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  • Boost Summer Sales with E-Commerce Accessibility

    Boost Summer Sales with E-Commerce Accessibility

    Four days. Over $24 billion spent online. More than half of those purchases made on phones. That was July—not November—which shows just how much summer now acts like a peak shopping season. For eCommerce leaders, the takeaway is straightforward: every second of your mobile experience either builds revenue or lets it slip away.

    Design and performance are important, but they don’t go far enough if parts of your site are still hard to use. E-commerce accessibility is what turns casual browsing into completed orders. Small improvements—better contrast on banners, alt text on product images, tap-friendly buttons, or checkout flows that support wallet payments—can make the difference between an abandoned cart and a sale. What follows is a clear plan to help you prepare for summer’s surge in a way that’s practical, manageable, and built to deliver results.

    Why Summer’s Surge Matters

    The way people shop has shifted. Purchases aren’t tied to desktops or long browsing sessions anymore—they happen in small windows throughout the day. Whether it’s scrolling on the train, tapping through a checkout line, or quickly buying something after dinner, mobile has become the primary storefront.

    Industry data backs this up. Mobile commerce is expected to generate over $2.5 trillion in sales globally this year, accounting for more than 60 percent of all e-commerce. For businesses, that means mobile optimization isn’t optional. Without it, brands risk losing customers to competitors who offer a more seamless experience. And when mobile readiness is paired with e-commerce accessibility, the benefits go even further, ensuring that every shopper—not just most—can complete their purchase with ease.

    Why e-commerce Accessibility Builds Trust and Loyalty

    One in four adults in the U.S. lives with a disability, representing trillions in global spending power. Yet many e-commerce sites still have barriers: low-contrast text, missing alt text, or forms that don’t work with screen readers.

    These aren’t small mistakes—they’re lost sales. Nearly 9 out of 10 shoppers won’t return after a poor experience. By contrast, removing accessibility barriers improves the journey for all customers:

    • Clearer navigation benefits busy parents shopping on the go.
    • Higher contrast helps people outdoors in bright sun.
    • Streamlined forms cut friction across the board.

    Accessibility isn’t just compliance—it’s customer experience.

    A Checklist for Seasonal Optimization

    You don’t need to overhaul your entire site to make it work better for summer shoppers. The biggest wins usually come from tightening up a few areas that directly affect how fast someone can find what they want and check out. Here’s where to focus:

    Mobile Performance

    Most summer shoppers are on their phones, sometimes with less-than-perfect service. Test your site on real devices, not just a desktop simulator. Keep images lean, make pages load in under three seconds, and check how it performs on a basic cellular connection. Those small speed gains often decide whether a cart gets completed.

    Navigation That Works on Small Screens

    Clear menus, a visible search bar, and buttons that are easy to tap matter more than you think. If someone has to pinch and zoom just to click, you’ll lose them. Adding digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay also trims precious seconds off checkout.

    e-commerce Accessibility Essentials

     Take a fresh look at contrast, alt text, and forms. Can a product photo be understood without seeing it? Does your promo banner stand out when read aloud by a screen reader? Can someone tab through the entire checkout with a keyboard? These quick checks reveal where shoppers might be getting stuck.

    Promotions People Can Actually Use

    Discounts only drive revenue when customers can interact with them. Design banners that stay legible in bright light, code calls-to-action correctly, and build offers so customers can always redeem them.

    Seasonal Discovery

     Social platforms push more traffic than ever, and many customers will jump straight from TikTok or Instagram to checkout. Captions and clear descriptions help that content perform better while also making it accessible. On your site, think seasonally—customers searching “grill” or “beach” should land on relevant results.

    Checkout Without Friction

    Cart abandonment still costs retailers billions. Keep it short, show customers where they are in the process, and let them check out without creating an account. Adding trust signals—like secure payment icons—can make a big difference in whether they finish the purchase.

    Real-time Feedback

    Don’t wait until after a sale is over to see what went wrong. Track cart abandonment, page load times, and accessibility errors as they happen. That way, you can make fixes while the promotion is still live.

    Seasonal Updates

    Fresh visuals help keep the store feeling current, but clarity matters most. Summer-themed banners, bright colors, or back-to-school imagery should still meet accessibility standards so that promotions are visible to everyone.

    From Sizzle to Sale: Why Accessibility Pays

    You don’t need a massive redesign to be ready for summer. What you need is to clear away the small obstacles that quietly cost sales. Make promotions easy to see and interact with. Keep navigation simple, even on a phone. Let customers check out the way they already prefer. And make sure each step—search, product view, add-to-cart, and checkout—works smoothly for every shopper, including those using assistive technology. That’s how e-commerce accessibility drives real business results: more orders completed, fewer abandoned carts, and happier customers who come back.
    Think of it as preparing for today and investing in tomorrow. The improvements you make now to support summer sales will keep paying off during back-to-school, holiday, and every seasonal promotion that follows. If you’d like a clear picture of where your site is strong and where quick wins are waiting, 216digital offers ADA briefings designed to be straightforward and actionable.

    Greg McNeil

    August 18, 2025
    The Benefits of Web Accessibility
    2025, Accessibility, Benefits of Web Accessibility, Website Accessibility
  • How to Meet California Web Accessibility Laws in 2025

    How to Meet California Web Accessibility Laws in 2025

    If your website serves Californians, you’re stepping into one of the most lawsuit-heavy digital environments in the country. California leads the nation in web accessibility lawsuits—and the pace isn’t slowing in 2025.

    That reality can feel overwhelming. The headlines make it seem like one slip could land you in court. The rules aren’t always easy to interpret, and the stakes feel high. But here’s the thing: you’re not powerless. With the right understanding and a proactive plan, you can protect your business, meet California’s requirements, and even turn accessibility into an advantage.

    This guide will break down California’s web accessibility laws, recent legal updates, and practical steps you can take right now to stay ahead. Let’s walk the landscape—and give you a clear path forward.

    Web Accessibility in California Isn’t Optional Anymore

    California, New York, and Florida consistently account for the majority of ADA-related website lawsuits nationwide. What makes California different is the mix: federal law, state law, and a culture of active enforcement all rolled together.

    And here’s the kicker: you don’t need a physical storefront in California to be pulled into this mix. If you sell online to Californians, your website is within reach of these laws.

    Bottom line: if your digital presence isn’t accessible, you’re at risk. Fixing it early is always easier—and far less expensive—than scrambling after a lawsuit.

    Why California’s Web Accessibility Laws Are Tougher

    California has always been out in front on consumer protections and civil rights, and that leadership shows up online. Courts and lawmakers here push harder for accessibility and hold organizations accountable when they fall short.

    The result? Higher expectations, more lawsuits, and often bigger settlements compared to other states. Planning for accessibility in California isn’t just good practice—it’s basic risk management.

    Multiple Legal Layers to Consider

    California’s legal framework is layered and powerful. Here’s how the pieces fit:

    Federal Law: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    The ADA doesn’t name websites directly, but courts—including those in California—have repeatedly ruled that business websites and mobile apps count as “public accommodations” under Title III. Translation: if you sell or serve online, your site must be accessible.

    State Law: Unruh Civil Rights Act

    The Unruh Act takes the ADA and makes it California law—with teeth. Plaintiffs can seek damages of at least $4,000 per violation, plus attorney’s fees. Add in emotional-distress claims, and those numbers climb fast. This law is one of the most common tools used in web accessibility lawsuits, and it applies to out-of-state businesses, too.

    State Government Codes

    California has written accessibility directly into law for public agencies. Three key sections work together:

    • 11545.7 : Requires state agencies to post a compliance certificate on their websites every two years, confirming alignment with WCAG 2.0 AA.
    • 7405 : Reinforces Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, requiring agencies to keep electronic and information technology accessible.
    • 11135 : Extends protections to all state-funded or state-run programs, prohibiting discrimination in digital systems.

    Public Sector Rule: AB 434

    Since 2019, agencies must meet WCAG 2.0 AA and post a signed compliance certificate on their homepages. While this applies to government entities, it signals where the state is headed: higher standards and stronger accountability.

    Taken together, these laws make California one of the most proactive states when it comes to digital inclusion—and a place where compliance isn’t optional, it’s enforceable.

    What’s New (and What’s Coming) in 2025

    California’s accessibility environment doesn’t sit still. Here’s what to keep your eye on this year:

    CCPA and CPRA Accessibility Requirements

    California’s data privacy laws now go hand in hand with accessibility. Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), privacy notices, consent forms, and opt-out mechanisms must all be accessible. If you’re collecting data from Californians, accessibility is officially part of your privacy compliance checklist.

