Latest news with #WebContentAccessibilityGuidelines
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GR Digital Marketing Announces Launch of Results-Driven Marketing Services with a Relationship-Driven Approach
GR Digital Marketing Spring Hill, Tennessee, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GR Digital Marketing is thrilled to announce the launch of its USA-based digital marketing agency, which focuses on a selection of specialist services, including Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising on Google and other platforms, ADA Compliance for websites, and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO). Under the dedicated leadership of founder Grayson Robinson, GR Digital Marketing is committed to delivering powerful, results-driven solutions with a relationship-driven approach. Grayson discovered early on the power digital strategies hold for transforming businesses. Driven by a passion for digital innovation and a genuine desire to help companies succeed, he made it his mission to equip businesses with the tools, strategies, and support they need to thrive online. His career began with hands-on internships that allowed him to dive deeply into digital marketing, from creating impactful strategies to decoding complex algorithms. Those foundational experiences shaped the vision and values that guide GR Digital Marketing today. 'Our client's growth and success are personal to us, and we're committed to delivering results that exceed expectations,' said founder Grayson. From small startups to established enterprises, GR Digital Marketing values every client and specializes in creating tailored digital marketing strategies for every industry. Through hard work, personalized attention, and strategic innovation, Grayson has built GR Digital Marketing into a trusted partner for businesses looking to achieve standout results online. With the slogan, 'Growing your business, one meaningful connection at a time,' the digital marketing agency leverages its expertise to craft a strategy that delivers measurable results and continued sustainable growth for every client. The Core Digital Marketing Services offered at includes: Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising on Google and other platforms: GR Digital Marketing expertly manages PPC campaigns tailored to generate maximum returns. By leveraging in-depth keyword analysis, strategic ad placement, continuous optimization, and real-time analytics, the agency ensures that each PPC campaign delivers targeted traffic, increased visibility, and exceptional ROI. ADA Compliance for Websites: Understanding the growing importance of web accessibility, GR Digital Marketing provides comprehensive ADA Compliance solutions to help businesses comply fully with current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). GR Digital Marketing meticulously audits websites, implements necessary accessibility improvements and helps clients maintain ongoing compliance. This proactive approach not only protects businesses legally but fosters inclusivity and enhances brand trust and reputation.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tax season is hard enough. Inaccessible websites make it worse.
Many government and financial websites are still difficult to use for people with disabilities, especially during tax season. From confusing navigation to inaccessible forms and documents, these barriers make it hard to file taxes or manage finances independently. Tax season is often a source of stress and confusion—from navigating complicated forms to tracking down essential documents. For many Americans, the process has gone digital in recent years, with everything from tax filing to payment portals now hosted online. But for the millions of people with disabilities who rely on accessible technology to navigate the internet, tax season presents an added challenge: government and financial websites remain deeply inaccessible, making it difficult—and in some cases, impossible—to meet their financial obligations independently, AudioEye says. According to AudioEye's 2025 Digital Accessibility Index, the average government webpage contains 307 accessibility violations—one of the highest rates of any industry analyzed in the report. From unlabeled form fields to vague navigation links, these barriers can prevent users from applying for benefits, filing taxes, or accessing critical public services. Government websites frequently rely on images to convey information, including application instructions and service directories. Yet 15.3 images per page lacked alternative text (alt text), which allows people who are blind or have low vision to understand the content and purpose of images through screen readers. And with 77% of pages containing unclear links, navigating a site to find the correct tax form or deadline becomes a frustrating, if not impossible, task. "I use an online tax service, and navigating the platform is often slow and irksome," said Dave Carlson, a member of AudioEye's A11iance Community. "Not all modules work the same way, and it takes a lot of trial and error just to reach input fields and Continue buttons. After years of using it, I've figured out how to get through it—but it shouldn't be that hard." In addition to government portals, financial services websites—which host tools for direct deposits, tax refunds, and loan information—are also falling behind on accessibility. In fact, they were among the worst-performing sectors in the 2025 Index. AudioEye