ADA testing – Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak https://www.barrierbreak.com/ada-anniversary-reflecting-on-triumphs-and-challenges-in-2023/ Creating a limitless future Wed, 26 Jul 2023 05:22:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.barrierbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/favicon.ico.png ADA testing – Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak https://www.barrierbreak.com/ada-anniversary-reflecting-on-triumphs-and-challenges-in-2023/ 32 32 ADA Anniversary: Reflecting on Triumphs and Challenges in 2023 https://www.barrierbreak.com/ada-anniversary-reflecting-on-triumphs-and-challenges-in-2023/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/ada-anniversary-reflecting-on-triumphs-and-challenges-in-2023/#respond Wed, 26 Jul 2023 05:22:34 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=25390 26 July 2023 marks the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, ADA has been a significant milestone in advocating for equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. The Wins Since its enactment in 1990, ADA has played a crucial role in ensuring equal rights… Read More »ADA Anniversary: Reflecting on Triumphs and Challenges in 2023

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26 July 2023 marks the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, ADA has been a significant milestone in advocating for equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Wins

Since its enactment in 1990, ADA has played a crucial role in ensuring equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. 2023 has witnessed an increasing number of businesses recognizing the value of ADA compliance as they strive to create accessible spaces both physical & digital for their customers.

  • DocMagic Introduces ADA-Compliant Digital Loan Documents

DocMagic Inc., a California-based provider of compliant loan document generation, regulatory compliance, and comprehensive eMortgage services, said this week it has added ADA-compliant mortgage loan documents to its document library. The new digital documents are accessible to visually impaired users and others with disabilities, unlocking opportunities for these consumers into the broader mortgage market, the company said. Read More on DocMagic

  • The normalization of ADA accessibility at Boston Calling Music Festival

With a golf cart to help festival attendees get around and the willingness to make accommodations as needed, the ADA team at Boston Calling Music Festival made an effort to ensure that all persons could enjoy the festivities to the fullest extent this year. The ADA program offered a 50-seat wheelchair-accessible seating platform near the two main stages for those with physical disabilities, as well as ASL interpreters on a raised platform by the stage for those who are hard of hearing or deaf. Read More on Boston Calling Music Festival

  • Tambourine Taps AI for Innovations in ADA Accessibility

Tambourine, the Fort Lauderdale-headquartered digital marketing technology company serving hotels, resorts, and tourism destinations worldwide, announced it has integrated Artificial Intelligence into its flagship product, The Symphony Hotel Marketing Platform. Read More on Tambourine Innovation

  • Mishawaka opens ADA accessible playground at Battell Park

The city of Mishawaka held a ribbon cutting for a brand-new playground at its oldest and most historic park. Directly behind the bandshell at Battell Park, this is the first Mishawaka park to feature an AstroTurf surface, making the play area fully wheelchair accessible. The park also highlights a “We-Go-Round,” a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, a splash pad, and a sensory play center for kids on the autism spectrum. Read More on Mishawaka Playground

  • Servicon Earns Digital Health Award for Responsive Website Design

Servicon, Southern California’s leading hospital environmental services (EVS) provider and commercial cleaning services company, has been named a 2023 Digital Health Award winner. Servicon’s recently updated website earned the Bronze Award in the Web-based Digital Health: Responsive Website Design category for businesses with over 500 employees. Read More on Servicon

The Setbacks

While it is true that 2023 saw some positive steps towards the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is also important to acknowledge that there were lawsuits filed in relation to ADA compliance. These lawsuits serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done in ensuring equal access and rights for people with disabilities.

  • Magic Store Must Face ADA Compliance Lawsuit Over Website Design

Online magic store Ellusionist.com Inc. must face discrimination claims brought by a visually impaired customer, a New York federal court ruled. The US District Court for the Southern District of New York on Tuesday denied in part Ellusionist’s motion to dismiss the case, in which the customer says its website fails to accommodate users who require screen-reading software. The court rejected Ellusionist’s argument that the customer failed to state a claim because its website didn’t qualify as a place of public accommodation. Read more on Magic Store

  • City Of Chicago Held in Violation of Americans with Disabilities Act

A federal judge in Chicago held the City of Chicago liable for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by failing to provide accessible pedestrian signals at signalized intersections throughout the city to those who are blind or have low vision. Read more on City of Chicago

  • Lyneer Staffing, LLC Will Pay $119,400 to Settle Americans with Disabilities Act Suit

Lyneer Staffing, LLC, a leading national staffing agency, will provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to deaf applicants, train its managers on reasonable accommodations, and pay $119,400 to settle an Americans with Disabilities (ADA) suit, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced today. Read more on Lyneer Staffing

Embracing Accessibility

Being ADA compliant is not just a legal requirement; it is also a smart business move. By ensuring that your business is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, you open your doors to a larger customer base. At BarrierBreak, we strongly emphasize the significance of accessibility compliance and have the expertise to provide top-notch ADA testing services. Our ADA testing service provides thorough evaluations and assessments, to ensure your digital products comply with accessibility standards and create an inclusive digital experience for all.