    AB 1757: A Bill with Big Implications

    Introduced in 2024, AB 1757 could become law in 2025. If passed, it would:

    • Require WCAG 2.1 AA compliance for all websites and apps offering goods or services in California.
    • Create a private right of action, letting individuals sue directly without waiting for state enforcement.
    • Extend liability to third-party developers and vendors, not just the businesses they build for.

    If this bill becomes law, lawsuits will expand—and fast. Preparing now is far less costly than reacting later.

    How Courts Are Using WCAG

    Even though WCAG isn’t named in every law, California courts lean on WCAG 2.1 AA when ruling on cases. Decisions like Robles v. Domino’s Pizza and Thurston v. Midvale Corp. make it clear: businesses are expected to meet these standards.

    In short: WCAG 2.1 AA is your strongest legal defense and your most practical roadmap.

    What WCAG 2.1 AA Covers

    The guidelines are built around four principles:

    • Perceivable: Content can be seen or heard (e.g., alt text, video captions).
    • Operable: Users can navigate (e.g., keyboard-friendly, logical tab order).
    • Understandable: Information and navigation are predictable (e.g., consistent menus, clear error handling).
    • Robust : Works across today’s and tomorrow’s assistive technologies.

    Think labeled forms, color contrast that passes, error messages that actually help, and no features that rely on hover alone. That’s where legal risk starts to drop.

    What Businesses Should Do Now

    Here’s how to get started without stalling:

    Start with a Self-Audit

    You don’t need a full professional audit to take the first step. Try this:

    • Run free tools like WAVE or Google Lighthouse.
    • Test with a screen reader (NVDA, VoiceOver on Mac).
    • Use a color contrast checker.

    These quick wins surface obvious barriers and get your team thinking about accessibility in action.

    Focus on WCAG 2.1 AA

    This is the benchmark California courts already use—and AB 1757 may make it law.

    • Review templates, navigation, and interactive elements.
    • Test checkout flows and account portals from start to finish.
    • Check both desktop and mobile.

    Proactive compliance costs less than defending a lawsuit. It also puts you ahead when regulations tighten.

    Think Beyond Compliance

    Yes, accessibility reduces risk. But it also grows your audience. More than 61 million Americans live with a disability. Making your site inclusive builds loyalty, improves SEO, and strengthens your brand. Following California’s web accessibility laws isn’t just about defense—it’s about long-term growth.

    Don’t Wait for the Lawsuit

    California’s web accessibility laws are tightening, and enforcement is active. Waiting for a complaint is a gamble—and an expensive one.

    Act now. Align with WCAG 2.1 AA. Bake accessibility into your website strategy. You’ll reduce legal risk, expand your reach, and strengthen your reputation.

    At 216digital, we help businesses tackle accessibility with practical solutions that reduce legal exposure and build better customer experiences.

    Our ADA Briefing is a no-pressure way to:

    • Understand how California’s laws apply to your site.
    • Identify your biggest areas of risk.
    • Walk away with a clear, actionable plan.

    Don’t wait for a lawsuit to force your hand. Protect your business now—and build a digital experience that truly includes everyone.

    Schedule your ADA Briefing with 216digital

    Greg McNeil

    August 15, 2025
    Legal Compliance
    Accessibility, accessibility laws, California Web Accessibility Laws, state accessibility laws, Web Accessibility, Website Accessibility
  • How to Implement Truly Accessible SVG Graphics

    How to Implement Truly Accessible SVG Graphics

    SVGs are everywhere—icons, logos, data visualizations, animated illustrations. They’re crisp on any screen, tiny in file size, and easy to style. But here’s the catch: an SVG is only as accessible as you make it. If you don’t give it a name, if you rely on color alone, or if you forget keyboard support, your “perfect” vector can become a roadblock.

    This guide gives developers and designers practical steps to build accessible SVG graphics that meet WCAG, work with assistive tech, and still look great.

    Understanding SVG Accessibility Fundamentals

    SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is an XML-based format. Because it’s text-based, you can label it semantically, control it with CSS and JavaScript, and scale it cleanly for magnifiers and high-DPI displays. The benefit? You can transform a standard image into an accessible SVG that supports users with low vision, screen readers, or alternative input devices.

    Why SVGs Can Be Great for Accessibility

    • Scales cleanly: No blur when a user zooms to 200%+.
    • Semantic hooks: You can add <title>, <desc>, and ARIA attributes.
    • Keyboard-friendly: With the correct markup, interactive SVGs can be fully operable.

    But none of that happens by default. You need to choose the correct pattern and add the right attributes. That’s how you turn a scalable vector into an accessible SVG.

    Decorative vs. Informative SVGs: Know the Difference

    Decorative SVGs

    Remove these visual flourishes (background shapes, dividers) from the accessibility tree so screen readers don’t announce them.

    <svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" width="200" height="50" viewBox="0 0 200 50">
      <!-- purely decorative -->
    </svg>
    • aria-hidden= "true" hides it from assistive tech.
    • focusable= "false" helps older browsers avoid focusing it.

    Informative SVGs

    These convey meaning (icons that label actions, logos that identify brands, charts that show data). They must have an accessible name and sometimes a longer description.

    Common mistakes to avoid:

    • No accessible name (the icon is silent to screen readers).
    • Meaning conveyed by color only (fails WCAG 1.4.1).
    • Interactive graphics that aren’t keyboard operable.

    Choosing the Right Pattern: Inline vs. External

    Inline SVG (Best for Control and Accessibility)

    Inline SVG gives you full control: you can add <title>, <desc>, role, and tie everything together with aria-labelledby.

    When to use it: Complex icons, logos with text equivalents, charts, or anything interactive.

    <svg role="img" aria-labelledby="downloadTitle downloadDesc" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
      <title id="downloadTitle">Download</title>
      <desc id="downloadDesc">Arrow pointing into a tray indicating a download action</desc>
      <!-- paths go here -->
    </svg>

    Tip: aria-labelledby lets you explicitly control the accessible name. Screen readers will read the title and then the description when useful.

    External SVG via <img src="...">

    Use it for simple, non-interactive icons and reusable logos.

    <img src="/icons/lock.svg" alt="Locked">
    • Use meaningful alt text.
    • If you need a long description (e.g., describing a complex chart), place that adjacent in the DOM and reference it in the surrounding text. You can also wrap the image in a <figure> with a <figcaption> for richer context.

    Note: If you rely on <title>/<desc> inside the SVG file itself, those must be authored in the file, not the HTML. You can’t inject them from outside.

    Best Practices for Accessible SVGs

    Add Accessible Text

    • Short label? Use <title> (or alt if using <img>).
    • Extra context? Use <desc>, or point to adjacent text with aria-describedby.
    <figure>
      <svg role="img" aria-labelledby="logoTitle" viewBox="0 0 100 24">
        <title id="logoTitle">Acme Tools logo</title>
        <!-- logo paths -->
      </svg>
      <figcaption class="sr-only">Acme Tools, established 1984</figcaption>
    </figure>

    A common pattern for longer descriptions is to reference hidden explanatory text:

    <p id="chartLongDesc" class="sr-only">
      2025 sales by quarter: Q1 1.2M, Q2 1.5M, Q3 1.4M, Q4 1.8M—Q4 is highest.
    </p>
    <svg role="img" aria-labelledby="chartTitle" viewBox="0 0 600 400">
      <title id="chartTitle">2025 Sales by Quarter (Bar Chart)</title>
      <!-- bars -->
    </svg>

    Screen reader–only utility:

    .sr-only {
      position:absolute !important;
      width:1px;height:1px;
      padding:0;margin:-1px;
      overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);
      white-space:nowrap;border:0;
    }

    Contrast & Readability

    Text inside SVGs follows WCAG text contrast:

    • Normal text: 4.5:1 minimum
    • Large text (18pt/24px regular or 14pt/18.66px bold): 3:1
    • Non-text elements (lines, icons, bars): 3:1 (WCAG 1.4.11).
    • Keep text readable at zoom levels users commonly use. Consider vector-effect= "non-scaling-stroke" if thin strokes get too thin when scaled.

