The Department of Justice (DOJ) is turning up the heat on web accessibility. They’ve made it crystal clear: if you run a business, your website needs to follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Take Springfield Clinic as an example. This private medical practice was required to make its website, patient portals, and mobile apps meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. It’s a wake-up call for all businesses—WCAG compliance isn’t just nice to have; it’s a must-have.

Why Does the DOJ Care About Accessibility?

The DOJ’s focus comes from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under Title III of the ADA, businesses must make their services available to people with disabilities—this includes websites and apps. In today’s world, many people rely on digital platforms to access healthcare, shopping, and other services. If those platforms aren’t accessible, people with disabilities are left out.

U.S. v. Springfield Clinic, LLC

In the Springfield Clinic case, the DOJ found problems that made it hard for people with visual and manual impairments to use the website and patient portals. For example, images had no alternative text, and parts of the site were hard to use with just a keyboard. By demanding WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, the DOJ showed that these guidelines are key to making digital services fair for all.

As part of their settlement, Springfield Clinic agreed to:

• Review all their digital platforms (website, patient portals, and mobile apps).
• Fix major issues right away.
• Create a long-term plan to stay accessible.
• Train staff on best practices for web accessibility.

This case is a clear warning sign. Businesses must act now to avoid legal trouble later.

What This Means for Businesses

Springfield Clinic isn’t alone. The DOJ is watching more industries than ever, and WCAG compliance is now seen as a legal requirement. Ignoring it can lead to:

Legal Trouble

ADA lawsuits related to web accessibility are increasing year after year. In 2024, over 4,000 lawsuits were filed in federal and state courts, with a staggering 41% of these cases identified as copycat litigation. These lawsuits can cost businesses anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the severity of the issues and settlement terms. On top of that, companies may face ongoing costs to monitor and maintain accessibility as part of court agreements. Proactively addressing accessibility issues can help you avoid these legal pitfalls and the stress that comes with them.

Bad PR

When businesses are accused of excluding people with disabilities, it can quickly become a public relations nightmare. A 2020 survey found that 73% of consumers are more likely to support brands that are inclusive and accessible. Negative press about inaccessibility can erode trust, leading customers to take their business elsewhere. In the age of social media, even one complaint can go viral, causing long-term damage to your reputation. Prioritizing accessibility shows that your business values inclusivity, which builds loyalty and strengthens your brand image.

Lost Customers

Accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s good for business. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 people in the US live with a disability. That’s a massive market segment that businesses risk excluding when their websites aren’t accessible. Furthermore, the spending power of people with disabilities, along with their families and advocates, is estimated at $13 trillion globally. Beyond the direct financial impact, think about the ripple effect: customers with disabilities are likely to recommend accessible businesses to others. Making your website accessible ensures you’re welcoming everyone to your digital storefront.

What Is WCAG Compliance?

WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), these guidelines act as a roadmap for making websites, apps, and other digital platforms accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. WCAG is widely recognized as the global standard for digital accessibility and is the framework many businesses follow to ensure their websites meet legal requirements and provide inclusive experiences.

At its core, WCAG is all about removing barriers. It’s designed to help developers and designers create content that works for people with a wide range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological challenges. The goal is to make the web a place where everyone can participate, regardless of their abilities.

The Four Principles of WCAG (POUR)

WCAG is built on four key principles:

• Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presented in ways that people can perceive. This includes features like alt text for images and captions for videos.
• Operable: Users must be able to interact with all elements of the site, whether they’re using a mouse, keyboard, or assistive technology like a screen reader.
• Understandable: Content should be clear and easy to follow. This means avoiding overly complicated text and ensuring navigation is consistent.
• Robust: Content should be built to work with assistive technologies now and in the future. This ensures that websites adapt as technology evolves.

Levels of WCAG Compliance

WCAG compliance is divided into three levels:

• A: The most basic level of accessibility.
• AA: The standard most businesses aim for because it addresses the biggest barriers for users.
• AAA: The highest level of accessibility, though it’s not practical or required for all content.

By following these guidelines, businesses can make their websites and apps easier to use for everyone while staying compliant with laws like the ADA. It’s not just about avoiding legal trouble—it’s about creating a more inclusive, user-friendly experience for all.

How to Make Your Website WCAG Compliant

Taking steps toward accessibility can feel overwhelming, but you can break it down:

Understand Web Accessibility Guidelines

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of standards designed to make web content more accessible. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to understand what needs to be done. They cover aspects like text readability, alternative text for images, and keyboard navigation.

Conduct a Website Audit

Regularly audit your website for accessibility issues. There are tools available online that can help you identify problems, such as missing alt text for images or issues with color contrast. Consulting with a specialist firm like 216digital to conduct a thorough audit can also be a wise investment.

Implement Ongoing Training

Train your staff, especially those involved in website management and content creation, about web accessibility. This helps create a culture of inclusivity and ensures that accessibility remains a priority.

Stay Informed and Up-to-Date

Web accessibility standards and best practices can evolve over time. Stay informed about any changes and make updates to your website as necessary to remain compliant.

Ongoing Monitoring

WCAG Compliance is not a one-time task with 216digital’s Accessibility Radar (a11y.Radar) service providing ongoing monitoring of your website or app to detect any new accessibility issues that may arise over time. This proactive approach helps prevent potential violations before they lead to costly lawsuits.”

Wrapping Up

The DOJ’s focus on WCAG standards is a big deal. The Springfield Clinic case proves that accessibility matters. This isn’t just about avoiding problems. It’s about creating online spaces where everyone can belong.

Don’t wait. Start working on WCAG compliance today. Protect your business, build your reputation, and make your site better for everyone.

Need help? Schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital using the contact form below. We’re ready to guide you through the process.