Many small business owners do not realize their websites might be breaking the law. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), websites must be accessible to people with disabilities. If your site isn’t accessible, you could be sued—even if you run a small shop.
Why Are ADA Lawsuits Going Up?
More and more people are filing lawsuits against websites that are not ADA-compliant. In 2023 alone, there were over 4,600 of these lawsuits, mostly in New York, Florida, and California. Big or small, no business is safe from legal trouble if its website is hard for someone with a disability to use.
Small Businesses Are at Risk, Too
It’s easy to think, “My business is too small. Nobody will bother me.” But the truth is, smaller companies often do not have strong protections in place, making them easy targets for lawsuits. If your website is online and open to the public, it must be accessible—no matter how big or small your business is.
Understanding Web Accessibility
Web accessibility means creating websites everyone can use—even people with visual, hearing, motor, or thinking disabilities. An accessible website helps all visitors read, understand, and use the site’s features and content.
Why Prioritize Web Accessibility in 2025?
- Ethical Responsibility: Everyone should have the same opportunity to access information and services online. Making your site accessible shows that you care about inclusivity.
- Legal Compliance: In 2022, the Department of Justice (DOJ) reaffirmed and clarified its 2018 ruling that websites are places of public accommodation and are subject to the ADA’s requirements of general non-discrimination and effective communication.
- Growing Market: People with disabilities and their families have a huge amount of buying power—around $8 trillion worldwide. By making your site accessible, you tap into this large group of potential customers.
- Improved User Experience: Features like keyboard navigation, screen reader support, and clear text help everyone. This boosts web traffic, lowers bounce rates, and improves search engine results.
- Brand Reputation: People care about companies that do the right thing. Being accessible shows you’re fair, caring, and responsible.
The Real Costs of Non-Compliance
If someone sues you for having a non-accessible website, the costs can add up fast:
- Legal Fees: $5,000 to $9,000 for an attorney.
- Settlement: $3,000 to $20,000 if you settle.
- Accessibility Audit: $2,500 to $10,000 for a professional review of your site.
- Fixing Your Website: $2,500 to $12,500 to make it accessible.
A single lawsuit could cost anywhere from $10,500 to $51,500 or more. And if you break the rules again, fines can go up to $150,000.
Hidden Problems of Non-Compliance
It’s not just about money. Ignoring ADA rules can also:
- Harm your business’s reputation.
- Drive away customers who need an accessible site.
- Put you at higher risk for future lawsuits.
Key Steps to Improve Your Website’s Accessibility in 2025
- Follow WCAG Guidelines: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set the standard for web accessibility. Aim for WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 at Level AA.
- Keyboard Navigation: Make sure everything on your site can be used with only a keyboard.
- Screen Reader Compatibility: Build your site so it works well with screen readers, including correct ARIA labels.
- Color Contrast: Use high contrast between text and backgrounds so text is easier to read.
- Alternative Text for Images: Provide alt text for images so screen readers can describe them.
- Captions and Transcripts: Include these for videos so people with hearing impairments can follow along.
- Simple Language: Use clear, straightforward words.
- Accessibility Statement: Add a statement on your site showing your commitment to inclusivity.
A Smarter Option: Get Compliant Now
Making your website ADA-compliant can save you money, headaches, and bad press. Plus, an accessible site is open to more customers. At Website HQ, we partner with accessiBe to offer ADA compliance for as low as $49 a month—much less than most lawsuit settlements.
Why Website HQ?
- Regular checks to keep your site accessible
- Legal coverage and peace of mind
- A better experience for all your visitors
- An expanded customer base
Request a free Compliance Audit from us today
The Financial Benefits
Making your site accessible isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good for your business. The U.S. government offers tax credits up to $5,000 for companies that invest in accessibility. Plus, a more accessible site often means better SEO, more traffic, and fewer people leaving right away.
Don’t Delay, Take Action Today
2025 is the year to make your website accessible. By putting accessibility first, you can reach more customers, lower your legal risks, boost your brand image, and create a better online experience for everyone. Don’t wait. Let’s make the internet a fair, open space for all.