    Don’t Use Color Alone

    Color-only encodings (e.g., red vs. green) aren’t enough. Add:

    • Patterns or textures on bars/lines.
    • Labels or icons with different shapes.
    • Legends with clear text.
    <pattern id="diagonalHatch" patternUnits="userSpaceOnUse" width="8" height="8">
      <path d="M0,8 l8,-8 M-2,2 l4,-4 M6,10 l4,-4" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="1"/>
    </pattern>
    <rect x="10" y="10" width="50" height="200" fill="url(#diagonalHatch)"/>

    Focus and Keyboard Navigation

    • Non-interactive SVGs should not be focusable: tabindex= "-1" and/or focusable= "false".
    • Interactive controls should use native HTML elements for the focus/keyboard model. Wrap the SVG in a <button> or <a> rather than adding click handlers to the <svg> itself.
    <button type="button" aria-pressed="false">
      <svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" width="20" height="20">
        <!-- icon paths -->
      </svg>
      <span class="sr-only">Mute audio</span>
    </button>

    Provide visible focus styles for WCAG 2.4.7 (e.g., clear outline around the button).

    Use ARIA Thoughtfully

    • Favor semantics you already get from HTML (<button>, <a>, <figure>, <img>).
    • When you do label an inline <svg> as an image, role= "img" plus an accessible name (via <title> or aria-labelledby) is usually enough.
    • Avoid piling on roles like graphics-document unless you know the support landscape you’re targeting and have tested it. Over-ARIA can confuse screen readers.

    Inherit Color Responsively

    For icons that should match text color and adapt to themes, use currentColor:

    <svg role="img" aria-labelledby="checkTitle" width="20" height="20">
      <title id="checkTitle">Success</title>
      <path d="..." fill="currentColor"/>
    </svg>
    

    Now your icon inherits color from CSS—great for dark mode.

    Sprite Systems (<use>) and Symbols

    When using a sprite:

    <svg class="icon" role="img" aria-labelledby="searchTitle">
      <title id="searchTitle">Search</title>
      <use href="#icon-search"></use>
    </svg>

    Important: Don’t rely on titles inside <symbol>—screen readers often skip them when you reference them with <use>. Add the label at the point of use or wrap the icon in a labeled control.

    Testing SVG Accessibility: Don’t Skip This Step

    Quick Checklist

    • Does the SVG have a clear, accessible name?
    • Is extra context available via <desc> or aria-describedby if needed?
    • Are decorative elements hidden?
    • If interactive: Is it reachable by keyboard? Operable with Enter/Space?
    • Is the tab order logical?
    • Do text and key shapes meet contrast requirements?
    • Do animations honor prefers-reduced-motion?

    Tools & Methods

    • Screen readers: VoiceOver (macOS/iOS), NVDA or JAWS (Windows), TalkBack (Android).
    • Keyboard only: Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, Space, Arrow keys.
    • Zoom to 200% and 400% to check readability and hit target sizes.

    Common Pitfalls (and Easy Fixes)

    Using SVG as a CSS Background for Meaningful Content

    Background images can’t have alt text. If it conveys meaning, embed it inline or with <img> and provide an accessible name.

    Forgetting to Label Icons

    A lock icon without a label is silent. Add <title> to the <svg> or use <img alt= "Locked">.

    Overwriting Contrast With Themes

    Dark mode CSS might drop your contrast below 3:1 for shapes or 4.5:1 for text—Re-test after theme changes.

    Unlabeled Charts

    A beautiful chart that’s unlabeled is unusable. Provide a title, a short summary, and a link or reference to the underlying data table.

    Interactive SVG Shapes Without Semantics

    Don’t attach click handlers to <path> or <g> and call it done. Wrap the icon in a <button> or <a> and use proper ARIA (e.g., aria-pressed) where appropriate.

    Practical Patterns You Can Copy

    Informative Standalone Icon (Inline SVG)

    <svg role="img" aria-labelledby="infoTitle infoDesc" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
      <title id="infoTitle">Information</title>
      <desc id="infoDesc">Circle with a lowercase “i” inside</desc>
      <!-- paths -->
    </svg>

    Decorative Icon Inside a Button (Button Provides the Name)

    <button type="button">
      <svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" width="20" height="20"><!-- icon --></svg>
      Save
    </button>

    Chart With Long Description and Data Table

    <figure>
      <p id="salesDesc" class="sr-only">
        Bar chart showing quarterly sales for 2025: Q1 1.2M, Q2 1.5M, Q3 1.4M, Q4 1.8M.
      </p>
      <svg role="img" aria-labelledby="salesTitle" viewBox="0 0 640 400">
        <title id="salesTitle">2025 Quarterly Sales</title>
        <!-- bars -->
      </svg>
      <figcaption>Summary of 2025 sales; see table below for details.</figcaption>
    </figure>
    <table>
      <caption class="sr-only">Detailed sales data for 2025</caption>
    <thead><tr><th>Quarter</th><th>Sales</th></tr></thead>
      <tbody>
        <tr><td>Q1</td><td>$1.2M</td></tr>
        <tr><td>Q2</td><td>$1.5M</td></tr>
        <tr><td>Q3</td><td>$1.4M</td></tr>
        <tr><td>Q4</td><td>$1.8M</td></tr>
      </tbody>
    </table>

    Accessibility for Motion and States

    If your SVGs animate, respect user preferences:

    @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
      svg .spin { animation: none; }
    }

    For toggles (like mute/unmute), update both the visual state (icon changes) and the accessible state (aria-pressed, live text updates).

    Accessible Design is Intentional Design

    Accessible SVGs aren’t just about tags and attributes—they’re about clear communication. When you provide an accessible name, avoid color-only meaning, ensure keyboard operation, and include descriptions where needed, you open your visuals to many more people—without sacrificing design or performance.

    Start small and build the habit:

    • Label every meaningful icon.
    • Hide true decoration.
    • Test with a screen reader and the keyboard.
    • Re-check contrast after style changes.

    Accessibility is a practice, not a checkbox. The pay-off is real: better UX, fewer support issues, and stronger compliance.

    Need a Second Set of Eyes?

    If you want help reviewing your site’s SVGs, charts, and icon systems, schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital. We’ll give you actionable feedback, prioritize fixes, and help you ship accessible SVG patterns that scale across your design system.

    Greg McNeil

    August 14, 2025
    How-to Guides
    Accessibility, accessible code, How-to, SVG, Web Accessibility, web developers, web development, Website Accessibility
  • Accessibility for Websites: Why One Version Is Enough

    Accessibility for Websites: Why One Version Is Enough

    You may have heard this before—or even thought it yourself: “If our main site is too complex, we’ll just build a simple, text-only version for people who use assistive technology.”

    On the surface, that seems like a smart fix. If making your main site accessible feels overwhelming, why not create a separate version that looks simpler and easier to use? For years, many businesses believed this was the shortcut to meeting ADA requirements without reworking their entire website.

    But here’s the problem: a separate “accessible site” is not the best answer—legally, ethically, or practically. Real accessibility for websites means making your main site usable for everyone, not sending people to a stripped-down side door.

    Why the “Separate Accessible Site” Myth Lives On

    So why do people still think a second site is a good idea? One reason is that it feels easier. Making changes to an existing site can seem complicated and costly, while building a quick, text-only version looks faster and cheaper.

    There’s also the idea that people who are blind or have low vision “just need text.” That thinking misses the bigger picture. Accessibility for websites covers much more than plain text—it’s about making sure every feature, tool, and piece of content can be used by everyone, no matter their ability.

    Why It Fails: Standards and Legal Risk

    This is where the shortcut starts to unravel. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) apply to all web content, not just simplified versions. Nowhere do the guidelines suggest that a simplified, alternate version of a site fulfills compliance.

    Take color contrast, for example. WCAG requires a minimum contrast between text and background across every page. Even if you create a plain version, your main site still has to meet those standards.

    The U.S. Department of Justice agrees. In April 2024, new rules made it clear that public entities can’t offer inaccessible main sites with “alternate” accessible versions, except in rare situations where no other option is possible. Courts have backed this up, too. In one case, DOT vs. SAS, an airline was fined $200,000 after trying to meet accessibility rules with a separate assistive site. In the end, they still had to fix their main site.

    In short, accessibility for websites isn’t about offering an alternate route. It’s about making sure the front door works for everyone.

    The Real Problems With Dual-Site Strategies

    Even if the legal side didn’t matter, the practical downsides are hard to ignore.

    Keeping two sites in sync is a constant challenge. Every blog post, product update, or policy change must be added to both. It’s all too easy for the “accessible” version to fall behind, leaving users with outdated or incomplete information.

    Then there’s the user experience itself. Imagine being told you can’t use the same website as everyone else—that you have to go through a different door. That separation feels unwelcoming, even insulting. Most users don’t want fewer features; they want the same experience, just built in a way they can use.