analyzed more than 57,000 pages across 1,500+ financial services sites and found that: 80% of pages included unclear or vague links, making it hard to locate key services like payment portals or transaction histories. The average page contained 74 violations of minimum color contrast requirements as outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), making forms and financial documents difficult to read for users with low vision. On average, there were 6.8 inaccessible forms per page—preventing users from opening accounts, transferring funds, or setting up automatic payments. "One of the biggest issues for me during tax season is getting my bank and credit card data in a usable format," Carlson continued. "Most institutions only offer PDFs, which are nearly impossible to navigate when dealing with large tables. I need spreadsheets, but getting them often means calling the institution and explaining the issue—year after year. Nothing changes, so I've just had to get smarter about workarounds." Website accessibility issues don't just create barriers for users—they also expose organizations to greater legal risk. With the Department of Justice gearing up to enforce updates to Title II of the ADA and stronger Section 508 compliance rules, both public agencies and private institutions will soon face more scrutiny regarding the accessibility of their websites. For organizations—both public and private—the takeaway is clear: Digital accessibility must be a priority. Here are a few ways to start: Audit and test regularly: Use a combination of automated scanning tools and expert testing by people with disabilities to identify and fix issues that lead to lawsuits. Prioritize accessibility in high-traffic areas: Focus on critical pages such as login portals, form submissions, and payment tools where users are most likely to encounter issues. Engage with the disability community: Invite users with disabilities to share feedback and participate in the design and QA process. Their lived experience offers insight that internal testing often misses. Fix the basics: Ensure every image has alt text, every form field has a clear label, and every link accurately describes where it goes. When essential services like tax filing, refund tracking, and benefit applications are out of reach, it creates unnecessary barriers to independence, privacy, and financial stability. Accessibility isn't just a feature to check off—it's a civil right. Achieving it requires more than automated scans or surface-level fixes. It demands a comprehensive, thoughtful approach that includes testing with real users, fixing issues at the source, and building digital experiences that work for everyone. This story was produced by AudioEye and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Associated Press
31-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Arclight Digital Uses Advanced ADA Website Compliance Solution to Safeguard Businesses
Las Vegas, NV - March 31, 2025 - Arclight Digital, a leading provider of digital accessibility solutions, has been utilizing an AI-driven website compliance tool designed to help businesses meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. As digital accessibility lawsuits continue to rise, this solution offers immediate ADA compliance remediation for non-compliant websites, reducing legal risks and improving web accessibility for users with disabilities. According to industry data, 98% of websites are not fully accessible, leaving businesses vulnerable to legal action under ADA Title III. Arclight Digital's compliance solution integrates seamlessly into existing websites, providing real-time accessibility improvements without requiring extensive manual adjustments. Proactive Compliance for Legal Protection In recent years, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has reinforced website accessibility requirements, emphasizing that businesses must ensure their online platforms are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Legal cases, such as Erkan v. David A. Hidalgo, M.D., P.C., have demonstrated that implementing ADA compliance solutions can help businesses mitigate legal risks. 'Web accessibility is no longer optional—it's a legal and ethical responsibility,' said Scott Kindred, President of Arclight Digital. 'Our solution allows businesses to take proactive steps to achieve compliance, enhancing usability for all visitors while reducing exposure to lawsuits.' Key Features of Arclight Digital's ADA Compliance Solution Potential Tax Benefits for Businesses In addition to ensuring compliance, businesses may qualify for ADA website compliance tax credits under Section 44 of the IRS Code. This provides an opportunity for eligible companies to offset costs associated with accessibility improvements. Addressing the Growing Need for Digital Accessibility With 20% of the population experiencing some form of disability, inclusive web design has become a critical component of online business success. Arclight Digital's solution not only helps companies comply with legal requirements but also enhances the user experience for millions of individuals who rely on accessible websites. Learn More About Website ADA Compliance For businesses seeking to improve website accessibility and reduce legal risks, visit Arclight Digital to explore the compliance solution. Arclight Digital is a Las Vegas-based technology company specializing in digital accessibility solutions. By leveraging AI-powered technology, the company provides businesses with effective tools to achieve ADA and WCAG compliance, ensuring websites are accessible to all users. Media Contact
