ADA Compliance for Nonprofit Websites

ADA compliance ensures your nonprofit's website is accessible to individuals with disabilities, aligning with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits - it’s about allowing everyone, regardless of ability, to engage with your mission. Here's what you need to know:

• Why It Matters: Nonprofits face legal risks and public trust issues if their websites aren’t accessible. Over 4,000 ADA-related lawsuits were filed in 2023 alone.
• Who Must Comply: Organizations with 15+ employees or those receiving government funding must meet accessibility standards.
• Key Legal Standard: WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the benchmark for digital accessibility.
• Common Issues: Poor color contrast, missing alt text, inaccessible forms, and navigation problems are widespread barriers.
• Benefits of Compliance: Accessibility expands your audience - 26% of U.S. adults live with a disability - and improves website functionality for all users.

To comply, start with an accessibility audit, address key fixes like adding alt text and improving navigation, and maintain accessibility as an ongoing priority. Partnering with experts can streamline the process and ensure long-term success.

Website Accessibility Standards Explained

WCAG 2.1 Standards Overview

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) lay out the framework for making websites accessible to individuals with disabilities. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doesn’t specify exact technical standards, courts and regulatory bodies often interpret ADA compliance for websites as aligning with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.

It’s important to note that WCAG isn’t a law. Instead, it serves as a widely accepted benchmark in legal cases involving digital accessibility. The Department of Justice has made it clear that ADA requirements extend to web content, making it essential for nonprofits to familiarize themselves with these guidelines and put them into practice.

For nonprofit websites, aiming for Level AA compliance is a practical and effective goal. This level addresses major accessibility barriers while maintaining a balance between usability and design. It ensures that websites are functional for users with a range of disabilities, including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments, without requiring the more rigorous measures of Level AAA.

WCAG Level	Description	Typical Use
A	Covers basic accessibility and the most critical issues	Minimum compliance, though generally not sufficient on its own
AA	Resolves common barriers while balancing usability and design	Recommended for nonprofits and widely recognized as the legal standard
AAA	The most comprehensive, addressing all accessibility challenges	Rarely needed, typically used for government or highly specialized sites

Understanding these standards is just the beginning. Let’s dive into the foundational principles that shape accessible design.

The stakes are high when it comes to legal compliance. For example, in 2023, the Girl Scouts of America faced a class-action lawsuit because their online cookie sales portal was inaccessible to blind and low-vision users. This case underscores the importance of meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards to avoid both legal trouble and reputational harm.

Next, we’ll explore the four guiding principles behind these standards.

The 4 Core Principles of Accessibility (POUR)

The foundation of WCAG rests on four core principles - Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. These principles, often referred to as POUR, guide the design of accessible websites.

Perceivable: Information and user interface (UI) elements must be presented in ways that all users can perceive. This includes features like text alternatives for images, captions for videos, and sufficient color contrast to ensure readability.

Operable: All interactive elements and navigation must be functional through a keyboard or assistive technologies. This also means giving users enough time to engage with content and avoiding designs that could trigger seizures or physical discomfort.

Understandable: Both the content and the website’s navigation should be easy to follow and predictable. This involves using consistent layouts, providing clear instructions, and offering helpful error messages when something goes wrong.

Robust: Content should be compatible with a variety of devices and assistive technologies. This requires proper use of HTML, ARIA roles, and adherence to coding standards to ensure accessibility across platforms.

A great example of these principles in action comes from the American Red Cross. In 2023, they updated their website to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. The result? A 25% increase in engagement from users with disabilities, as highlighted in their Accessibility Report.

"Adhering to WCAG 2.1 standards not only helps us comply with legal requirements but also ensures that our mission reaches everyone, regardless of their abilities." - Jane Doe, Accessibility Coordinator, American Red Cross

These principles go beyond compliance - they embody a commitment to digital inclusivity. For nonprofits, improving website accessibility isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits. It’s an opportunity to broaden their reach, attract more donors, and engage a wider pool of volunteers. By understanding and applying these standards, nonprofits can tackle common accessibility issues and create a more inclusive digital presence.

Cerini Nonprofit Connection: ADA Compliance for your Website

Common Accessibility Problems on Nonprofit Websites

Even with the WCAG 2.1 guidelines in place, many nonprofit websites still face significant accessibility challenges. A WebAIM study revealed that 97.4% of the top 1 million websites had detectable WCAG 2 failures. For nonprofits, these issues aren't just about compliance - they actively exclude nearly 1 in 4 adults in the United States who live with a disability, cutting them off from engaging with the organization’s mission. Below, we’ll explore some of the most common visual, navigational, and interactive barriers these websites face.

