What the New Rules Mean and How to Stay Ahead
If you have heard more conversations lately about ADA compliance, WCAG standards, or website accessibility, you are not imagining it. This topic is coming up more often for businesses of all sizes, across industries, and especially in PR, legal, and marketing conversations.
At NOW Marketing Group, we have been getting more questions from clients asking what the new rules mean, whether their website and videos are compliant, and what they should be doing next. We wanted to break it down in a simple, practical way.
Below are the most common questions we are hearing and how we are helping clients stay compliant and ahead of the curve.
What is ADA compliance for websites?
ADA compliance refers to making sure your website and digital content are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes users who rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, captions, color contrast, and other assistive technologies.
In the digital world, ADA compliance is generally measured against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, often referred to as WCAG.
What are WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards?
- Perceivable, such as readable text and proper color contrast
- Operable, meaning users can navigate without a mouse
- Understandable, with clear structure and labels
- Robust, so assistive technologies can interpret the content correctly
Do the new rules apply to my business?
We are seeing broader enforcement and clearer expectations across industries, including businesses that previously did not think accessibility applied to them.
If your website is public facing, used for marketing, customer communication, education, or transactions, accessibility matters. This also includes embedded videos, downloadable files, forms, and interactive content.
Check to see the current requirements at ADA.gov
What about videos and media content?
Accessibility does not stop at your website pages.
Videos should include captions. Audio content should be accessible. Visual elements should not rely on color alone to convey meaning. These are areas where many sites unintentionally fall out of compliance.
This is also where accessibility becomes ongoing, not a one time fix.
Can I just add a disclaimer or accessibility statement?
An accessibility statement is considered a best practice and something we do recommend. It gives users a clear way to reach out if they encounter an accessibility barrier.
However, a disclaimer alone does not replace compliance. It should be used alongside ongoing accessibility efforts, not instead of them.
Is ADA compliance a one time project?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
Accessibility is not set it and forget it. Websites change. Content gets added. Videos get uploaded. Platforms and browsers evolve. Guidelines are updated.
That is why ongoing reviews and monitoring matter.
How does NOW Marketing Group help clients stay compliant?
This is an area where we are taking a proactive approach for our clients.
For clients with planned hours, accessibility can be built directly into how those hours are used. This can include:
- Accessibility checks and reviews
- Guidance as new pages, blogs, or videos are added
- Accessibility statements and documentation
- Recommendations for tools that support ongoing compliance
For clients who want additional peace of mind, we also have access to dedicated accessibility solutions that provide continuous monitoring and user facing accessibility tools aligned with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
Most importantly, we help clients understand what applies to them and what does not, without fear based messaging or unnecessary complexity.
How do I know if my website is compliant?
That is the question we hear most often.
Automated tools can be helpful, but they do not always tell the full story. Some reports can look alarming even when a site is doing well, and others can miss real issues.
If you are unsure, that is where we come in.
Not sure where you stand?
If you are unsure whether your website or digital content is ADA compliant, we have the resources in place to check it for you and walk you through the findings in plain language.
No pressure. No scare tactics. Just clear guidance and a path forward that makes sense for your business.
If you would like us to review your site or talk through accessibility options, reach out and we will take it from there.
At NOW Marketing Group, our goal is to help you stay informed, compliant, and ahead of changes before they become problems.
Wondering if your website is accessible?
Let’s talk. We’ll help you figure out what matters and what to do next.