Many of you have likely noticed website accessibility becoming a bigger and bigger deal. You're hearing about WCAG guidelines, ADA website compliance, and maybe even getting a bit of pressure to make changes. You're already juggling a million things, from crafting newsletters to updating the sports schedule, and now you've got to become an accessibility expert?

It's easy to get lost in the technical jargon and compliance checklists and start scratching your head. But at its core, ADA school website compliance is about making sure everyone can use your school's site. And when we say everyone, we mean everyone: parents, students, staff, alumni, and community members, regardless of their abilities:

• A student with low vision needs to be able to read your school calendar to know when events are happening.
• A parent using a screen reader needs to navigate the admissions page to apply.
• A community member with a motor impairment needs to fill out a contact form to ask a question.

When your website isn't accessible, you're potentially excluding people from getting important information or engaging with your school. Schools are about inclusion, opportunity, and community after all, not exclusion.

Now, before you panic or celebrate (depending on where you are in your accessibility journey!), let's clear up some common misconceptions that can make the whole process seem much more complicated (and scary) than it needs to be.

Lie 1: Website accessibility is a one-time fix

A common idea is that once you've made your school's website accessible, you're done. You've checked the box, you're compliant, and you can move on to the next task. "We fixed it," people say, "so we don't have to worry about it anymore."

Unfortunately, that's far from the truth.

Websites are dynamic, and website accessibility is an ongoing process. They're constantly changing. You're adding new content, updating information, uploading images and videos, and maybe even updating the design.

Each of these updates has the potential to introduce new accessibility barriers:

• A new image uploaded without alternative text makes that image useless to someone using a screen reader.  
• A change in your website's menu could disrupt the navigation for keyboard users.
• A new document might not be properly formatted for assistive technology.

Aside from content changes, web accessibility standards themselves evolve. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which set the standards for accessibility, are updated from time to time. What was considered "good enough" a few years ago might not cut it now. 

Tips for improvement:

• Regular audits: Schedule regular accessibility audits of your website, both automated and manual. Don't wait for complaints!
   
• Content creator training: Train everyone who adds content to your website on accessibility best practices. This includes teachers who upload classroom materials, coaches who post game schedules, and anyone in the communications department.
     
• Accessibility testing tools: Use a combination of automated tools and manual testing techniques to catch a wide range of issues.

Finalsite's Composer CMS, for example, includes built-in accessibility checks to help content creators identify and fix common errors as they add content. And our support team includes accessibility specialists who can provide guidance and support.

Keep Reading: ADA Title II Update: Countdown to K-12 School Website Accessibility

Plus, Composer's alt-text generator is using AI to make it easier than ever to add alt-text to images. With just a click, the image is scanned, and descriptive text is added, bringing it into compliance. 

Lie 2: Accessibility tools automatically provide all the solutions

Can you achieve website accessibility by simply running an automated tool? Schools might think, "We installed this widget or ran this scan, so we're all set!" They rely solely on these tools to "fix" their accessibility problems.

Now, automated tools are helpful for ADA website accessibility. They can quickly scan your digital content and identify many common accessibility issues. They’re a great first line of defense, and they can catch things like missing alt text on images, certain color contrast problems, and some basic HTML errors.

But automated tools can't do it all. They operate using algorithms, and algorithms can't understand context or nuance the way a human can.

Automated tools can miss:

• Meaningful alternative text: An automated tool can tell you if an image has alt text, but it can't tell you if that alt text is accurate and descriptive.
   
• Keyboard navigation: While a tool might check for some keyboard navigation issues, it can't fully assess the logical flow and intuitive experience of navigating a complex website.
   
• Context and usability: Automated tools can't evaluate whether content is genuinely clear, simple, and easy to understand for people with cognitive disabilities.
   
• Dynamic content: If your website has constantly changing content (like news feeds or social media), an automated tool provides only a snapshot in time.

You need real people to test your website and provide feedback on what tools are missing for a much clearer picture of your website's actual accessibility.

Find a balanced approach: use automated tools, like Audio Eye’s visual toolkit, to streamline the initial assessment, but find expert guidance and, where appropriate, manual testing to provide a more thorough and effective accessibility solution.

Keep Reading: The Top Built-in Accessibility Tools for School Websites

Lie 3: Accessibility is only for people with visual impairments

When many people think of accessibility, they immediately think of screen readers and large text. It's a much broader concept than that.

Accessibility is about designing websites that can be used effectively by anyone, regardless of ability or disability. This includes a wide spectrum of needs, like those with hearing impairments who would benefit from transcripts for videos and audio files.