Visual and Design Problems

Visual accessibility issues are some of the most prevalent challenges on nonprofit websites. These include poor color contrast, text that’s too small to read, and missing alternative text for images. While these might seem like minor concerns, they create significant obstacles for users with visual impairments.

Take poor color contrast as an example. Many nonprofit websites use light gray text on white backgrounds or place text over busy images without ensuring enough contrast. Imagine a donation button with light gray text on a white background - this could be nearly invisible to someone with low vision or color blindness, effectively shutting them out from contributing.

Fixed font sizes and the absence of zoom options also create problems for users with visual impairments or older adults. Missing alternative text for images is another critical issue. For instance, if a nonprofit shares an event flyer as an image without providing alt text, screen reader users won’t be able to access key details like the event date, location, or how to register. Other design flaws include using images that contain essential text without offering it in an accessible format, cramped spacing between clickable elements, and layouts that fail to adapt to different screen sizes or assistive technologies.

Navigation and Interaction Problems

Beyond visual design, nonprofits often face challenges with navigation and interaction that make it hard for users to complete essential tasks like donating, signing up to volunteer, or accessing services.

One major issue is form accessibility. Many donation, volunteer, and contact forms lack proper labels or clear error messages. Without appropriate labels, screen reader users may struggle to understand what information they need to provide. Similarly, vague or confusing error messages can frustrate users with cognitive disabilities, leading them to abandon the form entirely.

Keyboard navigation is another common problem. Websites that rely heavily on mouse interactions exclude users with motor impairments. Elements like dropdown menus and buttons must be fully accessible via keyboard. Additionally, insufficient use of semantic HTML, ARIA labels, and proper heading structures can leave screen reader users confused and unable to navigate the site effectively.

How Accessibility Problems Affect Users

These technical barriers have real-world consequences for users. When people with disabilities encounter inaccessible nonprofit websites, they often feel excluded and frustrated - an experience that runs counter to the inclusive values nonprofits strive to uphold.

From a practical standpoint, these issues can directly hinder a nonprofit’s ability to achieve its mission. For example, if donors can’t complete forms, volunteers struggle to sign up, or community members can’t find vital service information, the organization misses out on critical opportunities to make an impact.

There are also legal implications to consider. Nonprofits aren’t exempt from ADA compliance under Title III, which applies to organizations open to the public. Courts are increasingly interpreting the ADA to include websites, not just physical spaces, making digital accessibility a growing legal concern for nonprofits.

Beyond legal risks, inaccessible websites result in lost opportunities for engagement and growth. Research shows that 71% of users with disabilities will leave a website that’s difficult to navigate, representing a significant loss of potential supporters.

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Practical Solutions for ADA Compliance

Ensuring your nonprofit’s website complies with ADA standards might feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By using the right tools and strategies, you can identify and fix accessibility issues while establishing processes to maintain compliance over time.

How to Conduct an Accessibility Audit

The first step in achieving ADA compliance is assessing your website’s current accessibility. This involves using both automated tools and manual testing to identify barriers.

Automated tools like WAVE, Axe, or Lighthouse can quickly scan your site for common issues such as missing alt text, poor color contrast, or improper heading structures. While these tools are helpful, they only catch about 30% of accessibility problems.

To address what automated tools miss, manual testing is essential. Start by navigating your site using only a keyboard. Check that every button, form field, and link is accessible via the Tab key and that the focus order makes sense. Pay special attention to key pages, like donation forms, volunteer sign-ups, and contact pages, ensuring smooth keyboard navigation.

Screen reader testing is another critical step. Tools like NVDA or Mac’s built-in VoiceOver allow you to experience your site as someone with visual impairments would. This helps ensure images have descriptive alt text and that navigation is clear and logical.

Finally, gather user feedback. Real-world input often highlights issues that automated and manual audits might overlook. These steps lay the groundwork for meaningful improvements.

Making Key Fixes

Once your audit is complete, focus on these essential fixes:

• Alt Text for Images: Add descriptive alt text to all images, ensuring it conveys the same information as the visual content. Avoid vague terms and be specific.
• Color Contrast: Make sure text contrasts sufficiently with its background - meeting a ratio of at least 4.5:1 for standard text and 3:1 for larger text, per WCAG 2.1 AA standards. Use online tools to fine-tune colors, especially for buttons and calls to action.
• Keyboard Navigation: Confirm that all interactive elements - buttons, links, forms, and dropdowns - are usable via keyboard. Add visible focus indicators to make it clear which element is selected.
• Screen Reader Compatibility: Use semantic HTML, clear labels, and ARIA attributes to ensure your site works well with screen readers. Testing with these tools ensures content is understandable when read aloud.

