ADA Compliance Checklist: Improve Accessibility & SEO

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ADA Website Compliance Checklist 2025: Ensure Your Site is Fully Accessible

Quick Summary

Throughout this guide, we will delve into the importance of the ada web compliance checklist and its significant impact on accessibility. By adhering to the ada web compliance checklist, you can ensure your website is inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Introduction

Ensuring your website complies with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is no longer optional—it’s essential. An accessible website not only enhances user experience but also expands your audience and minimizes legal risks. However, achieving full compliance can be challenging without the right expertise. Many businesses collaborate with a web development company to ensure their websites meet ADA standards while maintaining functionality and design.

This checklist will walk you through the key requirements to make your website fully accessible in 2025. Whether you’re handling development in-house or working with experts, these guidelines will help create a more inclusive digital experience for all users.

♿ Make Your Website ADA-Compliant!

Ensure your website is accessible to all users in 2025! Use our ADA Website Compliance Checklist to meet legal standards and enhance user experience.

Why is the ADA Compliance Checklist important?

An ADA compliance checklist is crucial because it ensures your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. By following these guidelines, businesses can enhance user experience, improve SEO, and reduce the risk of legal issues. With accessibility lawsuits on the rise, having an ADA-compliant website not only helps you stay compliant with regulations but also expands your audience reach. Prioritizing accessibility shows inclusivity, boosts brand reputation, and creates a seamless digital experience for everyone.

Quick Read: Top 10 Accessibility Testing Tools for Web Applications

ADA Compliance Checklist: Key Requirements Below

1. Perceivable (Content must be presented in ways users can perceive)

Ensuring content is perceivable means making all website elements accessible in different formats so users with disabilities can understand them. This includes alternative text for visuals, adaptable layouts, and content that does not rely solely on sensory characteristics like color or sound. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 285 million people worldwide have visual impairments, making perceivable content crucial for inclusivity.

A. Text Alternatives

Providing text alternatives for non-text content ensures visually impaired users can access information via screen readers or other assistive technologies.

Provide alt text for all images, icons, buttons, and non-decorative visuals.
- Example: A product image on an e-commerce website should have alt text like “Red Nike running shoes, size 10” instead of “Image123.jpg.” This helps users relying on screen readers understand the product.
Use descriptive filenames and alt text for images conveying important information.
- Example: Instead of naming a graph image “chart1.png,” use “Sales-trends-2024.png” with appropriate alt text like “A bar chart showing a 20% increase in sales from January to June 2024.”
Provide text alternatives for non-text content (e.g., CAPTCHA).
- Example: Instead of using an image-based CAPTCHA, offer an audio alternative for visually impaired users to complete the verification.

💡 Did You Know?

A study by WebAIM found that 60% of the top 1 million websites failed to provide alt text for their images, making them inaccessible to screen reader users.

B. Adaptable Content

Adaptable content ensures that web elements work across different devices, screen sizes, and assistive tools without losing structure or functionality.

Use semantic HTML (<h1>, <p>, <ul>)to structure content correctly.
- Example: A news article should have proper heading hierarchy (<h1> for the title, <h2> for subheadings) instead of using <div> tags, making it easier for screen readers to navigate.
Ensure content reflows properly when zoomed to 200% without losing functionality.
- Example: Users with low vision often zoom in on text. If content breaks or overlaps, it becomes unreadable. Websites should use responsive design to maintain readability at higher zoom levels.
Avoid using only color to convey information (e.g., error messages must have text, not just color).
- Example: A form error message like “Incorrect email format” should include both red text and an icon rather than just changing color, so colorblind users can still perceive the issue.

💡 Did You Know?

According to the Color Blind Awareness Organization, about 1 in 12 men (8%) and 1 in 200 women (0.5%) worldwide are colorblind. Relying solely on color makes content inaccessible to millions.

C. Distinguishable Content

For content to be accessible, users must be able to distinguish text from the background, adjust text size, and control moving content to prevent distractions.