It also means avoiding designs that rely solely on sound to convey important information.

For those with cognitive or learning disabilities, ADHD, or memory impairments, websites need to be clear, simple, and consistent. This includes using straightforward language, logical organization, and consistent navigation.

Distracting animations or complex layouts can be overwhelming. Individuals with motor impairments, such as those with cerebral palsy or arthritis, may have difficulty using a mouse and rely on keyboard navigation or assistive technologies to interact with websites.

For visual impairments:

• Providing alternative text for images
• Using sufficient color contrast
• Using screen reader-compatible HTML
• Allowing text resizing

For cognitive impairments:

• Using clear and concise language
• Maintaining consistent navigation
• Breaking up large blocks of text
• Using headings and labels effectively

For motor impairments:

• Enabling full keyboard navigation
• Making interactive elements easily clickable
• Avoiding time limits that could be problematic

For hearing impairments:

• Providing transcripts for audio and video content
• Offering captions for videos

Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind’s site features a number of accessibility features, including audio descriptions of its images. Be sure to check out its ASL translators sharing the stories of its community members- very cool!

Lie 4: Accessible school websites are boring accessible school websites

There's a myth that if you make a website accessible, it's going to be ugly: text-heavy pages with limited colors and a very basic layout.

The reality is that accessibility doesn’t compromise design. In fact, they often complement each other. Many of the principles that make a website accessible also make it more user-friendly and effective for everyone.

Design elements that enhance both accessibility AND visual appeal

• Clear typography
  • Using legible fonts with adequate sizing improves readability.
  • Sufficient line height and spacing make text blocks easier to follow.
     
• Sufficient color contrast
  • Contrast between text and background is needed for users with low vision, but it also reduces eye strain for all users.
  • Careful use of color can guide the eye and highlight important information without relying solely on color to convey meaning.
     
• Logical layout
  • A well-structured site with clear headings and navigation benefits all users.
  • Consistent design and intuitive interactions create a better overall user experience.
     
• Responsive design
  • Designing a website that adapts to different screen sizes is crucial for mobile users, but it also makes content impactful, regardless of the device.
  • Accessible design encourages clean, organized layouts that are easy to scan and understand.

The result is a beautiful school website that’s inclusive AND more effective at conveying its message.

Lie 5: Making an accessible school website is too expensive

A barrier for many schools is the perception that making a website accessible is going to break the bank. There's a fear of huge costs, extensive overhauls, and ongoing expenses that seem out of budget.
It's important to shift the perspective from cost to investment. While there might be some initial expenses, accessibility provides long-term benefits that outweigh the initial outlay.

• Wider reach: An accessible website allows you to connect with and serve a broader audience.
• Reduced legal risk: Investing in accessibility proactively helps you avoid potential lawsuits and legal fees.
• Improved SEO: Many accessibility best practices, like proper HTML structure and alt text for images, can improve your website's search engine optimization (SEO).
• Enhanced user experience: Accessibility principles often result in a better user experience for everyone, making your website more user-friendly and efficient for all visitors.

Grand Prairie ISD’s Theme site is a cost-effective and beautiful example. Many content management systems have built-in accessibility features that can be used without additional costs, and since Finalsite launches its Theme sites accessible and ready to go, schools are starting off on the right foot.

Lie 6: We don't need to worry because we haven't had any complaints

Many schools think that if they haven't received any complaints about their website's accessibility, then it must be fine. If there were a problem, someone would have said something, right?

Ignorance is bliss...but the lack of complaints isn’t a reliable sign of accessibility, and many laws and guidelines (like the ADA and WCAG) require websites to be accessible, regardless of whether or not complaints have been filed.

Folks might encounter barriers on your website but choose not to report them for various reasons. They might not want to cause trouble, they may assume that the problem is unfixable, or they might simply give up and go elsewhere.

This means you could have accessibility issues that are actively preventing people from engaging with your school, and you might not even be aware of it. Be proactive and take charge.

Key Takeaway

Creating a welcoming online environment for everyone. Just as you would strive to make your physical school welcoming and accessible to all visitors, you should do the same for your school's online presence. Take the initiative to make your website accessible, and send a powerful message that your school values and respects all individuals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connor has spent the last decade within the field of marketing and communications, working with independent schools and colleges throughout New England. At Finalsite, Connor plans and executes marketing strategies and digital content across the web. A former photojournalist, he has a passion for digital media, storytelling, coffee, and creating content that connects.