In conclusion, do explore “Comedians with Disabilities Act: Changing Attitudes Through Laughter” at the link:https://www.send2press.com/wire/comedians-with-disabilities-act-change-attitudes-through-laughter/. An inspiring example of how people with disabilities are using comedy to drive positive change.

Let’s embrace the journey of accessibility as we continue to celebrate the spirit of the ADA and work together towards a more inclusive world.

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HR Tech trends that are starting to make workplaces more accessible & inclusive https://www.barrierbreak.com/hr-tech-trends-that-are-starting-to-make-workplaces-more-accessible-inclusive/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/hr-tech-trends-that-are-starting-to-make-workplaces-more-accessible-inclusive/#respond Tue, 14 Feb 2023 05:36:00 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=21370 The workplace is rapidly changing, and HR solutions and a big part in making it more accessible for everyone. From AI-powered recruitment tools to employee engagement platforms, plenty of new trends are revolutionizing the way HR teams work.   Technology can help in different ways:  HR Tech Trends   Here are the five important HR Tech trends… Read More »HR Tech trends that are starting to make workplaces more accessible & inclusive

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The workplace is rapidly changing, and HR solutions and a big part in making it more accessible for everyone. From AI-powered recruitment tools to employee engagement platforms, plenty of new trends are revolutionizing the way HR teams work.  

Technology can help in different ways: 

  • HR Tech solutions for Managing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion –  Can provide organizations with insights that can inform better HR decision-making and can ensure that all employees have equal access to HR information and resources, regardless of their location or abilities. 
  • Making HR Tech accessibleIt is critical for organizations to accommodate employees with disability in their organization. This includes making the everyday solutions that organizations are using for employees to meet accessibility standards and guidelines like Web Content Accessibility Guideline.  
  • Job Accommodations – Companies can now provide necessary accommodations for employees with a disability that make it easier for them to work in a comfortable environment. This is especially important when it comes to providing access to assistive technology and resources to assist employees to become effective and productive at the workplace. 

Here are the five important HR Tech trends that have started making an impact on making workplaces more accessible and inclusive. They support organizations to better engage with their employees, streamline their processes, improve productivity, and create a better working environment for everyone involved including employees with disabilities. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)  

ML and AI are transforming businesses’ operations by reducing administrative overhead and improving efficiency. ML can help streamline processes, automate everyday tasks, and improve data accuracy, while AI can be used to make decisions based on data analysis.  

This can be especially beneficial for employees with disabilities who may not have access to traditional tools or resources. With ML and AI, they can work more efficiently, without having to worry about the manual labor of traditional methods.  

Microsoft has added live captions to PowerPoint as part of its AI-powered features. This feature automatically generates real-time captions for the spoken words in a presentation. These captions make it easy for the audience to follow along especially people who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

The Business Wire reports that the Global Artificial Intelligence in HR Market is estimated to be USD 3.89 Bn in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 17.61 Bn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 35.26%.  

Virtual and Hybrid Work 

The demand for HR tech solutions that support remote work and virtual technologies has increased and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote working tools and technologies are becoming more popular as companies strive to provide employees with greater accessibility and flexibility.  

These tools enable companies to connect with their employees regardless of their physical location. They also make it easier for companies to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities, allowing them to stay connected and productive even when they are not physically present in the office. 

Zoom video conferencing and online meeting platform is a popular tool for virtual & hybrid work due to its versatility and ease of use. It is compatible with screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver supporting employees with visual impairment to access the platform and participate in online meetings.  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Solutions 

Companies are investing in HR tech solutions that help them track and improve their DEI efforts, including tools for monitoring and analyzing diversity data, and promoting equitable hiring practices. Companies using HR tech solutions for DEI have reported improvements in their ability to track and analyze DEI data, allowing them to make more informed decisions on how to improve their DEI efforts. 