    And here’s another snag: text-only sites often cut out interactive tools, forms, or multimedia. For someone who needs keyboard-friendly navigation, that’s not helpful—it’s limiting. In trying to fix one barrier, you end up creating new ones.

    Finally, a dual-site setup complicates your own operations. Analytics, personalization, and user tracking get split in two, which makes it harder to understand how people interact with your brand online.

    Why Building Accessibility Into the Main Site Works Better

    When you build accessibility into your main site, everyone benefits.

    Captions help people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but they also help anyone watching a video in a noisy environment. Alt text helps people using screen readers, but it also boosts your site’s SEO. Clear navigation supports users with motor disabilities, but it also makes the site faster for power users who prefer keyboard shortcuts.

    Accessibility for websites also saves money in the long run. Many fixes—like adding alt text, adjusting headings, or improving color contrast—are low-cost and sometimes even free. Building accessibility into your normal workflow prevents expensive, large-scale repairs later.

    Most importantly, an accessible main site builds trust. It shows customers that your brand is modern, inclusive, and committed to fairness.

    Are There Times a Separate Version Is Okay?

    Only in rare situations. If you’re using a third-party tool that can’t be fixed right away, a temporary alternate version may help. But it should be:

    • Clearly linked and easy to find
    • Fully equal in content and function
    • Phased out as soon as your main site is fixed

    Think of it like a patch, not a permanent solution. The goal should always be accessibility for websites built directly into the primary site.

    Building an Accessibility-First Mindset

    So what should you do instead? Shift your thinking from “quick fix” to “accessibility-first.”

    Start by auditing your current site against WCAG. Find the biggest barriers and prioritize fixing those. Build new features with progressive enhancement so they’re usable by everyone from the start. Test with real users, not just automated tools—especially people with disabilities whose feedback will reveal issues you can’t see yourself.

    And most importantly, make accessibility part of your normal workflow. Fold it into design reviews, QA testing, and content updates. Keep users in the loop by being transparent about your efforts. Progress is valuable, and users will notice your commitment.

    Conclusion: One Site, For Everyone

    The idea of a “separate accessible version” might look like an easy answer, but in practice, it creates more problems than it solves. It’s harder to maintain, sends the wrong message, and leaves users without the features they need.

    True accessibility for websites means one site that includes everyone. It’s about designing digital spaces where people don’t need a back door—they walk through the same front door as everyone else.

    If you’re ready to leave alternate versions behind and move toward an accessibility-first strategy, consider scheduling an ADA briefing with 216digital. We’ll show you how WCAG works in real-world practice, point out your greatest opportunities, and help you make your main site truly accessible—for everyone.

    Greg McNeil

    August 13, 2025
    Legal Compliance
    Accessibility, ADA Compliance, ADA Web Accessibility, WCAG Compliance, WCAG conformance, Web Accessibility, Website Accessibility
  • Email Accessibility: Make Every Click Count

    Email Accessibility: Make Every Click Count

    You spend hours testing subject lines, analyzing open rates, and crafting the perfect call to action. But if your emails are not accessible, you may be unintentionally excluding millions of potential readers. More than one billion people around the world live with some form of disability, and many rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, or keyboard navigation to interact with digital content. This is why email accessibility should be at the center of every campaign you send.

    This is where email accessibility makes a difference. Accessible emails do not only support people with disabilities; they also improve reach, engagement, and usability for everyone. You can think of accessibility as a safety net during your quality assurance process, one that helps make sure your hard work actually reaches its audience. The encouraging part is that small and thoughtful changes can create a big impact.

    Structure and Layout: Design for Navigation, Not Just Aesthetics

    Attractive design may catch the eye, but structure is what allows readers to move through your message with ease. Using semantic heading tags such as <h1>, <h2>, and <h3> helps organize your content in a way that screen reader users can understand. Headings should flow in a logical order without skipping levels. Relying on bold text or font size alone to show importance does not provide the same clarity.

    Tables are another common issue. They should be avoided for layout purposes whenever possible because screen readers can misinterpret them. If a table must be used for structure, adding role="presentation" tells assistive technology that it is decorative rather than data.

    It is also important to test your emails using only the Tab key. If you cannot reach every link, button, and input field by tabbing through the message, your subscribers will face the same problem.

    Image Accessibility: More Than Just Pretty Pictures

    Images are powerful in marketing emails, but without the right preparation, they can create barriers. Every image should include descriptive alt text that explains its purpose. If the image is decorative and does not add meaning, use empty alt text so that screen readers can skip it.

    Critical information, such as discount codes or calls to action, should never exist only within an image. Live text ensures that the message still appears even if images are turned off in the inbox. A good test is to disable images and see whether the email still conveys your intended message.

    Animations also require care. Flashing or strobing content can cause serious discomfort or even seizures for some readers. Autoplaying GIFs may distract from your main message. Whenever possible, give users the ability to pause or stop moving elements.

    Links and Calls to Action: Clear, Clickable, Inclusive

    Calls to action are where engagement happens, and they must be designed with clarity in mind. Instead of vague text such as “Click here,” choose phrases like “Read the full guide” or “Shop the new collection.” Screen reader users often move through an email by jumping between links, so each one needs to make sense on its own.

    Links should always be visually distinct. Underlining them is the best practice since relying on color alone is not effective for people with color blindness. Buttons and links should also be large enough to tap easily on a mobile device. A minimum size of about 44 by 44 pixels provides enough room for users with limited dexterity. Spacing links apart reduces the chance of misclicks. These adjustments not only improve email accessibility but also increase click-through rates by making the experience smoother for everyone.

    Copywriting and Readability: Make Every Word Count

    Email accessibility applies to words as much as to code or design. Short and direct sentences help readers understand quickly. Breaking your content into smaller paragraphs with clear subheadings makes the email less overwhelming.

    Avoid heavy jargon or insider language that may confuse people. Simple words in everyday language travel further and faster. Writing in an active voice also helps keep your copy engaging.

    Do not forget the basics of text styling. Font sizes should be at least 14 points, which is especially important for people with low vision or anyone reading on a small screen. Text should be left-aligned only, since centered or justified alignment slows down reading speed and can reduce comprehension.

    Multimedia Content: Do Not Skip the Captions

    Many email campaigns now include video, audio, or GIFs. These can make content more dynamic, but they bring accessibility challenges that need attention. Any video or audio clip should come with captions or transcripts. Captions are essential for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but they also help people who are in noisy environments or those who are somewhere quiet and cannot turn on the sound.

    Animated GIFs should avoid flashing sequences or rapid loops. If movement is key to your message, include a description of it in the email copy or offer a static fallback image. Multimedia can be powerful, but it should never come at the expense of accessibility.

    A Pre-Send Accessibility Checklist

    Before you hit send, it helps to run through a quick accessibility check. Try navigating the email with only your keyboard. Make sure every image includes descriptive alt text or an empty alt attribute if it is decorative. Look at your link text and ask if it clearly describes the action or destination. Turn images off and check if the message still makes sense. Confirm that your color contrast is strong enough to read comfortably. Review your animations to see if they are subtle and under control. Lastly, read the text on both desktop and mobile screens to confirm that the font size is easy to read.

    These checks only take a moment, but they can prevent frustration and lost engagement.

    Accessibility Is a Long Game, but Every Email Helps

    No email will ever be perfectly accessible. The goal is not perfection but progress. Each improvement you make expands your reach, improves engagement, and builds trust with your audience.

    Email accessibility is not only about legal compliance. It is also about creating meaningful connections. By removing barriers, you ensure that your message reaches as many people as possible and resonates more deeply with them. Making email accessibility part of your long-term strategy strengthens both your brand reputation and the experience of every subscriber.

    The next time you prepare a campaign, add accessibility to your checklist. Treat it as part of your workflow, not an extra chore. An inaccessible email is never as effective as it could be.

    If you need a clear plan for accessible digital communication, schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital. We will walk you through practical steps to make your email campaigns and your digital presence more inclusive, more effective, and better prepared for the future.

    Greg McNeil

    August 12, 2025
    How-to Guides, Legal Compliance
    Accessibility, email accessibility, WCAG, WCAG Compliance, Website Accessibility
  • How WCAG Applies to AI-Generated Content

    How WCAG Applies to AI-Generated Content

    AI is changing the way we create. From blog posts and product descriptions to social media graphics, work that once took hours can now be done in seconds. This speed is powerful—but it also carries risk. In the rush to publish, it’s easy to miss a crucial question: Is this content accessible?