Ensure sufficient color contrast (4.5:1 for text, 3:1 for UI elements/icons).
- Example: White text on a light gray background has poor contrast and is hard to read. Instead, black text on a white background (or other high-contrast colors) ensures better readability.
Enable users to adjust text size and spacing without breaking layout.
- Example: Users with dyslexia or vision impairments may need larger text. Websites should allow text resizing without breaking navigation or causing content overlap.
Provide pause, stop, and hide options for moving or blinking content.
- Example: A website with an auto-playing carousel should include pause/play buttons to prevent distractions for users with cognitive disabilities.
Avoid background audio that automatically plays without a way to stop it.
- Example: A promotional video with background music should have volume controls or a mute option, as users with hearing impairments or sensory sensitivities might struggle with automatic audio.

💡 Did You Know?

Studies show that 70% of people with disabilities leave a website immediately if they encounter accessibility issues. Making content perceivable ensures a better user experience for all.

2. Operable (Users must be able to navigate the site easily)

An operable website ensures that all users, including those with motor impairments or who rely on assistive technologies, can navigate and interact with content seamlessly. According to a WebAIM survey, 98.1% of homepages had accessibility failures related to keyboard navigation, proving the importance of making websites fully operable.

A. Keyboard Accessibility

Users who cannot use a mouse should be able to navigate the entire website using only a keyboard. This includes accessing menus, forms, buttons, and interactive elements without unexpected disruptions.

Ensure all interactive elements (buttons, links, forms) are keyboard accessible.
- Example: Pressing the Tab key should move focus logically through interactive elements, allowing users to navigate without using a mouse.
Use logical tab order for navigation (avoid unexpected focus jumps).
- Example: A user pressing Tab should move left to right, top to bottom (following the reading order). Poor tab order can confuse users and make navigation frustrating.
Provide skip navigation links to help users bypass repetitive content.
- Example: A “Skip to Main Content” link at the top of a webpage allows users to bypass lengthy navigation menus and jump directly to the main content. This is especially useful for screen reader users.

💡 Did You Know?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) require that all functionalities must be usable via a keyboard to accommodate users with mobility impairments.

B. Navigation and Structure

A well-structured website ensures users can quickly find information and navigate without confusion. Proper use of headings, menus, and page titles enhances accessibility and user experience.

Ensure all pages have unique and descriptive titles.
- Example: Instead of a generic title like “Home”, use “XYZ Company | Homepage – Digital Solutions for Businesses” to provide context.
Provide clear, consistent navigation (menus, breadcrumbs, search functionality).
- Example: A breadcrumb trail like “Home > Products > Laptops > Gaming Laptops” helps users understand their location and navigate easily.
Use ARIA landmarks or HTML5 elements for structure (<header>, <nav>, <main>).
- Example: Instead of <div class=”navigation”>, use <nav> to help assistive technologies recognize navigation menus correctly.

💡 Did You Know?

A Gartner study found that well-structured websites improve user engagement by 135%, making it crucial for both accessibility and usability.

C. Input Assistance

Forms and input fields should guide users, help prevent mistakes, and offer clear instructions to reduce frustration.

Label all form fields correctly (<label> elements or aria-label).
- Example: A field labeled “Full Name” should have an associated <label> or an aria-label attribute so screen readers can read it aloud.
Provide error messages and suggestions for form validation errors.
- Example: Instead of a vague “Error submitting form”, use “Invalid email format. Please enter an email like example@domain.com.” to clarify the issue.
Ensure forms allow users to review and correct their inputs before submission.
- Example: After submitting a job application, users should be able to review and edit their details before finalizing submission.

💡 Did You Know?

A study by NNGroup showed that 67% of users abandon forms due to confusing input fields. Clear guidance can significantly improve form completion rates.

D. Time-Based Interactions

Some users may need more time to read, comprehend, and interact with content. Websites should accommodate these needs by preventing unexpected timeouts and offering session extension options.

Avoid automatic session timeouts, or allow users to extend sessions.
- Example: A banking website should warn users before logging them out due to inactivity and provide an option to extend the session.
Provide users with warnings before a session expires.
- Example: An e-commerce site should show a countdown timer if an item in the cart is about to expire due to inactivity.

💡 Did You Know?

A UK Government report found that 22% of users with disabilities experience difficulty completing tasks due to short session timeouts, leading to frustration and abandonment.

