Online shopping has made life so much easier—offering convenience, variety, and the chance to discover the correct item, all from the comfort of home. However, for shoppers with disabilities, especially those who rely on screen readers on mobile devices, that convenience can be clouded by unexpected obstacles. Whether it's a routine electronics purchase or snagging a great Black Friday deal, accessibility barriers can turn an enjoyable experience into a frustrating one. Unfortunately, these barriers are more common than you might think. A 2023 report by WebAIM found that 96.3% of homepages an ..read more

It may seem hard to believe, but Black Friday is fast approaching. Businesses are already racing to optimize their websites for the holiday shopping rush. Unfortunately, if your website isn’t designed with accessibility and usability in mind, blind or screen reader users like myself won't be able to shop with you. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Americans with disabilities possess $175 billion in discretionary spending power. This substantial market segment is too big to overlook. Creating accessible websites ensures that all shoppers can fully participate in the Black Friday and ..read more

As we continue to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), it's crucial to address the barriers that individuals with disabilities face even before entering the workforce—starting with the job application process. Online applications have become the norm, yet many accessibility issues still make it difficult for assistive technology users to navigate them independently. While I’ve previously covered accessibility concerns for desktop systems, this time I want to focus on the mobile experience, as more job seekers are completing applications on smartphones and tablets ..read more

The Saturday after Thanksgiving is "Small Business Saturday." Shoppers are encouraged to patronize local and independent businesses after the Black Friday shopping rush, which is dominated by national chains and big-box retail. While the context here is Small Business Saturday, digital accessibility and inclusion should be a priority for businesses of all sizes. Much of what I'll share can be applied universally, whether you are a local shop or a large corporation. Ensuring your digital presence is accessible benefits your customers and your business's bottom line. If you are an independent b ..read more

Every November, we celebrate World Usability Day, a time to reflect on how you can create digital experiences that are accessible and easy to use for as many people as possible, regardless of ability level. As a blind internet user, I frequently interact with digital products of all kinds, and far too many fall short in usability. However, since World Usability Day is about progress, innovation, and improvement, I want to focus on a positive example. This blog highlights an accessible e-commerce website that combines WCAG-compliant accessibility features with thoughtful, inclusive design, off ..read more

On November 14, 2024, people worldwide will celebrate World Usability Day (WUD). WUD is a time to promote digital inclusivity through forward-facing web design that maximizes effectiveness, satisfaction, and usability. In the rest of this blog, I'll share examples of technically accessible but not very usable experiences, highlighting why usability and WUD matter so much in the disability community. As with my previous content, the focus is on screen reader accessibility ..read more

During a recent UsableNet webinar, attendees had the unique opportunity to witness a blind screen reader user navigating a website in real time. This interactive session sparked insightful questions about screen reader experiences and best practices for digital accessibility. In this blog, I'll share my responses to some of the most common queries from the perspective of a full-time screen reader user. These answers reflect my experiences and aim to help developers, designers, and accessibility advocates improve their digital platforms ..read more

If you’ve received a lawsuit contending that your website is not sufficiently accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), take it seriously. In 2024, ADA website accessibility lawsuits continue to pose a significant risk, particularly for businesses with digital properties like websites and apps. New York remains the leading state for these cases, primarily due to a high concentration of plaintiffs and law firms actively pursuing these suits. Below are ten steps your company should take immediately after receiving notice of a suit or demand letter or as a proactive plan to hel ..read more

Navigating ADA Title II regulations is critical in ensuring your digital services are accessible to everyone. Finding the right partner can make this process much more manageable and effective. Below are key questions to help you evaluate potential vendors and ensure they have the expertise to meet your ADA Title II compliance needs ..read more

As digital landscapes evolve, the new ADA Title II compliance requirements present both a challenge and an opportunity for CIOs. Ensuring your digital services are accessible isn't just about meeting legal obligations—it's about fostering inclusivity and avoiding potential legal risks. This 10-step guide provides CIOs a clear path to achieving full compliance, ensuring their organizations are proactive and protected ..read more