At Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS), we understand that compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about empowering people to navigate and engage with digital platforms without barriers. While ADA compliance is often discussed in terms of meeting minimum legal standards for public-facing organizations, the real impact is much more personal.
When working with a client, CSS was tasked with improving their website’s accessibility. The existing site had usability issues that made it difficult for individuals with disabilities to access crucial information.
Before the redesign, the website had valuable content that wasn’t fully accessible. It wasn’t optimized for mobile users, making it difficult for residents who rely on smartphones to navigate, and lacked alt text on images, preventing visually impaired users from accessing visual content with screen readers.
The Personal Impact : An elderly resident struggled to find information about affordable housing programs on the website. She often had to ask family for help with online forms, which wasn’t ideal, especially when she needed to fill out forms independently. This was a wake-up call—
The Solution: Putting People First
Our goal with the website redesign was to create a more inclusive and accessible experience. Simply meeting ADA standards was only part of the solution; we wanted to empower residents to find what they needed, without barriers.
Here’s how we approached it:
- Mobile Optimization: Ensuring it worked seamlessly on phones, tablets and computers. This enabled mobile device navigation assistance.
- Alt Text for Images: Descriptive alt text was added to every image, allowing screen readers to help visually impaired users understand the content.
- Improved Navigation: The layout was simplified to make it easier for all residents to find the information they needed quickly.
The Impact: A Website for Everyone
The difference was immediate. Residents who previously struggled to access the website were now able to do so independently. One resident shared that she could finally complete the housing application on her own, thanks to the new mobile-friendly design and simplified layout.
By making the website accessible, CSS ensured that residents who might have otherwise been excluded from critical services could now access them. Whether it was seniors, people with disabilities, or anyone with limited tech skills or access, the updates made the website work for everyone.
Why ADA Compliance Is More Than Legal Compliance
Creating accessible websites isn’t just good practice—it’s good citizenship. When municipalities take the time to design websites with ADA compliance at the forefront of planning, they’re not only improving functionality—they’re improving lives. Whether it’s a resident accessing housing information or a senior paying their water bill online, accessibility ensures that no one is left behind.
At Capital Strategic Solutions, we specialize in designing and developing inclusive websites that serve the needs of diverse communities. To date, we’ve partnered with organizations throughout New England, including municipal agencies and government entities, to create accessible digital experiences. Our team ensures that websites, web applications, and social media channels are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, meeting compliance standards while fostering inclusivity.