ADA-Compliant Website Design Services in Louisiana

ADA compliance doesn’t have to mean boring.

Your website can be innovative, visually engaging, and still fully accessible to people with disabilities. At Design the Planet, we specialize in ADA-compliant website design and development services for businesses and organizations in Louisiana. Our web development team understands the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) inside and out, and we can help you achieve compliance without sacrificing creativity or functionality. In fact, an accessible site often improves the user experience for everyone. If you’re concerned about the legal risks of a non-compliant site – or simply want to do right by your users – we’re here to help. Concerned about being sued for ADA non-compliance? Let’s talk. (It’s better to address compliance now than to face lawsuits later!)

What Is an ADA-Compliant Website Design?

ADA-compliant website design refers to building and developing websites that meet the accessibility standards required by the ADA. The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, is a civil rights law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination based on disability. In the context of websites, “ADA-compliant” means that people with disabilities (such as visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments) can fully access and use the site’s services and content. Essentially, an ADA-compliant website provides “full and equal enjoyment of the goods and services…of any place of public accommodation” – a standard that U.S. courts have affirmed applies to business websites and mobile apps.

To achieve ADA compliance in web design, developers follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG is an internationally recognized set of guidelines explaining how to make web content more accessible. These guidelines are organized under four core principles – perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust – with specific success criteria at three levels: Level A (minimum accessibility), Level AA (mid-range, and the typical legal standard), and Level AAA (highest, often not mandated). In practice, ADA website compliance usually means conforming to WCAG Level AA criteria. For example, an ADA-compliant design will include features like text alternatives for images (alt text), captions for videos, sufficient color contrast, keyboard-friendly navigation, and more. Accessibility services such as screen readers and other assistive technologies should be able to navigate an ADA-compliant site without issues.

It’s important to note that the ADA doesn’t explicitly list technical website standards in the law itself. Instead, it establishes the obligation to provide equal access. Over time, WCAG has emerged as the de facto benchmark for ADA digital compliance. Many government agencies and industry leaders have adopted WCAG as the standard for web accessibility services. For instance, Louisiana’s Office of Technology Services follows WCAG 2.1 as the minimum standard for state websites. This ensures that Louisiana’s online services are accessible to people with disabilities – a commitment every business and organization should share.

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Why Is ADA Compliance Important for Your Website?

ADA compliance in website design and development is important for two big reasons: inclusion and legal protection. First, ensuring your website is accessible means you are not excluding a significant portion of the population. Did you know that more than 1 in 4 adults (28%) in the United States have some type of disability? By making your site ADA-compliant, you welcome a huge audience of customers or users who might otherwise be shut out. An accessible design improves usability for everyone – for example, captions on videos help not only the deaf but also anyone watching without sound, and good contrast and clear navigation benefit all users. Providing accessible services online is simply the right thing to do, aligning your brand with values of inclusivity and equal access.

Second, ADA compliance is critical for legal reasons. Websites that are not compliant with accessibility standards are at risk of lawsuits and penalties. The ADA is a law, and failing to comply is effectively a form of discrimination. Can you be sued for a non-compliant website? Absolutely yes. In recent years, there has been a surge in lawsuits against businesses over inaccessible websites. In 2015, there were only 57 federal ADA website lawsuits, but by 2018 the number had exploded to 2,285 lawsuits. The trend has only accelerated – by mid-2023, analysts forecast over 4,000 ADA web accessibility cases for that year. The Supreme Court has even weighed in by allowing these cases to proceed: in 2019 the Court let stand a ruling that the ADA applies to business websites, clearing the way for blind users to sue companies (like Domino’s Pizza) if their sites or apps aren’t accessible. In other words, ignoring ADA compliance puts a target on your business’s back.

No company is too large or too small to be sued. Early on, many high-profile brands were sued – Target, for example, settled an ADA web lawsuit for $6 million. Major retailers, restaurant chains, banks, and even entertainment companies like Netflix have faced legal action over website accessibility. But today, plaintiffs and law firms are increasingly going after smaller businesses as well. In fact, most companies facing recent ADA web lawsuits had under $25 million in annual revenue. The trend shows that small businesses are fair game. Whether you run a local restaurant in Orleans Parish or a boutique in Baton Rouge, your site could be targeted if it’s not ADA-compliant. This is why compliance is so important – it dramatically reduces your legal risk. It’s far cheaper to invest in accessible web development upfront than to face a lawsuit or settlement later (not to mention the reputational damage of being accused of excluding people with disabilities).