    The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) apply to everything online—whether written by a person, coded by a developer, or created by an AI tool. That means AI-generated content is not exempt. If you’re using AI to scale your digital strategy, accessibility must remain part of the foundation.

    This guide explains how WCAG applies to AI-driven workflows and offers a simple checklist to help you review AI-written text, visuals, and layouts. The goal: to help you publish faster without leaving inclusion behind.

    Why AI-Generated Content Creates Accessibility Risks

    AI tools can be incredible productivity boosters. But they are not accessibility tools. A common mistake is assuming that if something looks polished, it must be usable for everyone. In reality, accessibility requires more.

    AI-generated content often misses the real-world needs of diverse users. For example, it might:

    • Write vague alt text like “image of a person” instead of describing the purpose.
    • Suggest design elements with poor color contrast.
    • Use bold text instead of proper heading tags like <h2> or <h3>.

    If left unchecked, these issues can shut people out, frustrate customers, and even create legal risk. The takeaway is simple: AI-generated content is not automatically compliant with WCAG. It needs human oversight.

    WCAG Still Applies—No Matter Who (or What) Creates the Content

    WCAG, developed by the W3C, is the global standard for digital accessibility. It’s built around four principles:

    • Perceivable: Users must be able to perceive the information (like adding alt text for images).
    • Operable: Content should be easy to navigate and interact with (keyboard accessibility matters).
    • Understandable: Information should be clear and predictable.
    • Robust: Content must work with assistive technologies now and in the future.

    These rules apply equally to all content, whether it’s human-created or AI-generated content. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has fueled thousands of lawsuits over inaccessible websites and apps. Courts often turn to WCAG as the standard for compliance—and they aren’t alone. Many countries, including those in the European Union and Canada, also rely on WCAG as the foundation of their digital accessibility laws.

    That means WCAG isn’t just a best practice—it’s often the measuring stick for legal compliance. Regardless of whether content was written by a human or generated by AI, if it excludes people with disabilities, it can be litigated upon. The risk is real: inaccessible content can damage your brand, frustrate customers, and create costly legal battles.

    The AI Accessibility Checklist

    This checklist will help you review AI-generated content before publishing. Each step ties directly to WCAG principles, making accessibility practical and manageable.

    For AI-Written Text

    • Use clear language: Choose plain, everyday words instead of jargon or long, complex phrasing.
    • Ensure proper headings: Use semantic HTML like <h2> and <h3> so screen readers and assistive tech can navigate. Avoid using bold text as a replacement.
    • Write descriptive links: Swap vague text like “click here” for something meaningful, such as “Download our accessibility guide.”
    • Keep a consistent flow: Break up large blocks of text into shorter paragraphs, bullets, or numbered lists so readers can follow easily.
    • Format for scanning: People often skim. Use headings, bullets, and white space to make sure they can still understand the main points at a glance.

    For AI-Generated Images and Visuals

    • Provide meaningful alt text: Describe the purpose of the image, not just what it looks like. For example, instead of “photo of a person,” write “Customer smiling while using our product.”
    • Avoid text inside images: Important words should always appear as live text so they can be read by screen readers and resized.
    • Check contrast: Make sure text and background colors meet at least a 4.5:1 ratio so words are readable by people with low vision.
    • Don’t rely on color alone: Use shapes, labels, or patterns in addition to color to communicate meaning. This helps users who are colorblind.

    For AI-Generated Multimedia

    • Add synchronized captions for videos: Captions must match the audio in both timing and content.
    • Provide transcripts for audio files: A text version allows people who can’t hear—or who prefer to read—to still access the information.
    • Include audio descriptions: When visuals add meaning that isn’t spoken, narrate those details so blind users don’t miss them.

    For AI-Generated Layouts, Code, or Documents

    • Ensure keyboard accessibility: Test navigation using only Tab, Shift+Tab, and Enter keys. All interactive elements should be reachable.
    • Create accessible PDFs: Include proper headings, a logical reading order, alt text for images, and searchable text.
    • Support text resizing: Content should still work when zoomed to 200% without breaking the layout.
    • Apply ARIA correctly: ARIA landmarks and roles can help when HTML alone isn’t enough, but they should never replace semantic tags.

    Testing Your Output

    • Manual review: Always look at the content yourself. Automated tools can’t replace human judgment.
    • Assistive tech testing: Try screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, or voice input tools to see how real users will experience it.
    • Automated scans: Use tools like WAVE, or Lighthouse to quickly flag common issues, then verify the results manually.

    Running through this checklist regularly will catch most accessibility gaps before content reaches your audience.

    Building Accessibility Into Your AI Workflow

    The best way to make accessibility stick is to build it into the workflow, not tack it on at the end. Here are some ways to do that:

    • Use accessible prompts: When you ask AI to create content, guide it with instructions like “Write at an 8th-grade level with clear headings and descriptive link text.” This increases the chance that the draft will already meet accessibility standards.
    • Start with strong templates: Use page layouts, design systems, or document templates that are already set up with accessibility in mind. This reduces the risk of introducing barriers later.
    • Assign responsibility: Make accessibility review part of someone’s role in the publishing process so it doesn’t get skipped.
    • Iterate with feedback: If you notice that AI keeps generating inaccessible elements—like vague alt text or poor contrast—update your prompts or workflow so those issues don’t repeat.
    • Set clear standards: Document rules for headings, alt text, link labels, color use, and formatting. Apply these rules consistently so everyone on your team is aligned.

    By treating accessibility as a normal part of the process, AI-generated content becomes an asset to inclusion instead of a risk factor.

    Accessibility Isn’t Optional—Even with AI

    AI may be changing how quickly we create, but accessibility is what ensures that work actually connects with people. WCAG provides the framework, but it’s people—teams like yours—who make sure the digital world is usable for everyone.

    The risks of overlooking accessibility are real, from frustrated customers to lawsuits. But the rewards are greater: trust, inclusivity, and a digital presence that welcomes all. The good news is you don’t need to slow down to get it right. With the right checklist and habits built into your workflow, accessibility becomes part of how you publish—not an afterthought.

    At 216digital, we help businesses bring accessibility into every stage of content creation—including AI-generated content. If you’re unsure where you stand, consider scheduling a personalized ADA briefing with our team.

    It’s a practical next step toward a digital experience that truly works for everyone.

    Greg McNeil

    August 11, 2025
    Legal Compliance
    Accessibility, AI-driven accessibility, AI-generated content, WCAG Compliance, Web Accessibility, Website Accessibility
  • When Web Accessibility Standards Gets Fuzzy

    When Web Accessibility Standards Gets Fuzzy

    Every team that works on digital accessibility eventually runs into the same moment: the rules don’t feel black and white. You’re following the Web Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and doing your best to interpret them. Then suddenly, you find yourself asking: Does this count? Are we helping everyone, or could this fix create a new barrier somewhere else?

    That’s not a sign you’re doing something wrong. It’s how web accessibility standards are written. WCAG is designed to cover countless technologies, contexts, and user needs—not to prescribe one rigid answer for every situation. That flexibility leaves room for judgment, but it can also leave teams second-guessing their choices.

    This article is here to help. We’ll walk through why these “grey areas” exist, why they’re not a weakness but a feature of the standard, and—most importantly—how you can approach them with confidence. You’ll get a practical, repeatable framework to guide decisions, reduce risk, and keep accessibility focused on what really matters: creating digital experiences that work for people.

    What Are WCAG “Grey Areas”?

    “Grey areas” are success criteria that can be met in more than one valid way, or where context changes the best answer. They matter because solving for one disability group can, at times, introduce friction for another. Trade-offs are real, and responsible teams face them head-on.

    These scenarios highlight why web accessibility standards are intentionally flexible, pushing teams to weigh impact, not just compliance.

    • Dark mode: A darker theme can reduce glare and help many people with low vision or light sensitivity. But some users with dyslexia or astigmatism may read best with higher-contrast dark text on a light background. A user-controlled toggle is a solid compromise.
    • Reflow (SC 1.4.10): Avoiding horizontal scroll at 320–400 px width sounds simple, until a multi-column data table collapses and users lose the ability to compare rows and columns.
    • Non-text contrast (SC 1.4.11): What counts as “essential” visual information? In infographics or dense UIs, borders, separators, and icon strokes can be more important than they look at first glance.
    • Link purpose (SC 2.4.4): Is “See details” okay? Often yes—if the link sits under a descriptive product name or is wrapped with an accessible name/description that conveys purpose. If a page lists 20 identical “Read more” links with no additional context, that’s a problem.
    • Alt text: Even the basics aren’t always basic. An image might need a rich description on a museum site, but be marked decorative in a dashboard if it adds no meaning.

