ADA Compliance & Accessibility

Digital Experiences Should Be Accessible to Everyone

The internet has become one of the primary ways people interact with businesses. Customers research products, schedule appointments, purchase services, complete applications, pay invoices, and communicate with organizations online every day.

If a website cannot be used by someone with a disability, that individual may be prevented from accessing information or completing important tasks.

Accessibility is about removing those barriers.

At Bold Array, we believe accessibility is not simply a legal consideration—it is an opportunity to create better digital experiences for every visitor. Accessible websites are often easier to navigate, easier to understand, faster to use, and more effective for all users regardless of their abilities or the device they are using.

What Is Website Accessibility?

Website accessibility is the practice of designing and developing digital experiences that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities, assistive technologies, and browsing environments.

Accessibility considers users who may experience:

• Vision impairments
• Hearing impairments
• Limited mobility
• Cognitive disabilities
• Temporary injuries
• Age-related limitations
• Situational limitations such as bright sunlight or limited internet connectivity

An accessible website provides multiple ways for people to understand information and complete tasks without unnecessary barriers.

Understanding the ADA

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is civil rights legislation intended to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Although the ADA was enacted before the modern web became central to everyday life, many organizations now recognize that websites are an important part of providing equal access to information and services.

Because accessibility expectations continue to evolve, organizations should work toward creating digital experiences that are usable by everyone while remaining aware of current legal developments and industry best practices.

Accessibility is not simply about compliance.

It is about inclusion.

WCAG

Most accessibility work is guided by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

These internationally recognized guidelines provide recommendations for making digital content more accessible.

The guidelines are organized around four core principles.

Perceivable

Information should be presented in ways that users can perceive.

Examples include:

• Alternative text for images
• Captions for video
• Sufficient color contrast
• Flexible text sizing

Operable

Users should be able to navigate and interact with the website using different methods.

Examples include:

• Keyboard navigation
• Visible focus indicators
• Logical navigation
• Sufficient time to complete tasks

Understandable

Content and interactions should be predictable and easy to understand.

Examples include:

• Clear navigation
• Consistent layouts
• Helpful error messages
• Plain language where appropriate

Robust

Websites should work reliably with assistive technologies and modern browsers.

Proper semantic HTML, accessible forms, and standards-based development all contribute to long-term compatibility.

Accessibility Benefits Everyone

Accessibility is often viewed as serving only a small percentage of users.

In reality, many accessibility improvements make websites easier for everyone.

Examples include:

• Better navigation
• Improved readability
• Clearer headings
• Faster page loading
• Larger touch targets
• Better mobile usability
• Logical page structure
• Improved forms
• Better search engine understanding

Accessibility and user experience frequently reinforce one another.

Common Accessibility Issues

Many websites unintentionally create barriers.

Common issues include:

• Missing image descriptions
• Poor color contrast
• Inaccessible forms
• Keyboard navigation problems
• Incorrect heading hierarchy
• Generic link text
• Missing labels
• Auto-playing media
• Unclear error messages
• Small touch targets
• Missing focus indicators
• Improper semantic markup

Most issues can be addressed through thoughtful design and development.

Accessibility Audits

An accessibility audit helps identify areas where improvements can be made.

Our reviews may include:

• Automated testing
• Manual testing
• Keyboard navigation
• Screen reader evaluation
• Color contrast analysis
• Form reviews
• Mobile accessibility
• Navigation evaluation
• Semantic HTML review
• PDF accessibility guidance

The result is a prioritized roadmap that helps organizations understand where improvements should be made.

Accessibility During Design

Accessibility begins long before development.

During design we consider:

• Typography
• Color selection
• Spacing
• Navigation
• Interactive controls
• Form layouts
• Information hierarchy
• Responsive behavior

These decisions reduce remediation later in the project.

Accessibility During Development

Development brings accessibility into the final experience.

Our development practices include attention to:

• Semantic HTML
• Proper heading structures
• Accessible forms
• Keyboard support
• Focus management
• Alternative text
• ARIA where appropriate
• Responsive layouts
• Performance optimization
• Cross-browser compatibility

Accessibility should be integrated into the development process rather than added after launch.

Accessibility and SEO

Accessibility improvements often support Search Engine Optimization.

Clear page structure, descriptive headings, meaningful alternative text, semantic HTML, and improved usability help search engines better understand website content.

Accessibility also contributes to better user engagement, which can indirectly support search performance.

Ongoing Accessibility

Accessibility is not a one-time project.

As content changes, new features are introduced, and technology evolves, websites should continue to be reviewed and improved.

An ongoing accessibility strategy may include:

• Periodic audits
• Content reviews
• Staff training
• Design guidance
• Development standards
• Accessibility testing during new feature development

This continuous approach helps maintain a high-quality user experience.

Our Accessibility Process

Discovery

We learn about your website, users, goals, and current challenges.

Audit

We evaluate the website using automated tools and manual review.

Prioritization

Findings are organized into practical recommendations.

Remediation

Design and development improvements are implemented.

Verification

Updates are reviewed to confirm improvements.

Ongoing Support

Accessibility becomes part of your long-term website management process.

What We Deliver

Accessibility engagements may include:

• Accessibility audits
• WCAG guidance
• Website remediation
• Design recommendations
• Development improvements
• Content guidance
• Staff education
• Accessibility testing
• Ongoing consulting

Why Choose Bold Array?

Accessibility should not feel like a checklist.

It should become part of how websites are designed, developed, and maintained.

Because Bold Array combines website design, software engineering, development, SEO, AI, and digital marketing, we approach accessibility as an integrated part of the entire digital experience rather than an isolated service.

Since 2011, we've helped organizations build technology that is professional, reliable, and focused on creating better experiences for every user.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every website need to be accessible?

Every organization benefits from improving accessibility because it creates a better experience for users while reducing barriers to information and services.

Can an existing website be improved?

Yes. Most accessibility improvements can be implemented without rebuilding the entire website.

Is accessibility only about legal compliance?

No. Accessibility also improves usability, customer experience, search visibility, and overall website quality.

Do accessibility improvements affect design?

Good accessibility and good design work together. Most improvements enhance usability without compromising your visual identity.

Create a Better Experience for Every Visitor

Accessibility is an investment in your customers, your organization, and the long-term quality of your website.

Whether you're launching a new website or improving an existing one, Bold Array can help you create digital experiences that are more inclusive, easier to use, and built with accessibility in mind.