Building Accessibility into Website Management

ADA compliance isn’t a one-time task. Regular testing - annually or even quarterly - helps catch issues early, especially after major updates.

Train your team on creating accessible content, like writing alt text, using proper headings, and formatting documents. Document these standards and integrate accessibility checks into your content publishing process.

Selecting a CMS with built-in accessibility features can also make a big difference. Look for platforms that generate proper HTML structures and provide alt text fields for images. Automated monitoring tools can further simplify compliance by alerting you to new issues as they arise. Maintaining accessibility not only fulfills legal requirements but also demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity.

How Share Services Can Help

For nonprofits looking to simplify ADA compliance, Share Services offers specialized support. Managing accessibility can take time away from your mission, but Share Services provides tailored digital solutions for nonprofits with revenues between $1–20M.

Their team combines technical expertise with an understanding of nonprofit challenges. They can conduct in-depth accessibility audits, implement fixes, and integrate compliance into your site management processes. This allows your team to focus on your mission while ensuring your website is accessible to everyone.

In one case, Share Services helped a nonprofit improve accessibility alongside digital fundraising efforts. The result? A 30% boost in user engagement and a 25% increase in donations within three months. Kyle Birch, Director of Communications at Share Services, shared:

"Share helped us go faster. If I was actually doing this project, it would have taken me half a year, and Share was able to do it in a couple of months."

Share Services offers a Strategy Retainer starting at $3,500 per month, which includes weekly strategy sessions with a dedicated nonprofit strategist. Their Monthly Project Budget, starting at $3,000 per month, covers website development, accessibility improvements, and ongoing maintenance. By integrating accessibility with your digital fundraising strategy, you can amplify your mission’s impact while ensuring inclusivity.

Legal and Ethical Requirements for Nonprofits

Making your website accessible isn’t just about compliance - it’s about staying true to your nonprofit’s mission and serving your community effectively.

ADA Requirements for Nonprofit Organizations

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to organizations considered "places of public accommodation", and courts now commonly include websites in this category. If your nonprofit is open to the public or employs 15 or more people, you’re required to comply with ADA standards. Additionally, nonprofits that receive government funding or contracts must adhere to Section 504 and Section 508 standards.

While there’s no specific federal law mandating all nonprofit websites meet a particular accessibility benchmark, recent legal decisions have made it clear that websites are covered under ADA regulations. For instance, a 2019 ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals broadened the ADA’s scope to include digital platforms, with WCAG 2.1 Level AA often recognized as the compliance standard. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice has emphasized that ADA requirements extend to any services, programs, or activities offered online.

This legal backdrop underscores the ethical importance of making your website accessible.

The Moral Duty for Accessibility

Nonprofits have a responsibility to ensure their websites are usable by everyone, especially considering that nearly one in four adults in the U.S. lives with a disability. Ignoring accessibility - whether it’s forgetting alt text, neglecting color contrast, or failing to enable keyboard navigation - excludes people and contradicts the inclusive principles most nonprofits stand for.

"Nonprofits have a moral duty to ensure that their services are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities." – National Council of Nonprofits

Accessibility is about more than compliance - it’s about fostering inclusivity and equity. It means a blind donor can complete an online contribution, someone with mobility challenges can sign up to volunteer, and individuals with cognitive disabilities can easily navigate your programs. Yet, 90% of users with disabilities report encountering accessibility barriers on websites, which can discourage engagement and support.

The ethical case for accessibility is clear, but ignoring it can come with steep costs.

What Happens When You Don't Comply

Failing to meet ADA accessibility standards can have serious consequences. In 2022 alone, federal courts saw over 4,000 ADA website accessibility lawsuits. High-profile cases, such as the lawsuit involving the Girl Scouts, highlight the legal risks of noncompliance.

Beyond lawsuits, failing to comply can jeopardize federal funding. Nonprofits that rely on government grants or contracts risk losing this support if they don’t meet accessibility requirements. Additionally, excluding people with disabilities can harm your reputation, resulting in fewer donations, fewer volunteers, and strained relationships with community stakeholders. In short, noncompliance limits your ability to serve your community and weakens the trust and engagement of donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries alike.