The study from RedThread Research, found the number of technology vendors serving the DE&I market has grown by 87 percent since 2019, and DE&I vendors experienced an 82% CAGR over a 4-year span. 

Gamification & Engagement 

HR tech solutions are incorporating gamification elements to increase employee engagement and motivation, and these solutions have become increasingly popular in employee training. By incorporating gamification elements, these solutions create a more engaging and enjoyable work environment, leading to increased employee satisfaction and motivation. 

As per the report from TalentLMS, 83% of employees who undergo gamified training are more motivated at work. However, accessibility is an important aspect to consider when designing or procuring gamification tools for the workplace. It is also important for companies to have policies and processes in place to support employees with disabilities and ensure that they are able to fully participate in gamification initiatives. 

The Global Gamification Market size is expected to reach $58.8 billion by 2028, rising at a market growth of 26.8% CAGR during the forecast period 2022 -2028 

Employee Well-being & Mental Health 

Well-Being and Mental Health are no longer a buzzword. These are becoming increasingly important areas of focus for companies and HR departments, and HR tech solutions are being developed to support these efforts. Companies are providing employees with access to mental health support, and HR Tech solutions should ensure that they support companies create a more inclusive and supportive work environment with their solutions.  

Conclusion 

As per the report by Fortune Business Insights, the global Human Resource Technology Market Size is projected to reach USD 39.90 billion in 2029, at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period, 2022-2029. 

Technology is revolutionizing the way HR approaches workplace accessibility and inclusion. Companies today are recognizing the importance of accessibility in HR tech and are taking steps to ensure that their HR tech tools are accessible to all employees. This includes conducting accessibility assessments, implementing accessibility standards and guidelines, and working with accessibility vendors to ensure that their HR tech tools meet accessibility requirements. In today’s competitive business environment, investing in accessible HR tech can definitely be a competitive advantage. 

Get in touch with our accessibility consultant to help you incorporate accessibility into your HR Tech Solutions or write to us sales@barrierbreak.com.  

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Rising trends in Digital Transformation and Digital Accessibility https://www.barrierbreak.com/rising-trends-in-digital-transformation-and-digital-accessibility/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/rising-trends-in-digital-transformation-and-digital-accessibility/#respond Tue, 03 Jan 2023 07:05:45 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=21251 The term digital transformation is thrown around a lot these days. But what does it really mean?  Digital transformation is the process of embracing new technologies to create better customer experiences. It’s also about adopting new ways of working and new ways of thinking that enable organizations to stay ahead of their competition.  Digital transformation… Read More »Rising trends in Digital Transformation and Digital Accessibility

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The term digital transformation is thrown around a lot these days. But what does it really mean? 

Digital transformation is the process of embracing new technologies to create better customer experiences. It’s also about adopting new ways of working and new ways of thinking that enable organizations to stay ahead of their competition. 

Digital transformation is a hot topic in the business world today. As technology evolves, organizations must adapt to stay competitive. Here are three digital transformation trends that are gaining popularity: 

Change management 

Businesses are changing rapidly with the use of digital technology. Change management trends are on the rise in the workplace. Implementing digital transformation can be a challenge for any organization. It is important for managers to be able to manage change and lead their teams through it. Digital adoption platforms are being used to facilitate and support change in many different ways. 

Growing cloud migration 

Another top digital transformation trend is the growing migration to the cloud. As businesses strive to become more agile and efficient, many are turning to cloud-based solutions to help them meet their goals. 

Use of advanced technology  

Finally, the use of advanced technology is also a top digital transformation trend. As businesses strive to stay ahead of the competition, they are turning to cutting-edge tech like artificial intelligence and machine learning to help them gain a competitive edge. 

Some companies have successfully transformed themselves from traditional businesses into digital businesses by using new technologies to reduce costs, increase customer engagement, and improve performance. Digital transformation has made it easier for people to access information and services.

But how accessible is this digital world for everyone? 

BarrierBreak is an internationally recognized and trusted accessibility vendor providing cost-effective accessibility consulting and digital accessibility services.

The changing landscape of digital accessibility  

Digital accessibility is an important topic that has been gaining momentum in the past few years. It is the responsibility of companies to make sure that their products are accessible to people with disabilities. As the world becomes increasingly connected and more people gain access to the internet, accessibility is becoming a priority for many organizations. 

There are a number of factors that are changing the landscape of digital accessibility.  