3. Understandable (Users must understand and use the content easily)

An understandable website ensures that users can comprehend content, navigate intuitively, and interact efficiently without confusion. According to a NNGroup study, 42% of users abandon a website if the content is too complex or difficult to navigate. Making content clear and predictable improves usability for everyone, including users with cognitive disabilities, non-native speakers, and first-time visitors.

A. Readable Text

Content should be clear, well-structured, and easy to read, benefiting users with dyslexia, cognitive impairments, or limited literacy skills.

Use simple and clear language (avoid complex jargon).
- Example: Instead of “Your authentication credentials are invalid,” say “Incorrect username or password.”
Ensure proper heading hierarchy (<h1> to <h6>) for better readability.
- Example: A blog post should have a clear structure:
  - <h1> Main Title
  - <h2> Subheadings
  - <h3> Subtopics under subheadings
Provide an expand/collapse option for long or complex content.
- Example: FAQ sections should use expandable content (“Click to View Answer”) rather than overwhelming users with a wall of text.

💡 Did You Know?

A study by WebAIM found that 86% of screen reader users rely on headings for navigation, emphasizing the need for proper heading hierarchy.

B. Predictable Navigation

Users should be able to navigate the website intuitively without encountering unexpected changes or inconsistencies.

Ensure consistent layouts across pages.
- Example: If the menu is on the left on the homepage, it should not suddenly shift to the right on another page. Inconsistencies confuse users and disrupt navigation flow.
Avoid unexpected changes in content when hovering, focusing, or interacting.
- Example: A dropdown menu should only expand when clicked, not when hovered, to prevent accidental activation by users with motor disabilities.
Clearly indicate interactive elements (buttons, links) with visual focus states.
- Example: A button should change color or display an outline when focused, so keyboard users can easily identify which element is active.

💡 Did You Know?

A Google study found that 69% of users leave a website if they can’t easily find what they’re looking for in less than 15 seconds.

C. Input Assistance

Users should receive helpful guidance when filling out forms or making selections, reducing frustration and errors.

Provide helpful error messages and field instructions.
- Example: Instead of “Invalid input”, use “Your password must be at least 8 characters long and contain a number.”
Use autocomplete where applicable to reduce user effort.
- Example: A checkout form should auto-fill city and state based on ZIP code input, making the process faster and reducing mistakes.
Allow users to easily undo or correct form mistakes.
- Example: A “Back” or “Edit” button in a multi-step form allows users to review and fix mistakes before final submission.

💡 Did You Know?

According to Baymard Institute, 30% of users abandon online forms due to confusing input fields and lack of error guidance.

4. Robust (Content must be compatible with assistive technologies)

A robust website ensures that content works across various browsers, devices, and assistive technologies, providing a seamless experience for all users. According to WebAIM, 97% of websites have accessibility failures that prevent assistive technology users from interacting effectively. Following best practices in clean code, responsiveness, and assistive technology support ensures long-term accessibility and usability.

A. Clean Code & Compatibility

A well-structured website should use valid HTML, ARIA roles, and proper markup to ensure compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers and voice navigation tools.

Use valid, semantic HTML and avoid excessive use of <div> and <span>.
- Example: Instead of using <div class=”button”>Click Here</div>, use <button>Click Here</button> so screen readers and keyboard users can recognize it as an interactive element.
Ensure all elements have ARIA roles and attributes where necessary.
- Example: Use role=”alert” for error messages, aria-label=”Close Menu” for buttons, and aria-live=”polite” for dynamic content updates to ensure assistive technologies recognize them.
Test with screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver) to ensure compatibility.
- Example: Navigate the site using NVDA (Windows) or VoiceOver (Mac) to check if content is read correctly and interactions are accessible.

💡 Did You Know?

A 2023 WebAIM report found that over 40% of screen reader users struggle with poorly structured pages due to missing ARIA roles and improper HTML elements.

B. Responsive & Device Compatibility

A website should function smoothly across different screen sizes and devices without breaking layout or usability.

Ensure the website is fully responsive (mobile, tablet, desktop).
- Example: A shopping cart should work equally well on a desktop browser and a mobile screen without requiring zooming or horizontal scrolling.
Avoid relying on hover effects alone—provide click-based alternatives.
- Example: A dropdown menu should expand on click, not just on hover, ensuring touch-screen and keyboard users can interact with it.

