When you think about ADA compliance, you might think about ramps, doorway widths, or accommodations for customers with impairments. You probably don’t immediately think about a staffing agency’s website. For years, though, activists have been pushing Congress to pass an amendment specifying the accommodations that web-based companies must provide to users with disabilities. It’s clear that companies — including staffing agencies — have a responsibility to make websites that are accessible to every user, including those with disabilities.
Create a Website That’s Perceivable
The first step towards creating an ADA compliant website is ensuring that it is perceivable to all users. What does perceivability mean when it’s applied to a website? It means that users of all abilities should be able to access all of the content of the site. For visually impaired users, for example, staffing agencies should provide text caption alternatives to non-textual content. For those who are hearing impaired, the site should offer transcripts of audible content so that they can still access its information. In short, all content on a staffing agency’s site should be accessible through different mediums so that no user is excluded from perceiving its content.
Make It User-Friendly for Everybody
In addition to ensuring that content is accessible for everybody, staffing agencies should ensure that the website is navigable for all users, too. Many users have difficulty using a mouse when navigating a website, the website should be navigable through use of a keyboard. Staffing agencies can further assist users with navigation by offering easy-to-read instructions pointing them to each section of the website. It’s important, too, that websites never include graphics or content that could potentially trigger an episode for users who suffer from seizures.
Create Content That’s Understandable
Remember that disabilities are not always physical. Some users with cognitive disabilities may have trouble accessing a staffing agency website if its content is not understandable. When creating a site, staffing agencies should keep users in mind who have difficulty processing information, too. Autistic users, for example, may benefit from the information that’s presented in a visual format rather than textual content. To ensure that content is understandable, agencies should use straightforward language and avoid jargon that can alienate users with processing disorders.
Ensure Compatibility With Accommodations
Many users with disabilities utilize assistive devices in order to better access websites. There are many ADA compliance issues within staffing websites, and devices such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, and speech input devices can all make web use easier for users with disabilities. Staffing agencies should ensure that their website is compatible with these devices so that users can access content easily. Lawsuits are on the rise, though, against companies that do not make websites adequately accessible. Staffing agencies can protect against this liability by investing in staffing liability insurance and by making a good faith effort to ensure accessibility for all.
About World Wide Specialty Programs
For the last 50 years, World Wide Specialty Programs has dedicated itself to providing the optimal products and solutions for the staffing industry. As the only insurance firm to be an ASA commercial liability partner, we are committed to that partnership and committed to using our knowledge of the industry to provide staffing firms with the best possible coverage. For more information about Staffing Professional Liability Insurance or any other coverage, we have available to protect your staffing business, give us a call at (877) 256-0468 to speak with one of our representatives.