In today’s digital age, having a website that is accessible to everyone is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 to ensure that people with disabilities are provided with equal access to employment, public accommodations, and other essential services. The act has been extended to include digital platforms as well, meaning that businesses must ensure their websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Insurance agency owners and other small business owners must recognize the importance of having an ADA compliant website in 2023. A website that is not accessible to individuals with disabilities can result in lost business and legal consequences. Accessibility is not just the right thing to do; it is also good for business.
One of the most significant benefits of having an ADA compliant website is the ability to reach a larger audience. The World Health Organization estimates that over one billion people in the world have some form of disability. By making your website accessible, you are opening your business to a new and often underserved market. This increased access can lead to increased revenue and growth opportunities for your business.
The most important aspect of having an ADA compliant website is that it helps to protect your business from legal liability. The Department of Justice has consistently ruled that websites must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in lawsuits and other legal penalties. Small business owners, including insurance agency owners, must be proactive in ensuring their websites are accessible to avoid any legal consequences.
Now, you might be thinking that making your website ADA compliant will be expensive and time-consuming. While redesigning an entire website to meet accessibility standards can be costly, there are affordable solutions available that can make your website accessible. For example, Accesibe is an ADA-approved plugin that can be installed on your website to make it accessible to individuals with disabilities. Accesibe uses AI technology to make your website accessible in real-time, providing an affordable and easy solution for small business owners.
The cost of redesigning an entire website can vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the site. On average, the cost of redesigning an entire website can range from $2,500 to $50,000 or more. Using Accesibe, however, can cost as little as $490 per year for small business owners.
Not only is it the right thing to do, but it is also good for business. By making your website accessible, you can reach a larger audience, protect your business from legal liability, and create a more inclusive online community. Whether you choose to redesign your entire website or use an ADA-approved plugin like Accesibe, the cost of making your website accessible is far outweighed by the benefits it can provide.