  • An important factor that is changing the landscape of digital accessibility is the availability of advanced technologies to help people with disabilities assert their rights. In the past, many people with disabilities were unaware that they had any legal rights to access digital content and services. However, as the internet has become increasingly essential to daily life, people with disabilities have begun to demand greater access to online content and services.  
  • Since the past 2-3 years, we have seen an increase in digital accessibility lawsuits. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 and beyond, as plaintiffs become more aware of their rights and the technology to help them assert those rights becomes more widely available. This increased awareness of digital accessibility rights has been fueled by a number of high-profile lawsuits against well-known companies, such as Netflix, Uber, and Sephora etc.  

What to expect in 2023? 

Mobile Accessibility 

As per Statista, the number of smartphone subscriptions worldwide today surpasses six billion and is forecast to further grow by several hundred million in the next few years. As the use of mobile devices continues to grow, it is important for businesses to consider how to maintain ADA compatibility across all mobile platforms.  

In recent years, the Department of Justice has focused on ensuring that mobile applications are also accessible to people with disabilities. In 2017, the DOJ issued guidance on how to make mobile applications accessible and compliant with the ADA. The guidance includes best practices for designing and developing accessible mobile apps, as well as tips for testing and deploying accessible mobile apps. 

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are two of the hottest topics in the tech world right now. And it’s no surprise why – these cutting-edge technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work. From self-driving cars to automated customer service, AI and ML are already starting to change the world as we know it. 

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can be used to increase accessibility for people with disabilities. While AI and ML still have some limitations when it comes to accessibility, the potential is there to make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As these technologies continue to develop, we can only hope that they will be used to make the world a more accessible place for everyone. 

Stricter Accessibility Laws  

Digital accessibility laws are an important part of making the digital world a more inclusive place for everyone. These laws help to ensure that everyone has equal access to digital content and devices, and that they can use them without barriers.  

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the future will focus on the importance of accessibility laws to keep up with technology.  

Conclusion 

Digital technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate and it’s changing the way we interact with the world. It’s also changing the way people with disabilities interact with the world. With digital accessibility, everyone can enjoy all of the benefits of digital technology. 

The recent trends in digital technology have been focused on making more things accessible to more people. Through better design and inclusive interfaces, everyone can experience the convenience and joy of using a computer or mobile device. 

To know more about our digital accessibility solutions and how we can help you in creating an accessibility roadmap, feel free to contact our digital accessibility experts. 

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5 strategies to maintain your accessibility commitment in an economic slowdown https://www.barrierbreak.com/5-strategies-to-maintain-your-accessibility-commitment-in-an-economic-slowdown/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/5-strategies-to-maintain-your-accessibility-commitment-in-an-economic-slowdown/#respond Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:35:56 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=21222 Accessibility must be a priority whether we look at it from a compliance, inclusion, or business opportunity lens. In an economic slowdown, let’s strategize to meet our accessibility commitments. It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the global economy. In addition, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and higher than… Read More »5 strategies to maintain your accessibility commitment in an economic slowdown

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Accessibility must be a priority whether we look at it from a compliance, inclusion, or business opportunity lens. In an economic slowdown, let’s strategize to meet our accessibility commitments.

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the global economy. In addition, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and higher than expected inflation are all adding to the global slowdown. Many businesses have been forced to downsize or close their doors entirely. As per Forbes, the US economy may not officially be in a recession, but it’s not looking good. 

The current economic climate has forced many organizations to re-evaluate and re-plan their priorities and budgets. In the last 5 years, we are seeing organizations shift left and finally embracing accessibility. So now how do we keep the accessibility focus in these tough times?

BarrierBreak’s accessibility experts suggest five strategies to maintain your accessibility commitment in the economic slowdown:

1. Communicate the importance of accessibility to decision-makers

Make sure that decision-makers within your organization are aware of the importance of accessibility. They may not be aware of the business case for accessibility or may not realize how accessible products and services can benefit your customers.

Highlight customer or end-user stories to help them continue to invest in accessibility. Check our article on Higher Sales and a Business Win with Accessible Digital Products

2. Plan & strategize your Accessibility Roadmap

Remember, accessible products and services have a competitive advantage. The first step in meeting your accessibility commitments is to create a roadmap that provides an overall plan and strategy.  

Start with assessing your current state of accessibility for your digital assets such as websites, mobile apps, products, and/or services. It is critical to prioritize digital assets, plan resources, set milestones and goals based on business & customer’s needs.

3. Keep accessibility in mind when making budget decisions.

You might be worried that you’re going to come under pressure to cut your accessibility budget. You might well be right.

