ADA Compliance Audit and Remediation for US-Based Home Furnishing Store

Client Overview

Rug & Home is a premier home decor retailer offering a vast selection of rugs, furniture, and home accessories. With both an online presence and physical stores, they are dedicated to providing customers with an exceptional shopping experience.

Challenge

Rug & Home recognized the need to ensure their website complied with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. They aimed to make their online store accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities, ensuring that no customer would face obstacles in navigating or purchasing from their website and reducing legal risks. See the ADA guidelines and standards we follow to ensure compliance, making our clients’ websites accessible to all users and minimizing legal risks in detail.

Objectives

Conduct a thorough ADA compliance audit.
Implement solutions to address identified accessibility barriers.
Ensure the website meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards.

Process

Audit & Analysis
We, the Sigma Team, initiated the project by conducting an in-depth ADA compliance audit, using both automated tools and manual testing to uncover areas for improvement. Key findings included:
- Missing alternative text on images.
- Non-compliant keyboard navigation.
- Inadequate color contrast.
- ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) issues affecting screen reader usability.
- Inconsistent form labels and error handling.
Testing & Validation
Post-remediation, we conducted comprehensive testing to validate the effectiveness of the changes. This included both manual and automated tests across various devices and screen readers to ensure a seamless experience for users with disabilities.

Remediation
After identifying the accessibility issues, we implemented the necessary fixes. Key changes included:
- Added descriptive alt-text for all images to enhance screen reader compatibility.
- Improved keyboard navigation functionality for users unable to use a mouse.
- Adjusted color contrast ratios to comply with WCAG standards.
- Applied ARIA roles and labels for better screen reader accessibility.
- Enhanced form elements by providing clear labels and error identification.

Benefits

Improved Accessibility:
Rug & Home’s website now complies with ADA and WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
Legal Compliance:
Rug & Home mitigated the risk of potential legal action for non-compliance with ADA regulations.

Enhanced User Experience:
Users with visual, auditory, and motor disabilities can now easily navigate the website.

Tools & Technologies

WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) for automated accessibility scanning.	PowerMapper Sortsite
HTML and CSS	Keyboard Navigation Testing

Get in touch with us, let’s create value together.

Connect with us