    Why Ambiguity Exists—and Why That’s Okay

    WCAG isn’t a script; it’s a set of outcomes. It avoids prescribing specific UI patterns so it can work across devices, frameworks, and future tech. That flexibility can feel frustrating when you need a yes/no answer today. But it’s also where web accessibility standards allow accessibility leadership to shine.

    The goal isn’t perfection. It’s clarity, consistency, and usability—especially for people who rely on assistive technology. When the standard leaves room for interpretation, your job is to apply sound reasoning, test with real users, and document what you did and why.

    A Practical Framework for Resolving WCAG Grey Areas

    Use this five-step process to move from “it depends” to “here’s what we’ll do.”

    Step 1: Start with the Source

    Go beyond the short success-criterion text and read the Understanding WCAG guidance. These pages explain intent, define terms, and include examples and common failures. Many “edge cases” are addressed there, even if not word-for-word identical to your scenario.

    Tip: Keep a shared team doc of the Understanding pages you reference most. It speeds consensus.

    Step 2: Analyze Real User Impact

    Shift from “Does this pass?” to “Who does this help or hinder—and by how much?” Consider:

    • Screen reader and braille users
    • Keyboard-only and switch users
    • Low-vision users (zoom, magnifiers, custom styles)
    • Users with cognitive or attention-related conditions
    • Motion/vestibular sensitivities and color-vision differences

    Ask: Does one option create a minor inconvenience while another blocks a key task? If a choice affects checkout, account access, or a critical service, prioritize task success over neatness or brand purity.

    Step 3: Test with People Who Use AT

    When the stakes are high, run quick, focused usability tests with people who use assistive tech. You don’t need a giant study. Five to eight participants who reflect the impacted group can reveal what theory can’t.

    • Scope the test to the specific component or flow.
    • Observe with screen readers, keyboard only, and zoom.
    • Capture where users stumble, not just what they say.

    User evidence turns debates into decisions.

    Step 4: Phone a Friend (the Right One)

    If internal consensus stalls, bring in an accessibility expert with hands-on WCAG experience—ideally someone comfortable with dynamic UIs, eCommerce patterns, and ARIA. 

    Credentials like CPACC can help, but project-based proof matters most: “Show me where you solved this before.”

    Step 5: Document Your Rationale

    Most teams skip this safety net. For every grey-area decision, record:

    • The WCAG criterion(s) at issue
    • The ambiguity you faced
    • The options considered
    • The reasoning: user impact, technical feasibility, constraints
    • Any expert input or user-testing results
    • The final decision and where it applies (component, template, page type)

    Store this where designers, developers, QA, and product can find it. You’ll create consistency across teams and time.

    Common Examples, Resolved with the Framework

    Let’s revisit those tricky scenarios and apply the process. This is where teams can see how web accessibility standards translate from theory into practice.

    Reflow vs. Data Integrity (SC 1.4.10)

    • Challenge: A comparison table collapses at 320 px, and users can’t relate cells across columns.
    • Approach: Understanding WCAG clarifies that the intent is to avoid two-dimensional scrolling for most content while preserving meaning.
    • Decision: Provide a responsive table with a toggle: stacked rows by default for small screens, with a “Compare columns” view that preserves tabular relationships and allows horizontal scroll within the table container. Add a “Skip to table comparison” anchor and ARIA summary to explain the toggle.
    • Result: Reflow is respected where it helps, and comparison remains possible where it matters.

    Link Purpose in Card Grids (SC 2.4.4)

    • Challenge: Product cards each have an image, name, price, and a “See details” link.
    • Approach: Screen reader testing shows that when the product name is an accessible link, the extra “See details” adds noise.
    • Decision: Make the product title the primary link with a descriptive accessible name (e.g., “View details for Acme Pro Blender”). Keep “See details” visible but aria-hidden or make it a button that moves focus to the same target for sighted mouse users who expect it.
    • Result: Purpose is clear programmatically and visually; duplication is removed for AT users.

    Non-Text Contrast on Icon Buttons (SC 1.4.11)

    • Challenge: Icon-only controls use thin strokes that technically reach 3:1 against the background, but some users miss them.
    • Approach: Prioritize recognizability over minimalism.
    • Decision: Increase stroke width and contrast on the icon and its focus indicator. Add an accessible name (e.g., “Filter results”) and a visible label on hover/focus for cognitive clarity.
    • Result: The control is perceivable and operable for more users—even if it slightly shifts the visual aesthetic.

    Dark Mode and Motion Preferences

    • Challenge: Dark mode improves comfort for many, but not all. Animations delight some, but can trigger discomfort for others.
    • Approach: Respect user control and system settings.
    • Decision: Provide a theme toggle that remembers preference. Honor prefers-color-scheme and prefers-reduced-motion. Keep contrast targets consistent across themes.
    • Result: Users opt into what works for them; your defaults are inclusive, not absolute.

    Alt Text in Dashboards

    • Challenge: Decorative charts and status icons risk becoming screen reader noise.
    • Approach: Identify the purpose of each image.
    • Decision: Provide a textual summary or data table for the chart. Mark decorative images with empty alt (alt=""). For meaningful icons, supply concise alt text or an aria-label on the control they’re part of.
    • Result: Users get the information without redundant chatter.

    Let Strategy Guide You—Not Guesswork

    Grey areas in web accessibility standards aren’t flaws to fear—they’re invitations to make thoughtful, people-first choices. With a repeatable process, you can:

    • Ground decisions in the intent of WCAG, not just the letter web accessibility standards.
    • Weigh real user impact over theoretical compliance.
    • Validate with targeted testing and expert input.
    • Build a paper trail that improves consistency and reduces risk.

    Accessibility is a journey, especially on complex products. You won’t get every decision perfect the first time, and that’s okay. What matters is that your choices are deliberate, documented, and centered on the people who need your site to work every single time.

    Need a second set of eyes? If your team is wrestling with ambiguous criteria, we can help you apply web accessibility standards in a way that fits your design system, codebase, and real users. Schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital to walk through your grey-area challenges and map a clear, defensible path forward.

    Greg McNeil

    August 7, 2025
    WCAG Compliance
    Accessibility, WCAG, WCAG Compliance, WCAG conformance, Website Accessibility
  • Don’t Wait for AI Accessibility Tools to Catch Up

    Don’t Wait for AI Accessibility Tools to Catch Up

    AI is everywhere right now. It’s drafting blog posts, churning out social captions, even scanning websites for compliance issues. And if you’ve been keeping up with the hype, you’ve probably noticed one claim in particular: that AI can solve accessibility.

    For a business moving at full speed, that promise sounds almost too good to pass up. Install a plugin, run a scan, check a box—done. But accessibility doesn’t work like that. These tools can point out some issues, sure, but they rarely fix the barriers that actually keep people with disabilities from using your site, your app, or your documents. The cracks stay hidden under a shiny patch.

    And those cracks matter. Real people get shut out of digital spaces. Companies expose themselves to lawsuits and financial hits. And maybe most importantly, the bigger goal—building technology that works for everyone—keeps getting delayed.

    This article takes a closer look at what AI tools really can (and can’t) do, and why waiting for automation to “catch up” is a risky bet. More than that, it gives you practical steps to start building accessibility into your digital strategy today—steps that create lasting, meaningful change.

    AI Is Exciting—but Not a Magic Bullet

    AI tools like AudioEye can scan sites, flag issues, and apply quick fixes in real time—like adding alt text, adjusting color contrast, or correcting heading levels. For busy teams, it feels like a shortcut to digital inclusion.

    But here’s the reality check: research shows AI accessibility tools typically catch only 20–30% of issues. That leaves a massive gap—and it’s a gap with real consequences for users who can’t access your content, and for your legal risk.

    What AI Accessibility Tools Miss

    Most AI accessibility tools and overlays don’t actually fix your code. They act like a layer on top of your site, attempting to correct problems as the page loads. The underlying barriers remain in your codebase, breaking accessibility where it matters most.

    Here are some of the common issues AI often misses or misinterprets:

    • Missing headings that prevent screen reader users from navigating efficiently.
    • Images with no alt text—or worse, incorrect auto-generated descriptions that mislead rather than help.
    • Links with vague text like “click here” that don’t explain their purpose.
    • Form fields with no labels, making it impossible for assistive tech users to complete them.
    • Required fields that aren’t marked as required.
    • Submit buttons with no clear labels, leaving users stuck at the finish line.