The Accessibility Roadmap will assist you to think of different models & approaches to deliver without reducing your accessibility commitments. Look at priorities, optimize processes & build efficiencies that can help you manage cost.

4. Train your employees on accessibility

Accessibility should be embedded into your organization’s culture, not treated as an afterthought. Create resources that can help them to do it right the first time like playbooks, checklists, video trainings. Invest in training people to implement accessibility as you design, build, test and deploy.

5. Time to adopt a Hybrid Delivery Model

Effectively plan the hybrid delivery models so as to optimize delivering on your accessibility commitment. Identify functions or processes that you can deliver with in-house and/or outsourced offshore resources. Find an offshore accessibility testing partner who can help your team to plan and implement accessibility into your digital solutions in the most cost-effective manner.

In conclusion, it would be difficult to avoid recession as inflation continues to rise. But it is also important to maintain your accessibility commitment in an economic slowdown. By doing so, you will be able to ensure that your products and services are accessible to all customers while also mitigating any legal risks. Additionally, you will be able to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction.

Reach out to the BarrierBreak team, we would be happy to work with you to develop a cost-effective delivery model for your accessibility requirements. There are various ways in which we can help you maintain your accessibility commitment in an economic slowdown. Our model will assist your business in high customer retention by making a significant impact and showing your commitment to accessibility. Additionally, through our expert services, we can design an accessibility roadmap for your organization that can generate higher satisfaction and revenue.

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Why Online Retail should focus on Digital Accessibility? https://www.barrierbreak.com/why-online-retail-should-focus-on-digital-accessibility/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/why-online-retail-should-focus-on-digital-accessibility/#respond Thu, 17 Nov 2022 10:00:37 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=14787 Online retail accessibility or e-commerce accessibility is important not only from legal perspective but from an enhanced user-experience and business perspective too. Time to focus on online retail accessibility – an accessible online store ensures a better digital presence and expands your reach to new markets.  Food for thought USD 8 trillion disposable income in… Read More »Why Online Retail should focus on Digital Accessibility?

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Online retail accessibility or e-commerce accessibility is important not only from legal perspective but from an enhanced user-experience and business perspective too. Time to focus on online retail accessibility – an accessible online store ensures a better digital presence and expands your reach to new markets. 

Food for thought

USD 8 trillion disposable income in the hands of disabled people and their families, but can they really shop on your online store? Research has demonstrated that none of the world’s top 50 websites meet the digital accessibility guidelines with more than one billion people, or 15% of the global population, reporting a disability affecting their ability to navigate websites.

BarrierBreak provides comprehensive retail accessibility testing solution that evaluates your business needs. Ensure your e-commerce websites & mobile applications conform to WCAG 2.0 & WCAG 2.1, and are Section 508 and ADA compliant. We also help you to create VPAT for your products and services to make it more attractive to government buyers and win more RFPs.

Retail trivia

Online shopping, also known as e-commerce, allows customers to buy goods and services directly from sellers on the website. It allows you to shop from the comfort of your home, at any time of day and any day of the year. On the other hand, sellers sell their products, regardless of whether the product is luxurious or meets the needs of the customer, on such portals. It can be difficult for people with disabilities to know what the product contains.

In 2018, consumers around the world spent a total of $2.8 trillion on online retail sales, a figure that could rise to $4.8 trillion in 2021. If you don’t consider the impact of online retail accessibility or web accessibility on your e-commerce revenue margins, you’re giving away a slice of the pie to retailers who make online retail accessibility their priority.

Let’s dive deeper

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated a shift towards online shopping especially for people with disabilities which requires the focus to shift towards digital accessibility.

Customers with a disability encounter many barriers when navigating retail websites. Despite the need to access digital content, most retailers do not see where their access problems lie.

Many of these obstacles are minor inconveniences, but others make navigating the site difficult or impossible without help. While online shopping has its own advantages, accessibility barriers on many e-commerce websites, makes it difficult for people with disabilities enjoy the same experience as everyone else.

The Compound Effect

Companies that prioritize e-commerce accessibility during the pandemic are more likely to see their websites prioritized by Google than by their competitors.

