Below is a question we received from a member along with our response.
Question: We have been getting calls and ads for services to check our website for ADA compliance. We used a tool to check out our website for issues and got a “passing” grade. I was at a Core User’s Group meeting yesterday and they said the Tennessee Bankers Association put out an article on this. What do you guys know about our requirements—and potential law suits?
Answer: There have been a growing number of lawsuits in this area.
I’ve linked a few articles I found, that address the increase in lawsuits and the requirements, as well as the DOJ new release of an H&R Block settlement. The comment below, from the H&R Block news release, is reflective of how expectations for websites are evolving:
“For those with disabilities, an inaccessible website puts them at a great disadvantage and further perpetuates a feeling of dependence and reliance on others,” said U.S. Attorney Ortiz. “With thoughtful and proper web design, businesses and organizations can have a great impact on the daily lives of people with disabilities who, like everyone else, seek to enjoy the benefits of technology.”
– U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz of the District of Massachusetts
https://www.business.com/web-design/is-your-website-ada-compliant-how-to-check-and-how-it-affects-your-business/
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/small-business/fl-ada-website-accessibility-suits-20150623-story.html
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-enters-consent-decree-national-tax-preparer-hr-block-requiring
https://www.fredlaw.com/news__media/2016/09/01/1303/risk_of_ada_claims_rises_as_doj_contemplates_new_website_compliance_standards
And another article from Seyfarth-Shaw ADA Title III Blog titled “Website Accessibility Lawsuits by the Numbers”.