    These aren’t minor hiccups—they’re major roadblocks. And they can’t be “patched over” by automation.

    Even more importantly: AI doesn’t know how real people use your site. It doesn’t test whether your video player works with voice commands, whether your interactive map is navigable by keyboard, or whether your carousel is usable for someone with limited dexterity. Human judgment and lived experience are irreplaceable.

    AI Might Improve—Eventually

    Will AI accessibility tools improve? Absolutely. At some point, automation may be able to deliver more accurate fixes, faster and at scale. But that capability is years away—not weeks. Your users and your legal obligations can’t wait for that future to arrive.

    Legal Risk: You’re Responsible Today

    Accessibility laws don’t include a “wait until AI gets better” clause. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and Canada’s AODA all require accessible digital content right now.

    And the lawsuits are growing: in 2024, more than 4,000 ADA Title III lawsuits were filed in the U.S. alone. By the end of 2025, experts expect nearly 5,000. In the first quarter of 2025, nearly 200 suits specifically targeted companies that relied on overlays or AI accessibility tools to claim compliance—claims that didn’t hold up in practice.

    High-profile cases underscore the risk. In January 2025, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission fined accessiBe $1 million for deceptive claims that its AI product guaranteed WCAG compliance. The reality: it didn’t. And regulators, courts, and customers are paying attention.

    Accessibility Pays: Beyond Risk Avoidance

    Avoiding lawsuits matters, but accessibility is also an opportunity. About 20% of the global population lives with a disability. That’s one in five potential customers who may face barriers if your site isn’t accessible.

    Accessibility also improves usability for everyone:

    • Captions help not only people with hearing loss but also those in noisy environments.
    • High contrast improves readability in bright light or for anyone with color sensitivity.
    • Clear link text and consistent layouts make navigation easier and faster for all users.

    These changes lead to stronger customer loyalty, better SEO, and a brand reputation for being inclusive and trustworthy. Accessibility isn’t just compliance—it’s good business.

    How to Act Today—Practical Steps

    If automation isn’t enough, what’s the path forward? The good news: it’s clear and manageable.

    1. Test manually: Explore your site with assistive technologies like screen readers or voice navigation. Even better, involve people with disabilities in your testing process. Their feedback reveals barriers no scan will catch.
    2. Use automation wisely: Scanners and overlays can still help identify issues like missing alt text or low contrast. Just remember: they’re helpers, not full solutions.
    3. Adopt a hybrid model: Combine automation with human-led testing and remediation. Let AI handle repetitive checks, and let experts ensure usability and compliance.
    4. Integrate accessibility into your process: Make it part of everyday workflows—design, development, content creation, and media production. Fixing accessibility at the source saves time, money, and stress.

    Accessibility becomes much easier when it’s built into how your team works every day.

    Looking Ahead

    The future of AI accessibility tools is promising, but they’re not a replacement for human insight. Even as AI advances, accessibility will still require oversight, inclusive design, and empathy for how people actually use technology.

    For now, the choice is clear: don’t wait. The risks are here today, but so are the opportunities to create better digital experiences. Even small improvements—like labeling form fields or ensuring captions—make a real difference.

    By acting now, you reduce legal risk, improve usability, and position yourself to take advantage of AI when it’s truly ready.

    Ready to get started? Schedule an ADA briefing with 216digital to see where your digital content may fall short. Learn which tools can help, what requires expert attention, and how to build accessibility into your roadmap. Clear guidance, no hype—just a realistic plan for moving forward with confidence.

    Greg McNeil

    August 6, 2025
    Legal Compliance
    Accessibility, Accessibility Remediation, Ai and Overlay Widgets, AI-driven accessibility, Website Accessibility
  • Lost in Focus? Blame Keyboard Traps

    Lost in Focus? Blame Keyboard Traps

    You’ve probably been there. You build a custom modal or some fancy dropdown, tab into it to test, and suddenly you’re stuck. Focus won’t move. The Tab key feels broken, Shift+Tab does nothing, and Escape isn’t helping either. That’s not a bug in your laptop—it’s a keyboard trap.

    And honestly? They’re way more common than we like to admit. WebAIM has been flagging them as one of the top accessibility failures for over a decade, and the problem hasn’t really improved. The thing is, you don’t need to be an accessibility specialist to fix them. You just need to understand how they occur, how the Web Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) addresses them, and how to integrate prevention into your regular workflow.  Let’s talk through it, developer to developer.

    What Are Keyboard Traps?

    A keyboard trap happens when focus moves into a component but can’t get back out using standard keyboard navigation. That usually means Tab and Shift+Tab stop working, Escape is ignored, and the user is stuck.

    According to WCAG Success Criterion 2.1.2 (“No Keyboard Trap”), any element that takes focus must also provide a way to exit using only the keyboard. In other words: if your widget can grab focus, it must also let go of it.

    For developers, this is more than a compliance checkmark. A trap breaks assumptions about how users move through a page. It disrupts assistive tech like screen readers and can fail QA instantly. Even if the rest of your site is clean, one trap in a modal or custom control can undo the entire user journey.

    Who’s Affected (And Why You Should Care)

    It’s easy to think of accessibility in the abstract, but keyboard traps create very real roadblocks:

    • Motor-impaired users rely on the keyboard because a mouse isn’t practical.
    • People with temporary injuries—a broken wrist, for example—may need keyboard-only navigation for weeks.
    • Screen reader users follow focus to know where they are. If it never moves, the reader has nothing more to say.
    • Developers themselves—many of us use the keyboard for speed. If you’ve ever hit Tab to check your own work and gotten stuck, you know how disruptive it feels.

    Bottom line: if your component can trap you, it can trap someone who doesn’t have another option.

    So where do these traps usually show up? More often than not, in the places where we customize behavior.

    Where Keyboard Traps Hide

    Traps aren’t usually intentional. They sneak in where custom code overrides native behavior. Here are the usual suspects:

    Modals, Popovers, and Dialogs

    A modal with div role="dialog" looks great until focus disappears inside. The fix is to intentionally loop focus only while the modal is open and let Escape close it:

    function trapFocus(modalEl) {
      const focusable = modalEl.querySelectorAll(
        'a[href], button:not([disabled]), input, textarea, select, [tabindex]:not([tabindex="-1"])'
      );
      const first = focusable[0];
      const last = focusable[focusable.length - 1];
      modalEl.addEventListener("keydown", e => {
        if (e.key === "Tab") {
          // If Shift+Tab on first element, wrap back to last
          if (e.shiftKey && document.activeElement === first) {
            e.preventDefault();
            last.focus();
          }
          // If Tab on last element, wrap back to first
          else if (!e.shiftKey && document.activeElement === last) {
            e.preventDefault();
            first.focus();
          }
        } else if (e.key === "Escape") {
          // Allow users to close with Escape and return focus
          closeModal();
        }
      });
    }

    This follows WAI-ARIA practices: focus a meaningful element on open, loop safely, and return focus when closing.

    Forms and Custom Inputs

    Date pickers or masked inputs often intercept arrow keys, Enter, or Tab. Without an Escape handler, the user is locked. Keep event listeners scoped:

    datePickerEl.addEventListener("keydown", e => {
      switch (e.key) {
        case "ArrowLeft": /* move date */ break;
        case "ArrowRight": /* move date */ break;
        case "Escape":
          // Escape should always close and release focus
          closeDatePicker();
          break;
        default:
          return; // Don’t block Tab or Shift+Tab
      }
    });

    Also keep aria-expanded updated so assistive tech knows when a picker is open or closed.

    Media Players

    Custom video players sometimes swallow every keydown. Space, arrows, and Tab all get blocked. That’s a recipe for keyboard traps. Instead:

    playerEl.addEventListener("keydown", e => {
      if (e.key === " " || e.key.startsWith("Arrow")) {
        // Map keys to playback controls (play, pause, seek, etc.)
        e.stopPropagation(); // Stop event bubbling, but don’t block Tab
      }
      // Important: Don’t block Tab!
    });
    

    For YouTube iframes, use ?disablekb=1 to disable its shortcuts and implement your own accessible ones.

    JavaScript-Enhanced Links

    Sometimes developers add keydown handlers to links or buttons that override Tab. If you call preventDefault() on Tab, you’ve created a trap.

    Rule of thumb: only intercept Space or Enter for activation. Let Tab do its job.

