< Design
Web Accessibility

“Web accessibility means that people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web, and that they can contribute to the Web. Web accessibility also benefits others, including older people with changing abilities due to aging.”—W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)

Generally, law firms should look to meet the standards outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG requirements are likely to remain the “gold standard” for accessibility compliance in the United States until Congress clarifies how Title III of ADA, which protects against discrimination “on the Basis of Disability in Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities” applies to websites, apps, and online applications. In Canada, The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which uses WCAG guidelines, became law in 2005 in Ontario. Other provinces appear poised to follow suit.

This is an excellent opportunity. Designing for accessibility from the outset is far more efficient than remediating an existing website. We design and build award-winning websites for law firms that are accessible to Level AA requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1).

Case Study: Ireland Stapleton

Designing for accessibility is a rigorous undertaking impacting many aspects of a website build, from what colours are used to how forms and menus are coded, or how pages are structured. Visual content, such as video and podcasts, needs to be captioned and/or transcribed for visitors using screen readers. Images need to include descriptive text (alt-text). A plugin is not enough to ensure compliance.

You need a web design team that understands the full scope of the project and can provide efficient, effective solutions. We have that expertise. We understand the requirements, we know the legal industry, and we can help you get the results you need.

With the threat of ADA-compliance litigation increasing in many states and with the potential for large fines in Canada, now is a smart time to check on the status of your firm’s website.

We offer accessibility audits and remediation services for law firms. Our team can conduct a thorough assessment and issue a detailed report that outlines compliance issues and the next steps to get your website to where it needs to be.

If you’d like to get started, you can use this checklist to see if your website meets basic accessibility guidelines, as outlined by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI).

Download the Website Accessibility Checklist

We live and work in the Information Age. To participate fully in modern life, everyone needs to be able to navigate the internet, access information on websites, and research products, programs, and services—including, crucially, legal services.

At fSquared Marketing, we care deeply about website accessibility and are committed to doing our part to educate our industry and the legal marketing profession. This is not just a compliance issue, it’s a matter of diversity and inclusion, access to justice, and corporate responsibility in the digital era.

There is also a strong business case for website accessibility, including providing website visitors with a better user experience and improving SEO performance.

Download the Whitepaper: The Business Case for Law Firm Website Accessibility

Interested in learning more? Check out this Insight Post: Law Firm Web Accessibility—True Inclusion in Legal Marketing which outlines the legal landscape, the litigation threat, and key benefits for firms that rise to the occasion.