Miami Herald
26-03-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
6 ways to fix bad UX: How improving website accessibility can boost your bottom line
Many websites lose customers because confusing design and accessibility issues—like unreadable forms or missing labels—make it hard for people, especially those with disabilities, to use them. Fixing these problems not only helps users have a better experience but also helps businesses keep customers and avoid legal trouble. Every business wants its website to be a seamless, welcoming experience for customers. But too often, hidden accessibility barriers—unreadable forms, confusing menus, or poor design choices—turn users away without them ever converting. When a frustrated user abandons your website, they're not just leaving—they're taking their business elsewhere, AudioEye notes. The true cost of inaccessible websites extends far beyond lost sales. More than a billion people worldwide live with a disability, and every time they encounter a barrier—whether it's unlabeled form fields, poor color contrast, or keyboard navigation issues—it affects engagement, increases bounce rates, and damages brand reputation. These seemingly small issues compound into significant business impacts, making accessibility a critical factor in both user experience (UX) and overall success. Research shows that 94% of first impressions are related to design, and a poor user experience can cause visitors to abandon a site within seconds. However, a well-designed website that follows accessibility best practices can improve engagement, increase conversions, and enhance brand reputation. Despite these benefits, accessibility remains a challenge. The 2024 WebAIM Million Report found that 96% of the world's top one million home pages contain accessibility errors, making it difficult for millions of people with disabilities to navigate the web. Organizations that fail to address these issues not only alienate a significant portion of their audience but also risk legal repercussions as digital accessibility regulations become stricter. Why Accessibility and UX Matter Recent findings from AudioEye's 2025 Digital Accessibility Index highlight how widespread these challenges are. After reviewing 15,000 websites across industries like education, finance, healthcare, and retail, the report found an average of 297 accessibility issues per page—a sharp increase from 37 issues per page in 2023. These issues don't just frustrate users, they also put businesses at legal risk, as digital accessibility regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set clear standards for compliance. A few key findings: 38% of images were missing alternative text (alt text), making visual content inaccessible to non-sighted users.80% of pages had unclear or missing link descriptions, leaving users unsure where a link will take them.35% of pages had poorly labeled forms, preventing users from completing purchases, scheduling appointments, or submitting requests. Each of these issues creates friction in the user experience, turning potential customers away and eroding trust. How to Improve UX and Minimize the Hidden Costs To build a better user experience and avoid the pitfalls of poor accessibility, businesses should focus on a few key areas: 1. Design With All Users in Mind Accessible design ensures that everyone, including those with disabilities, can navigate and engage with your site. Avoid relying solely on visual or auditory cues—use text descriptions, captions, and keyboard-friendly navigation to ensure a seamless experience. 2. Keep Layouts Clear and Consistent A cluttered website frustrates users and drives them away. Maintain simple, intuitive navigation, use clear headings, and ensure buttons and links are easy to find and understand. 3. Optimize for Mobile Accessibility With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, an inaccessible mobile experience can alienate a large portion of your audience. Ensure text is legible, buttons are large enough to tap, and content is easy to navigate. 4. Ensure Readable and Accessible Text Text should be easy to read for all users, including those with visual impairments. Using sans-serif fonts improves readability, while maintaining a minimum font size of 16px ensures that text remains legible across different devices. Additionally, proper color contrast between text and background (at least a 4.5:1 ratio) helps users with low vision or color blindness navigate content without difficulty. 5. Make Forms and CTAs User-Friendly Forms and calls to action (CTAs) play a crucial role in user engagement, yet they often present major accessibility challenges. Clearly labeled form fields help users understand what information is required, reducing confusion and frustration. Similarly, CTAs should be descriptive and action-driven—phrases like "Download the Guide" or "Sign Up for Updates" provide clarity, whereas vague prompts like "Click Here" leave users uncertain about what to expect. 6. Test, Listen, and Improve Improving accessibility is an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and adaptation. Businesses should conduct routine audits using both automated tools and expert reviews to catch and resolve accessibility barriers before they impact users. Gathering real user feedback, especially from individuals with disabilities, provides invaluable insights into usability challenges. Additionally, tracking bounce rates, form submissions, and engagement metrics helps identify friction points, allowing businesses to refine their user experience. The Bottom Line Poor UX isn't just a minor inconvenience—it's a direct hit to your business. Every inaccessible element on your website represents a lost opportunity, a frustrated customer, or a missed sale. By addressing accessibility issues, companies can create a smoother, better digital experience that keeps users coming back. With a proactive, user-focused approach, businesses can turn their websites into powerful assets that drive both customer satisfaction and the bottom line. This story was produced by AudioEye and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Associated Press
