Retailers in the US are again being warned by concerned attorneys that websites must be accessible to all, including those with visual impairment, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The warnings come after one New York woman has filed at least 16 lawsuits against multiple companies with allegations that websites were not programmed with coding for screen-reader software which reads text aloud to the visually impaired. Attorneys across the US warn that, once knowledge of the lawsuits becomes public, companies can expect similar, more widespread filings against them if they are found to be non-compliant. Penalties for non-compliance include hefty fines which could incapacitate a family-run winery.
This warnings and lawsuits are nothing new, however, as wineries were warned as early as 2018 by both the likes of Wine Institute and other wineries, culinary establishments and tasting rooms that were on the receiving end of an earlier string of lawsuits aimed at wine businesses in New York due to ADA non-compliance.
For a website to be compliant, it must be compatible with the screen-reading software used by the visually impaired to access website content. There are steps that retailers can take to ensure they are satisfying the ADA’s requirements. Software companies such as vinSUITE can ensure that a website meets all regulations, though attorneys recommend that businesses seek their own legal counsel and consult with an IT professional. Vinbound Marketing provides a handy guide on how to ensure your website is compliant. https://www.vinboundmarketing.com/ada-compliance-for-winery-websites/
