Accessibility is no longer optional — it’s essential. Here’s how to protect your brand and create an inclusive web experience.
In 2025, your website is more than a digital storefront — it’s a legal obligation. With a sharp rise in ADA-related lawsuits, businesses and nonprofits across the U.S. are under increasing pressure to ensure their websites are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
If your website isn’t compliant with accessibility standards, you could be:
- Excluding potential customers
- Leaving yourself open to a costly lawsuit
- Damaging your brand’s reputation
- Missing out on SEO opportunities
The good news? Accessibility doesn’t just protect you — it also pays off.
Why ADA Compliance Has Become a Big Deal
Thousands of lawsuits are being filed every year, targeting websites that fail to meet the requirements set out in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1).
In March 2025 alone, 457 lawsuits were filed — and over 40% of those were against businesses that had already been sued before. That means many companies thought they were compliant… but weren’t.
Common Accessibility Gaps on Websites
Most accessibility issues aren’t caused by bad intentions — they’re caused by oversight or a lack of awareness. Here are a few of the most common things that need fixing:
- Missing alternative text for images
- Poor color contrast
- No ability to navigate the site using only a keyboard
- Forms that don’t announce errors clearly
- Videos without captions or transcripts
- Menus that are unusable for screen readers
These may seem minor, but to someone using assistive technology, they can make a site completely unusable.
How Long Does It Take to Make a Site Compliant?
Here’s the truth: making your website fully ADA compliant takes time and expertise. Depending on the size of your site, it could take anywhere from 25 to 70+ hours of developer work to fully address the necessary accessibility improvements. That includes:
- Auditing your current site
- Adding screen reader compatibility
- Fixing keyboard navigation issues
- Updating forms, menus, and contrast
- Testing everything manually and with assistive tools
For most small businesses, that’s not just time-consuming — it’s cost-prohibitive.
What We’re Doing About It (and How It Helps You)
At Web Worx, we’ve partnered with AccessiBe, one of the most advanced AI-powered accessibility solutions available. It works behind the scenes to:
- Scan your website for compliance issues
- Automatically adjust design elements and code
- Keep your site compliant 24/7 as content changes
- Provide legal documentation for protection
Who Is This For?
This isn’t just for Fortune 500 companies. If you:
- Own a small business or nonprofit
- Have a website with public-facing content
- Sell products or services online
- Want to build trust with your audience
- Are looking to stay ahead of legal trends
…then ADA compliance needs to be on your radar.
The Bottom Line
An accessible website isn’t just a legal checkbox. It’s a statement of values. It tells your audience, “You matter. You belong here.” And in a world where every brand is competing for attention and trust, that message goes a long way.
Ready to find out where your site stands? Want a plan to make it compliant, fast and affordably? Ask about pricing for our website hosting with ADA Compliance. Email us at info@webworxllc.com and we can get you compliant today!
1. What does it mean for a website to be ADA compliant?
ADA compliance means your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This includes using proper HTML structure, keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, alt text for images, and maintaining contrast for visually impaired users.
2. Who needs to comply with ADA website accessibility standards?
All businesses and organizations in the U.S.—especially those with a public-facing website—should comply with ADA accessibility standards. This includes small businesses, nonprofits, eCommerce sites, and service providers.
3. What are the most common ADA website compliance issues?
The most common violations include:
- Missing image alt text
- Poor color contrast
- No keyboard navigation
- Inaccessible PDFs
- Videos without captions
- Improper form labeling — these issues can trigger lawsuits or deter potential customers from using your site.
4. How can I check if my website is ADA compliant?
You can use tools like WAVE, Axe, or Google Lighthouse to scan your site for accessibility issues. However, manual testing with screen readers and real users is the most accurate way to ensure full compliance.
5. How much does it cost to make a website ADA compliant?
Costs vary based on site size and complexity. Manual compliance updates for a small site can range from $2,500–$5,000. Alternatively, AI-driven tools like AccessiBe offer compliance solutions starting around $500/year. We can provide it cheaper since we have a partner account.
6. What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Lawsuits for non-compliance are rising rapidly, with legal costs ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. Even businesses using third-party tools have been sued if their accessibility solution didn’t go far enough.
7. How long does it take to make a website fully accessible?
It depends on your site’s size and current condition. A basic 5–10 page site can take 25–40 hours. Larger or more complex sites may take 70+ hours. Using AI tools can cut this down significantly and maintain compliance over time.
8. Does ADA website compliance improve SEO?
Yes. Accessible websites tend to rank better on Google due to improved structure, better user experience, and optimized metadata. Google rewards accessibility because it aligns with its mission to serve all users.
9. What is the best way to get started with website accessibility?
Start with a free scan using a tool like AccessiBe. Then consult with an accessibility expert (👋 that’s us!) to fix any issues, test your updates, and keep your site compliant long-term.