💡 Did You Know?

According to Statista, 55% of global web traffic comes from mobile devices, making mobile-first accessibility a crucial requirement.

C. Assistive Technology Support

A robust website must support assistive tools like screen readers, voice navigation, and keyboard controls without breaking functionality.

Test compatibility with screen readers, voice navigation, and keyboard controls.
- Example: Users should be able to navigate menus, interact with forms, and submit data using only voice commands or keyboard shortcuts.
Ensure that dynamic content updates (like AJAX) notify assistive tech users.
- Example: When a user adds an item to a cart, the change should trigger an ARIA live announcement, ensuring screen reader users are aware of the update.

💡 Did You Know?

A 2022 study by W3C found that 40% of accessibility issues stem from dynamic content not being properly communicated to assistive technology users.

5. Testing & Compliance Verification

Regular testing is essential to ensure your website continues to meet accessibility standards as technologies and user needs evolve. According to the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), regular audits and testing help identify and fix accessibility issues, ensuring that your website remains inclusive and compliant with laws such as the ADA and WCAG.

A. Automated Testing

Automated tools can quickly scan websites for common accessibility issues and help you identify problems faster. While they can’t catch everything, they provide a valuable starting point for compliance checks.

Use tools like WAVE, axe DevTools, Lighthouse, or Siteimprove to scan for issues.
- Example: WAVE scans your website for issues like missing alt text, poor color contrast, and incorrect heading structure. Tools like axe DevTools integrate with your browser and allow you to test your site in real-time while developing. These tools can save time and effort by automating repetitive checks.

💡 Did You Know?

Automated testing tools can catch up to 30%-50% of accessibility issues, but manual testing is still needed to address nuances in context and functionality.

B. Manual Testing

Manual testing ensures that you’re checking for real-world usability and accessibility issues that automated tools might miss. This is particularly important for dynamic content, complex forms, and interactions.

Test with keyboard-only navigation (no mouse).
- Example: Try navigating through all pages using just the Tab key and Enter key to ensure all interactive elements are reachable and usable without a mouse. Pay attention to how focus moves from one element to the next and if any elements are skipped or difficult to access.
Test with screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver).
- Example: Use NVDA (Windows) or VoiceOver (Mac) to test how well screen readers interact with the website. Make sure content is read in the correct order, and ensure buttons, links, and forms are properly labeled with ARIA attributes.
Check color contrast using tools like Contrast Checker.
- Example: Use a tool like Contrast Checker to ensure text has a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 against the background for regular text (3:1 for large text), ensuring legibility for people with visual impairments.
Try using the website with increased text size and zoom.
- Example: Zoom in to 200% on the website and see if the content remains legible and accessible without breaking the layout. Also, ensure text resizing doesn’t cause horizontal scrolling or content overlap.

💡 Did You Know?

According to W3C, 87% of accessibility issues are caught by manual testing, so it’s crucial to perform it in addition to using automated tools.

C. Legal & Compliance Considerations

In addition to technical testing, you need to ensure that your website is legally compliant and provides transparency for users who may experience accessibility challenges.

Provide an Accessibility Statement detailing your compliance efforts.
- Example: An Accessibility Statement should clearly explain the measures you’ve taken to meet accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 Level AA), the tools and processes used for testing, and any ongoing efforts to improve accessibility.
Ensure a contact method is available for users to report accessibility issues.
- Example: Include a dedicated “Contact Us” page or a form where users can report accessibility problems they encounter on the site. Be sure to provide a clear timeline for response and resolution.

💡 Did You Know?

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend having an accessible feedback mechanism to improve user engagement and demonstrate your commitment to accessibility.

Conclusion

Adhering to an ADA website checklist not only fulfills legal obligations but also ensures a more inclusive experience for all users. By following this complete guide, you can successfully navigate website ADA compliance requirements and enhance your online presence. For professional assistance, consider partnering with a web development company to ensure your site meets all standards.

Book a 30-minute free consultation today to get expert guidance on making your website fully ADA-compliant!