  • E-commerce accessibility leads to the removal of barriers to online shopping for people with disabilities and enhances overall user-experience. Customers make their purchases in the traditional way by viewing what the product looks like and reading the description, and when the e-commerce website is accessible, everyone has access to similar information regardless of their disability but can also make their purchase with confidence.
  • The accessibility of your online retail shop will bring you more customers than any other sector of the economy, which is reason enough for you to take an action now! Improving the accessibility of websites is a tangible improvement that thousands, even millions, of people will notice. Improving websites that facilitate access to essential goods for people with disabilities during quarantine can have an immediate positive impact on businesses.  
  • Another reason to ensure an accessible e-commerce website is legal requirement. From 2017 to 2018, web accessibility lawsuits and litigations rose by 181 percent. If there are any inaccessible sections on your website, it can be deemed discriminatory against persons with disabilities, which violates the accessibility standards and guidelines such as Section 508, WCAG and ADA.

As online retailers are a for-profit business and disabled and elderly people are targeted markets, it is vital that they work hard to make their websites accessible to this demographic.

Why Online Retail or E-commerce accessibility is important?

Here’s what G3ICT has to say, “Committing to inclusive design not only makes a retailer’s website accessible to customers with disabilities, but also creates a shopping environment that is easier for all customers to use. Streamlined designs load quicker.”

Our team of highly experienced accessibility testing team at BarrierBreak which include testers with disabilities, ensures accessible e-commerce website. We ensure that your retail website is in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG ). Write to sales@barrierbreak.com to help us support you.

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Higher Sales and a Business Win with Accessible Digital Products https://www.barrierbreak.com/higher-sales-and-a-business-win-with-accessible-digital-products/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/higher-sales-and-a-business-win-with-accessible-digital-products/#respond Sat, 11 Jun 2022 06:16:16 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=16108 The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a wake-up call and business now are considering accessibility of digital products as a priority. In an increasingly and undeniably digital world, it's important to have products that are accessible to everyone.If you're looking to increase sales and win more business, making your digital products accessible is a great… Read More »Higher Sales and a Business Win with Accessible Digital Products

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The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a wake-up call and business now are considering accessibility of digital products as a priority. In an increasingly and undeniably digital world, it's important to have products that are accessible to everyone.

If you're looking to increase sales and win more business, making your digital products accessible is a great place to start. By ensuring that your websites, apps, and other digital products are accessible to users with disabilities, you can open your business to a whole new customer base.

There are a number of benefits to making your digital products accessible.

According to Forrester, about $10-16 billion in design spending between the US and Canada alone will shift towards tech companies that are prioritizing accessibility.

Benefits of ensuring Accessible Digital Products

  • Expand your reach: Providing accessible digital products gives your business an opportunity to tap into the 1-billion market of people with disabilities that has an annual disposable income of $1.2 trillion. Accessibility also helps you increase sales to government or the federal markets.
  • Win long term customers: People with disabilities tend to remain loyal to your business if they are able to access your digital products. The report from Business Disability Forum, UK, found that 75% of disabled people and their families have walked away from a service provider because of poor disability awareness at a cost of £1.8bn to UK businesses every month.
  • Comply with legal requirements: In many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union, laws require that digital products be accessible to people with disabilities. The BarrierBreak team of accessibility experts provide you support for all your accessibility needs ensuring conformance to WCAG standards and compliance to Section 508ADAVPAT Creation
  • Improve the user experience: When your digital products are accessible, everyone can use them more easily and effectively. This can lead to better customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Improve search engine optimization: Accessible digital products are often better coded, which can help them rank higher in search engine results. This can lead to more traffic and more sales.

Making your digital products accessible doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. Incorporate accessibility in your digital products right from the beginning. There are several tools and resources available to help you. And, by taking the time to make your products accessible, you can reap a number of benefits for your business.

If you are looking for an accessibility partner who can help you get started or support you in your accessibility journey, get in touch now!

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Selecting a Digital Accessibility Vendor https://www.barrierbreak.com/selecting-digital-accessibility-vendor/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/selecting-digital-accessibility-vendor/#respond Thu, 03 Mar 2022 05:28:26 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=15940 Accessibility is not an option but the right thing to do. However, the problem is that most businesses have no idea where to start. A lot of them don't even know what accessibility is! Many of them are taking the easy route and asking their web designers for accessibility advice. Unfortunately, the truth is this:… Read More »Selecting a Digital Accessibility Vendor

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Accessibility is not an option but the right thing to do. However, the problem is that most businesses have no idea where to start. A lot of them don't even know what accessibility is! Many of them are taking the easy route and asking their web designers for accessibility advice. Unfortunately, the truth is this: web designers are not accessibility specialists. It's important to find someone who knows about both design and technology in order to get the best result for your business.  

Read this Should your Development Vendor be your Accessibility Testing Vendor? 

