The Importance of Accessible Websites

Web accessibility is not an optional program for businesses with an online presence. And while laws around may seem vague, noncompliance can lead to serious consequences, as seen in the Domino’s Pizza accessibility lawsuit. In late 2019, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s decision, denying Domino’s petition questioning whether their website should be accessible to the disabled. 

The case, initiated by Guillermo Robles, who is blind, highlights the importance of having an accessible website so that everyone, regardless of ability, can participate in the digital economy. Let’s look into why web accessibility matters for dental practices and how the Dental Web 2.0 Platform can help you revise your dental website accordingly.

What is Dental Web 2.0?

Let’s start with a bit of context behind what led to our Dental Web 2.0 Platform. Web 2.0 encompasses features that enable users to contribute to online content. It includes social media, mobile tech, and networking to facilitate user interactions. Simply put, it allows users to shape the internet actively.

Enter Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, defining how to make online content accessible for people with various disabilities. At Jameson Management & Marketing, we recognize the significance of a website that gives everyone the opportunity to access quality dental care. Our Dental Web 2.0 Platform aligns with W3C Web Accessibility 2.0 standards and features a team of experts dedicated to ensuring your dental practice website meets current regulations.

From HIPAA-compliant forms to personalized branding, our platform empowers practices to create fully accessible websites that effectively cater to the diverse needs of current and prospective patients.

The Legal and Moral Imperative for Web Accessibility 

Ensuring web accessibility is a legal responsibility, but a moral responsibility as well. In fact, the economic impact of web inaccessibility is estimated at $16.8 billion. According to the United States Census Bureau, nearly 42.5 million Americans live with disabilities. Shockingly, despite a rise in accessibility lawsuits, many businesses lag in adopting appropriate strategies, resulting in an annual loss of $6.9 billion to competitors with accessible sites.

The Domino’s Pizza lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accessibility. Robles, as mentioned earlier, sued Domino’s under the Americans with Disabilities Act. His inability to order online despite using screen-reading software led to a landmark decision. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Robles, emphasizing that online platforms must be accessible and ensuring equal access to goods and services. This example highlights the legal and ethical imperative for dental websites. Practitioners should prioritize accessibility for potential patients facing various disabilities.

Dental Web 2.0’s Approach to Accessibility

Navigating the complexities of running a dental practice can make web accessibility seem daunting. Dental practice owners often wonder if people with visual impairments interact with websites like everyone else. The reality is that yes, they do, using tools like screen readers to convert online content into speech or braille. 

But web accessibility doesn’t have to be difficult. Jameson Management & Marketing’s Dental Web 2.0 Platform recognizes the importance of accessibility. Unlike overlays, this platform adheres to W3C Web Accessibility 2.0 standards without interfering with assistive elements. It ensures practices meet the highest accessibility benchmarks, including adding alternate text to images and adhering to color-palette requirements. Every website on the platform is built with the latest accessibility standards, guaranteeing inclusivity for all users.

The Impact of Web Accessibility

For users, web accessibility means equal access, whether booking appointments or seeking information. And for dental practice owners, the positive impacts of accessibility go beyond legal compliance. It also helps you to:

• Avoid lawsuits: Ensuring accessibility mitigates the risk of legal action and secures your online presence.
• Broaden market reach: Accessible websites cater to a diverse audience, expanding market potential and turning visitors into patients.
• Boost SEO: Site accessibility is a key factor that search engines consider when determining website rankings.
• Improve user experience: An accessible website delivers a seamless, inclusive experience that builds trust and increases patient satisfaction.

Investing in web accessibility is a strategic piece of enhancing your digital presence and creating a more inclusive dental practice.

Navigating the Future With Dental Web 2.0’s Accessibility

Recognizing the legal and moral imperative of accessibility, we’ve designed our platform to comply with W3C Web Accessibility 2.0 standards and surpass mere checkboxes. It guarantees a transformative user experience, broader reach, and improved SEO.

Take a step toward a more inclusive practice by taking advantage of our free accessibility audit, a testament to our dedication to your success. Contact Jameson Management & Marketing today, and let’s collectively shape a more accessible and patient-friendly future for your dental practice.