Industries Commonly Sued for Non-Compliant Websites

Web accessibility lawsuits have impacted virtually every industry. No sector is immune, because any website that offers products or services to the public should be accessible. That said, some industries have been especially frequent targets of ADA non-compliance claims.

The bottom line is that virtually every industry – from hospitality to real estate to retail – has seen ADA website compliance lawsuits. Many well-known companies have faced litigation, and law firms are actively looking for non-compliant sites to sue. By hiring a knowledgeable web development team to make your site accessible, you can steer clear of these costly lawsuits and demonstrate leadership in your industry.

Retail & E-Commerce

Online shopping sites are the most targeted industry for ADA website lawsuits. With so many e-commerce businesses, plaintiffs have a large pool to choose from. If an online store’s site or app isn’t accessible (e.g. a blind user can’t complete a purchase due to an unreadable checkout form), it’s a lawsuit waiting to happen. Many top retail brands – from fashion companies to electronics sellers – have been sued in recent years. Retailers in New Orleans and across Louisiana need to pay special attention to web accessibility to protect their customers and avoid legal trouble.

Restaurants & Hospitality

Restaurants, fast food franchises, hotel chains, and travel booking sites have all been hit with ADA suits. Plaintiffs often target restaurant websites that don’t accommodate screen reader users (for example, an online menu that can’t be read aloud). Restaurants and food service websites are among the top targets. The travel and hospitality industry is also under pressure to ensure booking forms, reservations systems, and other online offerings are accessible. In one case, a major hotel chain was sued over its website’s accessibility. If you operate a restaurant in the French Quarter or a hotel in Louisiana, ADA-compliant web design is now an essential part of your customer service.

Education & Healthcare

Schools, universities, and online learning platforms have faced legal action for sites that are not accessible to students with disabilities. In 2023, education became the third most-targeted sector for digital accessibility claims. Healthcare providers, from hospitals to insurance companies, are also frequently sued – patients need equal access to medical information and services online. Ensuring digital accessibility in healthcare and education is not only compassionate, it’s increasingly required as these sectors digitize.

Financial Services

Banks, credit unions, and financial service firms have been targeted as well. Financial websites and apps must be perceivable and operable by all users. Imagine a person with low vision unable to online-bank because of a poorly coded site – regulators and courts see that as unacceptable. The finance industry has seen many ADA web compliance cases. Equal access to financial services is considered essential, and inaccessible banking websites risk legal repercussions.

Real Estate & Housing

Real estate companies – especially those in multi-family housing and property management – have been sued for web accessibility issues. Apartment listing websites, property management portals, and realty sites are meant to serve the public, so they too fall under ADA scrutiny. In fact, even large real estate listing platforms have been sued (e.g. Zillow was targeted in an ADA web lawsuit). Louisiana’s real estate industry, including multi-family housing providers and realtors, should be proactive in making their web services compliant. This not only avoids lawsuits but also reaches a wider audience of potential renters or buyers (including those with disabilities).

Public Sector & Government

Government websites are covered under Title II of the ADA, which explicitly requires state and local governments to make their services, programs, and activities accessible, including online services. Many government agencies have been caught off-guard by accessibility complaints in the past. In Louisiana, state agencies are now ramping up compliance efforts due to new regulations (more on that below). If public entities can be held liable, private businesses (covered by ADA Title III) are certainly at risk too.

Click here to read about The 5 Most Important Parts of an ADA-Compliant State Government Website.

Can I Be Sued for a Non-Compliant Website? (Yes – Here’s Why)

Yes, you can absolutely be sued if your website is not ADA-compliant. Lawsuits over website accessibility are usually filed under Title III of the ADA, which covers “places of public accommodation” (businesses open to the public). Courts have interpreted websites and apps as extensions of those public places. As discussed, thousands of companies nationwide have been sued in the last few years alone for failing to provide accessible websites. These suits are not just theoretical; they result in real settlements and judgments. Businesses have had to pay tens of thousands in damages and legal fees, and more importantly, they often must rush to fix their sites under a settlement agreement timeline.

