Your Guide To ADA Compliance In Texas

Like many other states, web accessibility is an issue in Texas.

Texas has its own statute in place in addition to the ADA. Chapter 121 of the Texas Human Resources Code covers the protection of the rights of disabled people.

Thus, if you own a website or sell to Texas residents, it’s crucial to ensure that your website is accessible to everyone. To do this, you have to follow the WCAG guidelines at level 2.1.

While you can make the necessary changes to your website manually, there are tools available that can make this process easier, including UserWay and accessiBe, but more on that later. 

Recommended Tools for Accessibility Compliance in Texas

Before we get into some specific steps that you can take to comply with online accessibility requirements, let’s look at some tools that you can use during this process.

How You Can Achieve ADA Compliance in Texas?

Every state agency in Texas, along with its contracted developers working on applications and websites, is obligated to adhere to the accessibility regulations. Before delving into particular tips for ensuring compliance, let’s explore some tools that can simplify the compliance procedure.

1. UserWay

For businesses looking for an automated accessibility solution, UserWay is a top choice. This AI-powered tool helps businesses in Massachusetts comply with Section 508, ADA Title II, and WCAG 2.1 guidelines. Once installed, website visitors will also have access to an accessibility panel that makes it possible for them to customize their online experience according to their needs.  

2. accessiBe

From its quick installation to the intuitive AI interface, accessiBe is another top pick for businesses that want to comply with WCAG, ADA, and Section 508 requirements. Even though accessiBe is affordable, to begin with, new users can take advantage of a 7-day free trial to experience the tool’s capabilities. Packages also include an accessibility statement and certification as well as litigation support. 

Texas takes website accessibility seriously and makes an effort to aid government agencies, educational institutions, and other private businesses with the process.

The Department of Information Resources has developed a useful guide containing all the resources that entities need to make their websites compliant.

For example, the DIR provides tools for website development such as aDesigner, Webaim.org, and the ​​​US Web Design Standards V2.0 ​. There are also resources for forms, HTML, and multimedia.

Aside from these, there are other ways to attain accessibility. These include the following:

Design alteration

Modifying your website’s design is one of the easiest ways to achieve ADA compliance. For instance, non-text content, like images and videos, should have alternative text.

Users should also be able to adjust font sizes, and CTA buttons should have large font sizes.

Content moderation

Your website can be more accessible if you provide users with content moderation functionality. For example, your site can provide 24/7 assistance to users.

The site should also provide suggestions for when users receive input errors.

Color Guide

Aside from text, you should also consider that color and contrast affect your website’s accessibility. Opt for a high contrast background when designing your web pages so that they stand out.

We also don’t recommend using thin fonts or Java or CSS features to change your site’s contrast. Additionally, keep in mind that color contrast is crucial when it comes to CTA buttons.

Plugins and widgets

Another way to attain web accessibility more easily is to use plugins, widgets, and other resources from credible platforms. You can use these tools to maintain an accessible website without spending too much money: accessiBe, Userway, Siteimprove

Status of ADA Compliance Lawsuits in Texas

The legal battle against ADA non-compliance has taken an especially sharp turn in Texas.

There has been a noticeable increase in ADA accessibility lawsuits, enforcement actions, and demand letters targeting Texas businesses over the past few years.

In 2018, the state recorded 196 ADA non-compliance cases, which eventually increased to 239 in 2019. This is a 21.9% increase, and many other states have experienced similar or even larger increases in ADA non-compliance litigation.

For instance, California recorded 120 ADA non-compliance cases in 2019. ADA non-compliance cases are also prevalent in New York, which recorded 2,256 cases in the same year.

In 2020, Texas received 285 non-compliance cases, making it the fourth state with the most accessibility-related cases.

Current Accessibility Laws in Texas

Website accessibility is mandatory in Texas, and different laws and statutes cover this aspect. For instance, Texas has adopted federal accessibility policies.

According to the Texas Administrative Code, websites must comply with the Federal Government’s Section 508 of 2016. Additionally, the state also requires websites to follow WCAG guidelines.

On the other hand, the WCAG consists of about 13 guidelines that websites should adhere to. These guidelines are based on four principles, which are operable, perceivable, understandable, and robust.

Websites can achieve one of three WCAG certification levels: A, AA, and AAA.

Texas also emphasizes that government agencies and educational institutes more than any other industry or business should follow accessibility guidelines. For this reason, the Texas administrative code (TAC) has sections 206.70, 213.21, and 213.41, all related to website accessibility.

To Sum Up!

This discussion shows that the overall scenario of ADA compliance in Texas is not as bad as in other states like California and New York.

There was a rise in lawsuits from 2018 to 2019, but it slowed down in 2020. This doesn’t mean you aren’t at risk of ADA lawsuits though.

Aside from that, making modifications to your website makes it accessible to everyone and it broadens your customer base.

Get a comprehensive accessibility audit of your website at Accessibility Checker.

If you found this article helpful, you can also read our articles on website ADA compliance.

• All You Need To Know About Website ADA Compliance In Florida
• Is Web Accessibility A Legal Requirement?