Web Accessibility in Nevada: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right

Why Web Accessibility Matters

• Legal compliance: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 require digital accessibility for many businesses.
• Market reach: Over 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have some type of disability. Accessible sites reach more customers.
• SEO benefits: Search engines favor accessible, well-structured content.
• Brand reputation: Inclusive businesses build trust and loyalty.
• Usability for all: Accessibility improvements help everyone, from mobile users to aging populations.

Legal Requirements for Nevada Businesses

• ADA Compliance: Most public-facing businesses must provide accessible digital experiences.
• Section 508: Applies to government contractors and federally funded organizations.
• Nevada-specific laws: Some state regulations may apply to public institutions and services.

Common Accessibility Issues

• Missing or poor alt text for images
• Low color contrast between text and background
• Non-semantic HTML (e.g., using divs instead of headings/lists)
• Inaccessible forms and buttons
• Missing keyboard navigation or skip links
• Flashing content that could trigger seizures
• Videos without captions or transcripts
• Complex navigation and poor site structure

Web Accessibility Standards

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide standards for accessible websites. The three conformance levels include:

• Level A: Basic accessibility requirements
• Level AA: Most commonly required level for businesses
• Level AAA: Highest level of accessibility

Most Nevada businesses should aim for WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance at minimum.

Testing Your Website for Accessibility

To evaluate your current website:

• Use automated tools like WAVE or axe
• Perform manual testing with keyboard-only navigation
• Test with screen readers (NVDA, VoiceOver, or JAWS)
• Check color contrast with tools like WebAIM Contrast Checker
• Conduct user testing with people with disabilities

Simple Fixes for Better Accessibility

• Add descriptive alt text to all informational images
• Structure content with proper semantic headings (H1, H2, etc.)
• Ensure forms have labels and error messages
• Make sure all functionality works with keyboard-only navigation
• Use sufficient color contrast for text and background
• Add captions to videos and transcripts for audio
• Create descriptive link text instead of "click here"
• Add aria-labels to elements without visible text

Benefits of Working with an Accessibility Expert

While many accessibility improvements can be implemented by your team, consulting with an expert offers advantages:

• Expert knowledge of accessibility guidelines and laws
• Customized solutions for complex accessibility needs
• Compliance with ADA and Section 508 regulations
• Improved user experience for all visitors
• Enhanced brand reputation and social responsibility

Success Stories: Nevada Businesses Embracing Accessibility

Local Retailer: After making their website accessible, saw a 20% increase in online orders and positive feedback from customers with disabilities.

Tourism Company: Improved accessibility led to higher search rankings and more bookings from older adults and international visitors.

Healthcare Provider: Enhanced accessibility features reduced support calls and improved patient satisfaction.

Ready to Make Your Website Accessible?

If you want to ensure your Nevada business is inclusive, compliant, and ready for everyone, contact Elias Musleh for an accessibility audit or a fully accessible website build. Let's make the web better for all!