ADA

A U.S. federal law enacted in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and public and private places open to the general public. The ADA aims to ensure equal opportunity and access for people with disabilities.

The ADA does not provide a specific set of technical requirements for websites. However, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) have become the widely accepted standard for website accessibility. Here is a breakdown of some of the key requirements from the WCAG, grouped by their principles:

Perceivable

• Text alternatives: Provide text alternatives (e.g., alt text) for non-text content, such as images, to ensure that users with visual impairments can access the information through screen readers.
• Time-based media: Offer captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions for multimedia content like videos and audio recordings.
• Adaptable: Create content that can be presented in different ways without losing its meaning, such as through simple layouts and semantic HTML elements.
• Distinguishable: Ensure that text is easily readable with sufficient color contrast, adjustable text size, and clear fonts, to accommodate users with visual impairments.

Operable

• Keyboard accessibility: Make all functionality accessible through a keyboard, without requiring a mouse, so that users with mobility impairments can navigate the website.
• Enough time: Provide users with sufficient time to read and interact with the content, allowing for adjustable time limits and pausing mechanisms.
• Seizures and physical reactions: Design content without elements that might cause seizures or other physical reactions, such as avoiding flashing content that exceeds certain thresholds.
• Navigable: Organize content with clear headings, labels, and consistent navigation elements to help users find their way around the website.

Understandable

• Readable: Use clear, concise language and provide explanations for complex content, to ensure that users with cognitive impairments can understand the information.
• Predictable: Maintain consistent design and functionality throughout the website, so that users can easily anticipate how the interface will behave.
• Input assistance: Offer guidance and error prevention mechanisms, such as form validation and suggestions, to help users avoid and correct mistakes.

Robust

• Compatibility: Develop content that is compatible with a wide range of user agents, devices, and assistive technologies, using well-structured and valid code.
• Future-proofing: Keep up-to-date with evolving technologies and best practices to ensure that the website remains accessible as technology advances.

While this is not an exhaustive list of all WCAG requirements, it provides an overview of key aspects to consider when designing and developing accessible websites. It is important to strive for compliance with the relevant WCAG level (A, AA, or AAA) to ensure that a website meets ADA requirements and is accessible to users with disabilities.