One high-profile example was Domino’s Pizza, which a blind plaintiff sued after he couldn’t order pizza on Domino’s website with his screen reader. Domino’s argued that the ADA didn’t apply to its online services, but in 2019 the Ninth Circuit Court disagreed and the Supreme Court let that decision stand, effectively affirming that websites of businesses must be accessible under the ADA. Domino’s eventually reached a settlement in 2022, agreeing to make its website and mobile app accessible. The case put businesses on notice that ADA compliance extends to the digital world, and ignoring it can lead to litigation.

Even if you haven’t faced a lawsuit yet, you could be one demand letter away from one. Often, a person with a disability (or a firm representing them) will test a bunch of local websites – say, restaurants in New Orleans or shops in Baton Rouge – and if they find barriers (like images without alt text, or forms that can’t be navigated via keyboard), they might send a legal demand or file a suit. The cost to fight or settle these claims can easily reach five or six figures. The Department of Justice (DOJ) can also investigate and enforce ADA compliance, especially for egregious cases or public entities. In short, non-compliance is a liability. On the flip side, compliance is an asset – it protects you legally and expands your audience. Design the Planet’s ADA compliance services are aimed precisely at giving you that peace of mind.

If you’re worried about an ADA compliance issue or have already been notified of a problem, contact Design the Planet. We can audit your site, remedy the issues, and help you document your compliance efforts.

ADA Guidelines and Laws: WCAG, ADA, and Evolving Standards

Ensuring your website is ADA-compliant means following specific guidelines and staying up-to-date with laws. Here’s a quick overview of the landscape.

The legal and standards landscape is converging on a clear message – web accessibility is mandatory, not optional. By adhering to WCAG guidelines and keeping an eye on ADA regulatory developments, we make sure your website design is not just compliant today but also prepared for the future. Our development team regularly consults the latest ADA regulations and WCAG documentation to keep your site up to code.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA is the U.S. law (enacted 1990) that requires accessibility. Title II of the ADA applies to state and local governments, and Title III applies to private businesses (public accommodations). While the ADA doesn’t name technical web standards in its text, the DOJ and courts use external guidelines (like WCAG) to judge if a site is accessible. Essentially, if your site is not reasonably accessible to people with disabilities, it can be deemed out of compliance with the ADA. The DOJ periodically issues guidance and rules to clarify these obligations. In fact, in April 2024 the DOJ finalized a rule under Title II that mandates government websites meet specific accessibility standards. This Title II rule requires state and local government websites and apps to conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA by April 24, 2026. (There are even deadlines: most government agencies have until April 2026, and smaller jurisdictions until 2027, to get their sites compliant.) The rule explicitly states that failing to meet these standards means people with disabilities “might not be able to use your website or app” and that agencies could face judgments or fines. Although this particular rule is for governments, it signals what is likely coming for businesses under Title III. Legal experts expect the DOJ to impose similar (or even stricter) requirements on private sector websites in the near future. Smart businesses are preparing now by adopting WCAG guidelines voluntarily – both to mitigate legal risk and to be ahead of the curve when regulations arrive.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

WCAG is the gold-standard reference for web accessibility. Created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), these guidelines explain how to make web content accessible and testable. WCAG has evolved over time: WCAG 2.0 was published in 2008, WCAG 2.1 in 2018, and WCAG 2.2 in 2023. Each version builds on the previous one, adding criteria to cover new technology (for example, WCAG 2.1 introduced guidelines for mobile and touch screen accessibility, and 2.2 added more improvements for users with cognitive or learning disabilities). The good news is they are backwards-compatible – a website that meets WCAG 2.2 will also meet 2.1 and 2.0. There are three conformance levels in WCAG: A, AA, AAA. Most laws and lawsuits focus on achieving Level AA conformance, which includes vital accessibility features without some of the more extreme AAA criteria that can be impractical. Design the Planet’s development process will ensure your site meets at least WCAG 2.1 AA (or the latest required standard). We stay current on the updates – for example, WCAG 2.2’s new success criteria – so that your website design remains compliant as standards advance. By following WCAG, we not only align with legal expectations but also with best practices that improve overall user experience.