Selecting the right accessibility vendor is a critical decision for any company looking to make their digital products compliant with the emerging regulations. The right website and digital accessibility vendor can help you identify the most problematic areas of your product and provide solutions to get you up to code.  

There are several accessibility vendors out there that have been around for a while and offer quality service and products. Ensuring that your digital products meet WCAG standards and Section 508 guidelines require expert vendors in this field. 

The right vendor can ensure that your products are fully accessible and also help protect your company from legal risks. While it is important to do some research on your own, there are also certain questions you can ask the vendor that will give you an idea of their capabilities: 

  1. How would you describe your company’s values and philosophy? 
  2. What is your process for evaluating and proposing solutions? 
  3. What methods do you use to assess accessibility?
  4. What is your experience in the industry?
  5. What is your typical timeline for getting back to clients after receiving a request for proposal?
  6. What services do you offer that are not listed on the website?

The digital accessibility vendor you select should not only provide an option for progress tracking and record keeping but also ensure that they can provide you a customized roadmap towards your accessibility needs.   

Check out our blog on Top 5 resources for learning Accessibility.  

At BarrierBreak, we provide accessibility testing services and digital accessibility solutions with legal expertise and consulting and help our partners meet their accessibility goals. As a website accessibility consultant, we work with our customers to ensure that their products comply to accessibility standards and guidelines and also support them to create an effective and complete VPAT of the product.  

To learn more about our accessibility testing services, get in touch with our team at sales@barrierbreak.com  

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What is Americans with Disabilities Act? Does ADA apply to websites? https://www.barrierbreak.com/what-is-americans-with-disabilities-act-does-ada-apply-to-websites/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/what-is-americans-with-disabilities-act-does-ada-apply-to-websites/#respond Tue, 18 Jan 2022 04:18:27 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=13609 Last year there was a news trending about Domino’s Pizza being sued because of inaccessible website & mobile app and the claim of Domino's to have the case thrown out, arguing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) did not apply to its website because it is not  covered as a "place of public accommodation".  So,… Read More »What is Americans with Disabilities Act? Does ADA apply to websites?

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Last year there was a news trending about Domino’s Pizza being sued because of inaccessible website & mobile app and the claim of Domino's to have the case thrown out, arguing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) did not apply to its website because it is not  covered as a "place of public accommodation".  So, understanding ADA is  critical for businesses to understand their obligations and also to meet compliance.

History of ADA

Due to a huge number of people with a disability facing discrimination, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) came into existence to protect individuals with disabilities in America. The law became signed law on July 26, 1990  by American President George H.W. Bush.

What does Americans with Disabilities Act state?

ADA is a civil right law introduced to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in public sector as well as private places that are open to the general public.

The main focus of this act is to provide equal rights and opportunities to everyone. This will provide equal opportunity to the disability community in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.

ADA is divided into five titles that relates to different areas of public life.

  • Title I - Employment: Equal Employment Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities
  • Title II - State and Local Government: Non-discrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services
  • Title III - Public Accommodations: Non-discrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations and in Commercial Facilities
  • Title IV - Telecommunications: To provide telephone relay service for Individuals with Disabilities
  • Title V - Miscellaneous Provisions

The lawsuit against Domino’s was filed under Title III – Public Accommodation. The question that arises is that are websites covered under the ADA?

We are seeing varied opinions from the federal and states courts on whether websites and mobile apps are covered under ADA. But at this point, it would be advisable for businesses to look at the wider obligations under ADA and ensure that their websites and mobile apps are accessible to people with disabilities.

So, it is time to adopt accessibility and adhere to ADA since it will benefit your customers and your employees. Looking at people with disabilities as your customers.

Its time for businesses like Domino’s Pizza to look at the business opportunity of catering to this otherwise ignored audience.

At BarrierBreak, accessibility testing or accessibility audits is performed in order to meet ADA regulations. We assist our customers to ensure your product is accessible to all. Feel free to email us to know more about how you can adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

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Automated and Manual Accessibility Testing https://www.barrierbreak.com/automated-and-manual-accessibility-testing/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/automated-and-manual-accessibility-testing/#respond Tue, 31 Aug 2021 01:07:06 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=15198 The question everyone asks is how do you conduct accessibility testing or which tools do you use? At BarrierBreak, the question that we focus on is who is conducting the accessibility testing. Facts about Effectiveness of Automated Accessibility Tools The facts are out there! The UK Government GDS Accessibility Team conducted an audit of automated accessibility testing tools and… Read More »Automated and Manual Accessibility Testing

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The question everyone asks is how do you conduct accessibility testing or which tools do you use? At BarrierBreak, the question that we focus on is who is conducting the accessibility testing.