05-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
AudioEye Releases 2025 Digital Accessibility Index, Revealing Widespread Compliance Risks for Businesses
Analysis of 15,000 websites finds an average of 297 accessibility issues per page, highlighting significant legal vulnerabilities across retail, hospitality, and other industries TUCSON, Ariz., March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AudioEye, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEYE) ('AudioEye' or the 'Company'), the industry-leading digital accessibility company, today announced the release of its 2025 Digital Accessibility Index, a comprehensive analysis of digital accessibility compliance across key industries including education, finance, government, healthcare, hospitality, software, and retail. Based on a review of 15,000 websites, the report found an average of 297 accessibility issues per page–a substantial increase from 37 issues per page found in AudioEye's inaugural 2023 Index. This eightfold increase in issues detected is primarily due to improvements in AudioEye's automated testing capabilities, which can test more of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) than any other solution on the market. 'Many businesses don't realize their accessibility compliance gap until they take a closer look at their websites,' said David Moradi, CEO of AudioEye. 'This year's Index reveals the true scale of digital inaccessibility, and the results are alarming. The surge in detected issues highlights the risks and legal exposure companies face. Businesses that rely solely on automation to meet accessibility requirements are leaving significant gaps that could lead to lawsuits, lost customers, and regulatory penalties. True compliance requires both cutting-edge technology and custom fixes from experts.' Key Findings: Frequent Accessibility Issues Put Businesses at Risk The 2025 Digital Accessibility Index reveals many accessibility failures related to website navigation and overall usability, significantly impacting the user experience for people with disabilities: 38% of images lacked proper alternative text (alt text), making it difficult for people with visual disabilities to interpret images, charts, and other non-text content. 80% of pages had links without clear descriptions, preventing screen reader users from understanding their purpose before clicking. 35% of pages had forms missing clear labels or instructions, creating obstacles for users relying on assistive technology to complete transactions, schedule appointments, or perform other tasks. Impact of Accessibility Barriers Across Industries The Index also highlights accessibility challenges across industries, many of which can disrupt essential user actions. A few examples from the report include: Retail: Retail websites had the highest number of accessibility issues across industries, with an average of 350.1 issues per page. Inaccessible product photos and mislabeled checkout forms hinder people with disabilities from completing purchases, impacting sales and customer acquisition. Hospitality: 41% of travel and hospitality webpages had accessibility issues that made it hard for keyboard-only users to navigate content, search, or make reservations–directly impacting their ability to book and modify travel. Healthcare: On average, healthcare sites had 272 issues per page, including inaccessible forms, labels, and buttons that make it difficult for patients to schedule appointments, complete forms, or access test results. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the European Accessibility Act (EAA) establish clear accessibility requirements, and non-compliance can result in lawsuits, regulatory fines, and lost revenue. As digital accessibility enforcement increases globally, businesses must be proactive to ensure compliance and maximum legal protection. To view the full report, visit . About AudioEye AudioEye exists to ensure the digital future we build is accessible. The gold standard for digital accessibility, AudioEye's comprehensive solution combines industry-leading AI automation technology with expert fixes informed by the disability community. This powerful combination delivers industry-leading protection, ensuring businesses of all sizes — including over 126,000 customers like Samsung, Calvin Klein, and Samsonite — meet and exceed compliance standards. With 24 US patents, AudioEye's solution includes 24/7 accessibility monitoring, automated WCAG issue testing and fixes, expert testing, developer tools, and legal protection, empowering organizations to confidently create accessible digital experiences for all. Media Contact Sierra Thomas AudioEye PR Investor Contact Gateway Group, Inc. 949-574-3860
