Ensuring Image descriptions are accurate.

Image descriptions, also known as alt text (or an HTML alt attribute), are used by screen readers to describe an image’s contents to a blind user. As you probably already know, the technology uses AI to provide such descriptions for images that weren’t manually added by the website owner.

The way it works is simple: our AI (computer vision) engine creates an alt text from the objects that appear in the image and the embedded text. For example, an image of people playing with a ball on the beach with the text “50% off beachwear” will receive an alt text like: “50% off beachwear. People playing football on the beach during daytime”.

AI is a great way to describe an image for a blind person but as good as AI is, it doesn’t always have the context people have. For example, those people on the beach may be famous football players like Messi and Ronaldo who advertise a specific sale. An AI will know that people are there, but it will not know who they are or their names, which is sometimes an important piece of information to convey to the user. 

Although the AI technology's descriptions are indeed accessible and compliant, to ensure the best possible user experience, we recommend providing your own alt texts that comprehensively describe an image, including the objects, people, names, and texts within it, and rely on the AI technology as a fallback method.

Ensuring manual accessibility work doesn’t override the AI technology.

As a policy, the AI technology honors manual accessibility work that is implemented and doesn’t override it because it takes into consideration that if you’ve expressly and explicitly implemented accessibility adjustments, you would want it to remain intact. 

This enables website owners and coders to incorporate accessibility in more ways than one. Websites can implement manual work as complementary to the AI technology or the opposite, depending on their knowledge, skills, and budgets.

Therefore, if you’ve implemented manual accessibility adjustments without a proper understanding of how web accessibility works, and your manual work is incorrect, it won’t always be overridden by the AI technology (it will override it in some cases, but mostly it won’t). 

We fully support and are happy if our customers participate in the accessibility process. Keep in mind to make sure that you know what you are doing, and we are always glad to help guide you if you are not sure.



How does legislation impact my website?

DOJ AFFIRMS ADA COVERS WEBSITES

In 2018, the DOJ clarified that websites are considered places of public accommodation.
and must comply with ADA Title III. In 2022, the DOJ reaffirmed it
and recommended WCAG 2.1 AA as the best practice.

Inaccessible websites face serious legal consequences

With exponential growth in web accessibility, legal actions have a widespread effect across industries, with small and medium businesses in the center.

Lawsuit numbers are estimated to continue to increase as the need to enable accessible digital experiences becomes more prominent.

What is the Process When You Are Served with an ADA Compliance Lawsuit.

• The arrival of the demand letter. Marks the initial stage of an ADA compliance lawsuit. Often, these demand letters consist of repetitive information found in previous lawsuits. Nevertheless, it is crucial to carefully assess the claims outlined in the letter to ascertain their relevance to your digital assets.

• Seek out the guidance of a legal professional. Undoubtedly, your case necessitates the expertise of a lawyer. Although it may involve a significant financial investment, it is essential to secure the services of an attorney who specializes in internet accessibility law and equal rights. By enlisting the support of your legal counsel, you can construct a compelling case that refutes the allegations. The ultimate objective is to establish a robust defense that substantiates the accessibility of your website.

• Proceed to trial. After preparing your defense, it is highly probable that you will proceed to trial. It is important to note that there are penalties for failing to attend a trial, which can range from $50,000 to $100,000.

• Present your argument. In the event that your site is accessible, and you are confident in your correctness, an expert's endorsement will support this fact. As a web developer, you will not need to engage the services of an expert. However, if you are not confident in your case, it is imperative to engage an impartial technical expert. This expert must possess the necessary technical expertise to provide comprehensive testimony on the technical aspects of your site.

• Legal issues may not be over. In the event that your site is found to be compliant, you will emerge as the technical victor in the case. However, it is important to note that the plaintiff still holds the option to lodge an appeal with higher courts. However, if your site is deemed noncompliant, brace yourself for escalating expenses. You will be required to pay a fine as decided by the judge, adding to the financial burden.



Seize this moment to ensure that you don't become an easy target.

Web Accessibility in the News



Website Accessibility Lawsuits Rising Exponentially In 2023 According To Latest Data - Forbes

Plaintiffs Set a New Record for Website Accessibility Lawsuit Filings in 2022 - ADA Title III

Online ADA compliance lawsuits have quadrupled since 2018 - Star Tribune

Small Business Owners Can't Afford ADA Website Lawsuits - Yahoo Finance

New Ada Lawsuit Target? Local Brewery Website - The Business Journal

About IndigoINSITE.

IndigoINSITE is a suite of tools and solutions supported by BWS Technolgies.

Implementing website technologies can be a daunting task, particularly for small businesses that lack extensive teams. In fact, many small businesses do not even have access to their own code. Many lack the necessary knowledge and expertise to effectively implement these technologies.

Our goal is straightforward - to create technological solutions that empower organizations. One of these solutions is website ADA and WCAG Compliance, we deploy website frameworks that are a good starting point for the next layers of compliance.  One of these layers is provided by our partner AccessiBe.

About BWS Technologies.

We will work with you through the design and development process, step-by-step. Our proven approach blends creativity, technique and technology with strategic collaboration. Our internet marketing team specializes in creating relevant, engaging experiences that connects your company with loyal customers.

About AccessiBe.

AccessiBe is Changing the World 1,000 Steps at a Time. Making the internet accessible is our top priority. Accessibility is not just "another service," a means to an end, or a legal checkbox. It's a crucial culture shift for an inclusive society.

Accessibility can be challenging to implement, especially for small businesses that often don't have large engineering teams. Often small businesses outright don't have access to their code. Enterprises do have engineering resources but lack education and know-how when it comes to implementing accessibility.

This situation has been going on for decades, resulting in over 200 million active websites that are just not accessible for people with disabilities. This "web accessibility gap" grows wider every day with no signs of stopping. This situation is especially troubling considering how essential the internet has become to our daily lives.

AccesiBe's mission is simple - to develop technological solutions that help businesses take on web accessibility. Enabling businesses to participate in the global efforts to achieve online inclusion is one of our main goals.

The rise of AI in recent years has enabled us to develop technological solutions that are driving a real accessibility revolution and achieving a WIN for everyone.

As part of Accessibe's solution they provide Litigation Support: Dedicated personal assistance, including a bulk of compliance-supporting documentation if your compliance is challenged.

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