The facts are out there! The UK Government GDS Accessibility Team conducted an audit of automated accessibility testing tools and if you haven’t read it — you must!

I am just going to call out 2 staggering statistics from the audit:

  • Automated tools identified between 17% to 37% of the accessibility barriers.
  • Of the 143 barriers we created, a total of 42 were missed by all of the tools

So the question is can you rely on automated tools alone! The answer is quite obvious!

At BarrierBreak, since our inception, we have always focused on manual testing. Automated testing tools assist accessibility testers to identify some of the challenges. But even there often there has to be manual verification.

A simple example everyone gives is image descriptions for images. It is easy to detect if an alt attribute is provided for an image, but it needs manual intervention to see whether the image description is meaningful.

We use between 3 to 5 tools, plugins, bookmarklets to help us evaluate accessibility! Automated Accessibility Testing Tools have to be a part of the toolkit used but can’t be the only one!

At BarrierBreak, our accessibility experts are key to our process. They are the people who test, analyze, validate and recommend the solutions.

We have always been focused on including people with disabilities as a part of our process. They are not only doing user testing! They are a part of the team that conducts the accessibility evaluation!

Native assistive technology testers should be a part of the solution since at the end of the day accessibility is about ensuring people with disabilities get access to digital solutions!

When I founded BarrierBreak, I was clear that I saw this gap in the industry that people with disabilities weren’t always a part of the solution!

When we think of the People First Approach, it is about our accessibility experts — who bring value to the product or solution. It is their inputs that are critical. They are the people that analyze the code, they are the people that recommend the solution!

So time to strike the balance between automated testing and manual accessibility testing and above all remember it is the people who are at the heart of the process.

Reach out to the team at BarrierBreak, to see how we can support you in the People First Approach

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ADA Compliance for Websites https://www.barrierbreak.com/ada-compliance-for-websites/ https://www.barrierbreak.com/ada-compliance-for-websites/#respond Fri, 18 Jun 2021 08:02:21 +0000 https://www.barrierbreak.com/?p=14747 ADA compliance refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design, which states that all electronic and information technology (like websites) must be accessible to people with disabilities. As per UsableNet’s Business Case for web accessibility in 2020 ADA Compliance lawsuits can cost companies between $15,000 and $100,000. What is ADA? As litigation… Read More »ADA Compliance for Websites

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ADA compliance refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design, which states that all electronic and information technology (like websites) must be accessible to people with disabilities. As per UsableNet’s Business Case for web accessibility in 2020 ADA Compliance lawsuits can cost companies between $15,000 and $100,000.

What is ADA?

As litigation surrounding the accessibility of websites has soared in recent years, the term ‘ADA website compliance‘ has become commonplace. In order to comply with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark 1990 civil rights law, your website must be designed so that people who are blind, have visual impairments, are deaf, have hearing, mobility or cognitive challenges or other people are able to access your content in a meaningful way. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

What do you mean by ADA Compliance for Websites?

ADA-compliant websites provide an online experience that is accessible to all, including people with disabilities. This means having websites that cater to visually impaired users, creating content that is suitable for screen readers, using descriptive links and making website actions accessible to anyone with a keyboard.

In practice, ADA compliance for website means that a website must meet the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for barrier-free design, which allows people to use devices such as screen readers and keyboards to access and consume online content, including blog posts, videos, and online services.

Is ADA Compliance important?

Yes, absolutely! I cannot place more emphasis on how important it is to make your website ADA Compliant. The fear of lawsuits and financial risks are not the only reasons why it’s a great idea for your website to adhere to ADA compliance standards. Ethically and financially, it becomes all the more important to address to the needs of your customers. By complying to ADA, you open up your business to a greater world of dedicated community members and customers. By adhering to these standards, you will not only create a better user experience for your users but also inadvertently increase your profitability and overall company success.

How to make your website ADA Compliant?

WCAG was created by The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative in order to “develop standards and support materials to help you understand and implement accessibility.” There are some simple practices that can help you ensure your website is ADA Compliant. WCAG 2.0 guidelines help translate ADA requirements into easy-to-follow steps to target specific elements on your website that helps you to improve accessibility.

At BarrierBreak, our highly experienced accessibility testing team makes sure that your website is ADA Compliant by implementing a thorough manual check. They also make sure that the website is accessible and Section 508 compliant. Write to sales@barrierbreak.com to help us support you with ADA compliance testing.

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