    Testing for Keyboard Traps

    Automation tools like WAVE or Lighthouse can catch some violations, but many traps slip through. Manual checks are essential:

    • Start at the browser address bar.
    • Press Tab repeatedly.
    • Watch the focus ring. Does it keep moving or stall?
    • Use Shift+Tab to go backward.
    • Open components like modals, menus, or players. Try Escape. Does it close and return focus?

    Build this into your QA flow. Think of it as a “keyboard-only smoke test.” It takes two minutes and can save your users hours of frustration.

    Best Practices for Trap-Safe Code

    To keep keyboard traps out of your codebase:

    • Use native elements whenever possible—buttons, links, selects. They come with keyboard behavior for free.
    • Follow ARIA Authoring Practices when building custom components. They define expected key behavior for dialogs, menus, and more.
    • Centralize focus-trap utilities. Don’t reinvent it in every modal.
    • Document the behavior. A hint like “Press Escape to close” in a dialog helps everyone.
    • Add accessibility checks in your Storybook or Cypress tests. Press Tab in your stories. Does it cycle correctly?

    A Safe Dropdown in Action

    Here’s a minimal example of a dropdown that avoids keyboard traps:

    <button id="dropdown-trigger" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="dropdown-menu">
      Options
    </button>
    <ul id="dropdown-menu" role="menu" hidden>
      <li role="menuitem"><a href="#">Profile</a></li>
      <li role="menuitem"><a href="#">Settings</a></li>
      <li role="menuitem"><a href="#">Logout</a></li>
    </ul>

    With the right ARIA attributes and by leaving Tab behavior untouched, this dropdown stays safe and accessible.

    Build Trap Prevention into Your Workflow

    Don’t treat accessibility like a last-minute patch. Bake it into your process:

    • Add “keyboard-only test” to your pull request checklist.
    • Run axe-core or similar tools on staging builds.
    • Train QA and PMs to check focus flows during reviews.
    • Pair with design: ask early, “How would this work without a mouse?”

    These habits don’t just prevent keyboard traps—they build a culture of inclusive development.

    Focus on What Matters

    Accessibility slips often come from the smallest details—like a single missing Escape handler or an overzealous preventDefault(). But those little choices ripple out into real-world barriers. The upside is, once you start looking for them, traps are one of the easiest things to fix—and the payoff is huge.

    If you’re looking to strengthen your accessibility practices and reduce risk, 216digital offers ADA briefings tailored specifically for development teams. These sessions go beyond checklists—they walk through real code examples, explain how WCAG applies in day-to-day work, and give your team a clear roadmap for building components that won’t leave users stuck. It’s a chance to ask questions, get practical guidance, and bring accessibility into your workflow in a way that lasts. 

    Schedule an ADA briefing today and start building better, more inclusive code.

    Greg McNeil

    August 4, 2025
    How-to Guides
    Accessibility, How-to, keyboard accessibility, Keyboard Navigation, Keyboard traps, web developers, web development, Website Accessibility
  • Accessible Infographics? You’ve Got This

    We’ve all shared or pinned a gorgeous infographic only to discover later that it’s unreadable on a phone or impossible for a screen reader to explain. That disconnect can leave a big slice of your audience—people who rely on assistive tech, low‑vision users, mobile users, and anybody skimming—out of the story you worked hard to tell. The good news? You don’t have to pick between visual flair and inclusivity. A handful of WCAG‑inspired habits will let your next infographic sparkle and speak to everyone. Accessible infographics make that possible—balancing form, function, and inclusivity without sacrificing design.

    Why Accessibility in Infographics Matters

    • It’s the right thing and the smart thing. Legal compliance matters, but so does brand trust. Inclusive visuals show you value every visitor without using scare tactics.
    • Wider reach. Alt text, transcripts, and high‑contrast design remove barriers for millions of people with disabilities—and for situational limitations like glare or slow bandwidth.
    • Mobile muscle. Clean, well‑structured graphics load faster and resize gracefully.
    • SEO & UX boost. Search engines can’t “see” pictures, but they can read your text equivalents, giving your infographic a discoverability edge.

    Think of accessibility as a design constraint that ignites creativity, not a brake pedal. Accessible infographics prove that good design and good access can go hand-in-hand.

    Core Principles for Accessible Infographic Design

    1. Start With Simplicity

    Simple visuals land harder and translate better.

    • Stick to 5–7 key takeaways—enough to inform, not overwhelm.
    • Trim decorative flourishes that don’t support the story.
    • Let white space breathe so eyes can rest and elements stand out.

    2. Organize With a Logical Structure

    Viewers should follow your flow without guessing.

    • Group related data in clear clusters or panels.
    • Use subtle borders or tinted backgrounds to separate sections.
    • Keep a steady top‑to‑bottom, left‑to‑right reading order. If you must break it, guide with numbered steps or arrows.

    3. Prioritize Readable Text

    Fancy fonts may look slick, but legibility rules.

    DoSkip
    Sans‑serif faces like Arial, Verdana, Open SansOrnate scripts or heavy italics
    14 pt minimum (roughly 18–20 px on web)Tiny captions that force zooming
    Sentence caseALL CAPS everywhere
    Horizontal textDiagonal or curved text

    Even sighted readers appreciate the clarity—especially on smaller screens.

    Make the Visuals Understandable to Everyone

    4. Provide Text Equivalents

    Alt text isn’t just for photos.

    1. Basic shapes or icons: “Pie chart showing 60 % of users prefer mobile.”
    2. Complex data: Add a long description or transcript nearby or in a collapsible section—describe axes, color keys, and trends.
    3. Link out if the description is lengthy (great for dashboards).
    4. Sprinkle in ARIA roles (role= "img") sparingly when embedding the graphic inside interactive layouts.

    The rule of thumb: If someone couldn’t see the image, would your text give them the same insights? This step is at the heart of what makes accessible infographics work for everyone—not just some. 

    5. Use Color With Care

    Color is an accent, not a crutch.

    • Keep a 4.5 : 1 contrast ratio for text and meaningful icons. Online checkers like WebAIM make it fast.
    • Pair hues with patterns, labels, or icons so color‑blind users still get the message. Think stripes vs. solids on a bar chart.
    • Limit yourself to 3–5 colors plus neutrals. A restrained palette keeps focus where it belongs—your data.

    Good color contrast is essential to creating accessible infographics that everyone can interpret accurately.

    Don’t Forget the Tech‑Specific Details

    6. Accessible Animation (If You Use It)

    Micro‑animations can bring data to life—but keep them optional.

    • Avoid flashes faster than three times per second.
    • Provide pause/stop controls or opt-out settings.
    • Offer a static fallback (SVG or PNG) so no one gets stuck waiting on motion.

    7. Link Design

    Infographics often point to reports or landing pages.

    • Target size: At least 24 × 24 px so thumbs and keyboards can hit comfortably.
    • Make the link text explain itself: “Download Full Report” beats “Click Here.”
    • Style hover, focus, and visited states so users always know where they are.

    8. Optimize for Mobile

    Over half of your audience views on small screens first.

    • Create a responsive layout that re‑flows vertically.
    • Test touch targets with your own hands—thumb‑stretch included.
    • Use SVG or responsive HTML/CSS infographics to scale without blur.

    Responsive design ensures accessible infographics display clearly and consistently no matter what device someone is using.

    Test Like Accessibility Depends on It (Because It Does)

    1. Automated checks
      • WAVE browser extension for structure issues.
      • WebAIM Contrast Checker for color ratios.
    2. Manual passes
      • Screen reader skim (NVDA or JAWS on Windows, VoiceOver on Mac/iOS).
      • Keyboard‑only navigation—can you tab through links and controls?
      • Real‑world mobile test—rotate, zoom, and scroll.
    3. User feedback
    4. Nothing replaces insight from people with disabilities. If possible, include them in your review cycle.
    5. Need deeper assurance? A third‑party accessibility audit can spotlight hidden gaps before launch.

    Accessibility Isn’t a Compromise—It’s a Design Strength

    Accessible infographics amplify your reach, polish your user experience, and future‑proof your brand. Yes, the checklist feels long at first—but each small win builds momentum. Before you know it, designing with inclusion in mind becomes second nature, and your visuals resonate with everyone.

    Want a shortcut to confidence? 216digital specializes in turning creative ideas into accessible infographics without draining your team’s bandwidth. Schedule a personalized ADA briefing, and we’ll walk you through what matters most for your brand, your users, and your workflow.

    Inclusive storytelling isn’t beyond your skill set—you’ve got this.

    Greg McNeil

    July 29, 2025
    How-to Guides
    Accessibility, Accessible Design, infographic, Web Accessibility, Web Accessible Design, Website Accessibility
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