issues can lead to non-compliance with the ADA. These include a lack of alt text for images, missing form labels, poor color contrast, and a lack of keyboard accessibility, among others. Many businesses aren’t aware of these issues, and as a result, their websites become inaccessible to a significant portion of the population.

We’ve found that education is the key to overcoming these issues. Once businesses understand the importance of ADA compliance and the specific steps they need to take, they’re often eager to make the necessary changes.

Next Steps for Non-Compliant Websites

If your website isn’t currently ADA-compliant, don’t panic. Here are the steps you can take to become compliant:

1. Conduct an accessibility audit: This is a thorough review of your website to identify any barriers to accessibility.
2. Address the issues found in the audit: Once you have a list of issues, start working on them immediately. Some changes may be simple fixes, while others may require more time and resources.
3. Educate yourself and your team: Take the time to understand the ADA and its requirements fully. Educate your team on accessibility best practices so that they can continue maintaining compliance in the future.
4. Seek help: If you’re unsure about how to become compliant, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from an accessibility expert or lawyer.

We’ll provide you with a detailed action plan, including clear steps you can take to make your website ADA-compliant. We’ll also provide ongoing support and advice so that your website remains compliant in the future. At Nadine Lewis, Attorney at Law, we’re here to help you every step of the way.