Section 508 (Rehabilitation Act)

This is a related U.S. law that requires federal government websites (and some organizations receiving federal funds) to be accessible. Section 508 standards have essentially been harmonized with WCAG 2.0 AA. If your organization works with federal agencies or is a state agency, you likely have Section 508 obligations in addition to ADA. (For Louisiana state agencies, the recently adopted policies mirror WCAG 2.1 standards.) Design the Planet can help ensure compliance with all relevant standards – ADA, Section 508, and any Louisiana-specific accessibility regulations – as part of our web design services.

Beware of “Quick-Fix” Accessibility Plugins and Overlays

You might have heard of plugins or tools that promise to instantly make any website ADA-compliant with one line of code. These are often called accessibility overlays or widgets – and they sound like a dream solution. Unfortunately, they are not a true fix for ADA compliance. In fact, relying on such plugins can be a dangerous mistake. Design the Planet takes a different approach: real, code-level fixes and thoughtful design, rather than band-aid overlays. Here’s why that matters:

Overlays only address a fraction of issues

Accessibility widgets typically work by adding a script to your site that allows users to adjust some settings (for example, increasing font size, changing contrast, or enabling a screen-reader-like mode). These tools do not actually fix your underlying website code. Studies have shown that overlays can only correct about 20–30% of accessibility issues at best. The majority of problems – like missing proper HTML tags for screen readers, poor form labeling, incorrect use of ARIA attributes, etc. – cannot be magically resolved by a plugin. In short, you might still be 70-80% non-compliant even with an overlay installed. Crucially, the fundamental code errors remain, meaning users with disabilities still encounter barriers (just with an extra layer of script on top).

They don’t provide legal protection

Some vendors market overlays as a way to “avoid lawsuits.” The reality is the opposite. Using an overlay has never stopped a lawsuit – in fact, sites with overlays have been sued frequently. Over 100 companies have already been sued despite having invested in widgets and overlays on their sites. In 2022, there were 315 lawsuits against websites using accessibility widgets, and in 2023 that jumped to 414 lawsuits – a two-fold increase. Plaintiffs and attorneys are well aware that an overlay is often a sign that the site owner knows there’s an issue but hasn’t properly fixed it. Overlays do not impress judges either; courts care about actual accessibility of the website itself, not whether you added a plugin. The ADA lawyers have spoken clearly on this: “If your business wants to avoid getting sued… an accessibility overlay isn’t going to help you.” In summary, overlays offer no shield from ADA compliance lawsuits.

They can degrade user experience

Ironically, many people with disabilities dislike or even detest overlays. These tools often interfere with assistive technologies that users already have. For example, a blind user likely has a preferred screen reader; an overlay that forces them into a different screen reader interface can actually override their existing setup and confuse navigation. Users have to learn a new interface for each overlay on each site – an extra burden they didn’t ask for. Overlays also often fail on mobile devices, leaving a gap for users on phones or tablets. And since overlays don’t change your site’s fundamental design or functionality, they can’t fix certain issues at all – e.g., if you have an image carousel with no pause button, an overlay can’t magically add that; if your web development ignored keyboard navigation, an overlay won’t rewrite the code to fix it. In many cases, overlays amount to a cosmetic Band-Aid that may even introduce new bugs or performance issues (they are essentially extra scripts loading on your site, which can slow things down).

Bottom line – do it right instead

At Design the Planet, we believe the only reliable way to achieve true ADA compliance is through proper web design and development practices. This means writing clean, semantic HTML code, using ARIA labels and roles where needed, ensuring our design choices (colors, layouts, etc.) meet contrast and readability guidelines, and testing with both automated tools and manual methods (including using screen readers and keyboards). While automated testing tools are useful, they catch perhaps 30-50% of issues; the rest require human judgment. Our team provides comprehensive accessibility auditing and remediation services rather than a quick script claiming instant compliance. By fixing the root code issues and following the actual WCAG standards, we ensure your ADA compliance is genuine and robust. Don’t be fooled by “quick-fix” widgets – they won’t fool the courts or your users. Instead, hire a professional web development team like Design the Planet that understands accessibility from the ground up. We’ll save you time, money, and reputation in the long run by doing it right the first time.

