ADA Guidelines for Nonprofits & Charities

Why Should ADA Website Compliance Matter to Nonprofits?

The Department of Justice has said that Title III of the ADA applies to all websites of public accommodations , including nonprofits. An accessible website is easy to navigate and benefits everyone. Accessibility only makes a site more attractive, whereas poorly designed and noncompliant websites can create unnecessary barriers for people with disabilities.

ADA Web Compliance means that people with disabilities are able to perceive, understand, navigate and interact with the web just like people without disabilities.

Getting into compliance requires an evaluation of several factors, including web page content, web browsers, media players, screen readers and other assistive technology.

ADA website compliance for charitable organizations is important because:

• Equal opportunity for people with disabilities is an organizational asset which enhances your access to the skills and contributions of more individuals that can participate
• Disability is an element of diversity which is a core strength of the nonprofit sector
• People with and without disabilities can learn from each other and broaden their experiences when participating in activities and volunteer work together
• The ADA is a federal law, giving people with disabilities enforceable civil rights
• Promoting inclusion with website compliance ensures broader access to the nonprofit’s programs
• It just makes sense. People with disabilities comprise a huge part of the group served by nonprofits, and they should be able to participate equally
• It makes business sense. People with disabilities are a huge potential customer base. Some of their $175 billion in discretionary spending could go toward attendance at museums, performing arts shows and other types of experiences offered by nonprofit organizations

Making your website compliant is essential for nonprofit organizations,