ADA Compliant Websites for Law Firms

One in four adults in the United States is living with a disability. Many of these individuals use assistive technologies to access content on the web and find legal services.

At Omnizant, we’re committed to helping legal professionals, like you, create inclusive sites that expand the reach of your practice, strengthen the reputation of your firm and ultimately help you deliver value to every member of your community.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Enacted in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all “places of public accommodation” remove barriers that would limit access for disabled individuals. At the time, the internet was still in its infancy and was not taken into consideration when the law was drafted. While there are no official regulations around internet accessibility (yet), in March 2022, the Department of Justice issued Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA, stressing the need for government agencies and businesses to build compliant websites.

Lawsuits Against Web Operators Under the ADA

In the last few years, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against online retailers and other commercial enterprises over alleged inaccessible websites. In the recent Guidance, the DOJ pointed to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and the Section 508 Standards as technical standards that can provide guidance in creating accessible websites.

Under WCAG 2.1, website content must be:

PERCEIVABLE

Content must be available in multiple forms, and all information must be viewable through text, with distinguishable page elements for visual impairments (e.g., color blindness)

UNDERSTANDABLE

Pages must be readable and predictable, and navigation through the site must be consistent

OPERABLE

Site can be navigated in multiple ways, ie keyboard alone, mouse and keyboard, touch interface, etc.

ROBUST

Site is compatible with assistive technologies or can be interpreted with multiple user agents, such as screen readers

On-Demand Webinar:
ADA Compliance: Internet Accessibility, Effective Communication and Your Law Firm’s Website

Attorney William Goren, one of the country’s foremost authorities on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, explores why every law firm should have an accessible website and best practices when creating one.

Our Approach to Accessible Websites

Many digital marketing agencies take a quick-fix approach to accessibility, equipping their clients’ sites with accessibility overlays, rather than building the site to be accessible from the ground up. The issue with overlays is they inherently present challenges for some individuals with disabilities. In fact, it’s estimated that between 70-80% of accessibility issues cannot be addressed with these plug-ins.

At Omnizant, we build all of our clients’ sites to be fully accessible – no plug-ins or overlays needed. All of our designers are trained in accessibility best practices to ensure that every element, from contrasting colors to images and functionality, are evaluated and optimized to work with assistive technologies.

Accessibility Doesn’t Mean You Have to Compromise On Design

There is a great deal of misinformation when it comes to design of accessible websites. If you work with an experienced designer, you don’t have to forego good design in the name of accessibility. In fact, accessible designs deliver a better user experience for all users, not just those using assistive technologies.

Here are some examples of sites with striking designs that were built in compliance with WCAG guidelines:

Disability Advocates Group

Stein & Shulman, LLC

Woods Lonergan

Omnizant offers ADA-compliant websites for law firms and legal organizations who want to expand the reach of their websites.

Get your free accessibility assessment by completing the form.

Your Full Name* Required
First Name Last Name

Please enter your first and last name.
Email * Required

Please enter a valid email address.
Phone * Required

Please enter your phone number.
Firm Name * Required

Please enter your firm name.
Website * Required
i.e. www.omnizant.com - Please include 'www'

Please make sure you include the 'www' preceding your web address.

Changing Your Focus to a Different Area of Law

Growing beyond a single practice area is an admirable goal, but instant gratification? Unrealistic. It happens often—we work with law firms who rank well in one area of law, and they decide they want...

Minimizing Decision Paralysis in the Attorney Selection Process

Decision paralysis impacts people who struggle to make a decision, often because they’re faced with too much information or too many options. Your website may be contributing to people’s frustration and exhaustion when trying to choose a...

The Marketing Rule of 7 and Your Law Practice

Failing to capture prospective clients' attention can mean lost opportunities and diminished revenue. The solution? Consistent visibility and strategic engagement. The “Rule of 7” is a classic marketing principle that suggests a prospect needs...

View All Posts