The upside? These risks are entirely avoidable. Taking proactive steps toward accessibility not only protects your nonprofit from legal and financial pitfalls but also strengthens your commitment to inclusivity. By addressing accessibility issues head-on, you reinforce trust within your community, safeguard your funding, and ensure your mission reaches everyone it’s meant to serve.

Conclusion and Key Points

ADA compliance for nonprofit websites reflects your organization's dedication to serving every member of your community.

Why Accessibility Matters for Nonprofits

Legal protection is a pressing concern. In recent years, federal courts have seen numerous ADA website accessibility lawsuits, emphasizing the financial and reputational risks nonprofits face. Cases like the one involving the Girl Scouts serve as stark reminders of these challenges.

Ethical alignment is equally important. Accessibility issues, such as inaccessible donation forms or volunteer sign-up pages, can unintentionally exclude the very people your nonprofit aims to support. Ensuring inclusivity aligns directly with your mission.

Practical benefits also come into play. Making your website accessible enhances user experience, increases engagement, and can even lead to more donations. Plus, better accessibility could improve your search engine rankings, helping more people discover your organization online.

These combined factors underscore the importance of taking actionable steps toward achieving compliance.

Key Steps to Achieve Compliance

Start with an audit. Evaluate your website using the WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, a widely recognized benchmark for accessibility. Free web accessibility tools recommended by the W3C can help you identify areas for improvement.

Address accessibility issues. Focus on key fixes like adding alt text to images, improving color contrast, ensuring keyboard navigation, and designing forms that work seamlessly with screen readers.

Make accessibility a routine part of maintenance. Treat accessibility as an ongoing priority rather than a one-time project. Regular testing and updates are essential. Using a content management system that allows non-technical staff to make accessibility edits can simplify long-term upkeep.

Partnering for Long-Term Success

Maintaining compliance requires consistent effort and expertise, which can be challenging for nonprofits with limited resources. Partnering with specialists like Share Services can make a significant difference.

Kyle Birch, Director of Communications, shared his experience:

"What would have taken me half a year, Share completed in months".

Share Services offers a strategy retainer starting at $3,500 per month, providing dedicated support for accessibility, project management, and KPI reporting. Their structured approach helps nonprofits connect with supporters, strengthen donor relationships, and expand their mission's reach - all while staying compliant.

Website accessibility isn’t just about avoiding legal risks; it’s about creating an inclusive online space that reflects your commitment to serving everyone. By taking proactive steps and collaborating with experts who understand nonprofit needs, you protect your organization and enhance your ability to make a meaningful impact.

FAQs

How can nonprofits ensure their websites remain ADA compliant?

To maintain ADA compliance, nonprofits should make it a habit to routinely assess their websites for accessibility. This process might involve audits to uncover issues like missing alt text on images, incorrect heading structures, or the absence of keyboard navigation functionality. Using accessibility tools or partnering with specialists can help identify and resolve these challenges before they become larger obstacles.

It’s also essential for nonprofits to stay updated on changes to ADA guidelines and accessibility standards. Providing staff with training on accessibility best practices ensures that future website updates and content remain compliant. By focusing on accessibility, nonprofits can create an online environment that welcomes and supports all users, including those with disabilities.

What are the key benefits of making a nonprofit website WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliant beyond avoiding legal risks?

Achieving WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance brings a host of benefits for nonprofit organizations that go far beyond legal obligations. By making your website accessible, you ensure that everyone - including individuals with disabilities - can fully engage with your content, contribute donations, and support your mission. This commitment to inclusivity fosters trust and positions your organization as a socially conscious and responsible entity.

On top of that, an accessible website enhances the overall user experience for all visitors, boosts search engine visibility, and broadens your audience reach. These advantages not only align with your nonprofit's mission but also help you connect with more people who share your values and vision.

What are the best ways to perform an accessibility audit for a nonprofit website?

Ensuring your nonprofit's website is accessible and meets ADA standards is crucial for creating an inclusive online experience. To get started, automated tools like WAVE, Axe, or Lighthouse can help pinpoint common issues. These tools quickly flag problems such as missing alt text, low color contrast, and improper heading structures, giving you a solid starting point.

However, automated tools can only take you so far. To dive deeper, try manual testing - navigate your site using just a keyboard or a screen reader. This approach lets you experience your website the way users with disabilities might, uncovering usability challenges that automated scans might miss. For an even more authentic perspective, invite individuals with disabilities to test your site and provide feedback based on their real-world experiences.

Need expert help to make your website more accessible and strengthen your nonprofit's digital presence? Share Services offers customized solutions to help you connect with your audience and extend the impact of your mission.

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