(Fun fact: Even some clients who initially tried an overlay solution have come to us after facing continued complaints. We’ve helped them rebuild or tweak their sites properly to truly meet compliance. There’s simply no substitute for real accessible design.)

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Design the Planet: ADA Web Design Services for Louisiana Businesses

Design the Planet is a Louisiana-based web design and development agency with deep expertise in ADA-compliant website services. We’ve been in the web development business for decades, crafting innovative sites for clients in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and beyond. But we’re not just creatives – we’re also well-versed in the technical standards and legal requirements of web accessibility. Our team stays updated on the latest ADA regulations, WCAG updates, and best practices in inclusive design. When you hire Design the Planet, you get a partner who understands both the art and science of accessible web design.

We emphasize communication and education. ADA and WCAG can be technical, but we explain to our clients in plain language what needs to be done and why. For example, if a certain interactive feature poses accessibility challenges, we’ll propose alternative solutions that achieve the same goal in a compliant way. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge so they can champion accessibility in their own organizations.

What we offer

Our ADA-compliance services cover new website projects as well as retrofitting existing sites. We can conduct a thorough accessibility audit of your current site, identifying any areas where it falls short of WCAG standards. Then, we’ll implement the needed fixes – whether that’s adding missing alt tags, restructuring your HTML for better screen reader flow, adjusting color schemes, or enhancing the site’s navigation and forms. If your site is outdated or too far from compliance, we can guide you through a redesign or redevelopment focused on accessibility from the ground up. We incorporate accessibility into every phase: from design (choosing readable fonts, sufficient contrast, clear layouts) to front-end development (proper HTML5, ARIA roles, focus order, etc.) to testing (using screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, and various assistive tech to validate the user experience). Our goal is to deliver a website that not only meets ADA-compliant standards but also wows your audience with its design and performance. Remember, an accessible site does not mean a plain, stripped-down site – it can be as dynamic and visually rich as any modern website, just built with smart code and design choices. We make ADA compliance seamless with your brand’s style.

A site “up to code”

In many cases, organizations come to us specifically to get their site “up to code” with ADA/WCAG requirements. We’ve successfully done this for numerous Louisiana clients. For example, we’ve provided accessible web development services for Louisiana state agencies such as the Louisiana State Board of CPAs, the 25th Judicial District Clerk of Court, the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners, and the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court. These projects involved complex content and strict standards (government sites must often meet Section 508 and WCAG guidelines). We’re proud to say that Design the Planet delivered solutions that passed compliance checks and made these agencies’ online services available to all citizens. If institutions of that caliber trust us with ADA-compliant design, you can be confident in our expertise for your business website as well. We understand the intricacies of ADA website development – from interpreting legal guidelines to the nitty-gritty of HTML landmarks and ARIA labels.

Who we help

While we can help any industry, we have particular experience with clients in Louisiana’s public sector, professional services, healthcare, education, and real estate, among others. Whether you run a private business in the French Quarter or a statewide agency in Baton Rouge, we tailor our approach to your needs. We can also work with multi-family real estate companies to ensure their apartment listing and tenant portals meet accessibility standards (an area increasingly under scrutiny). Likewise, we assist hospitality clients (like hotels or tourism sites in New Orleans) in making sure travelers with disabilities can use their online services effortlessly. Every project starts with understanding your audience and compliance obligations. We then plan the design and development accordingly.

Ongoing support

ADA compliance isn’t a one-and-done checkbox – it’s an ongoing commitment. Websites are living, growing entities (with content updates, new features, etc.), and we offer maintenance packages to continuously monitor and maintain accessibility. This includes periodic re-testing, installing updates that improve accessibility, and training your content editors on how to keep content accessible (for instance, writing descriptive link text or adding captions to new videos). Our relationship with clients often continues long-term to ensure their sites remain compliant as standards evolve (remember, WCAG updates happen and new technologies emerge). With Design the Planet as your partner, you won’t be left in the dark about accessibility. We keep you informed and prepared.

Ready to Protect Your Business and Welcome All Users?

ADA compliance for your website is not just a legal checkbox – it’s a way to show that your business or organization in Louisiana cares about serving everyone in the community. An accessible website design opens your doors to more customers, strengthens your brand reputation, and significantly reduces the risk of costly lawsuits. And remember, making your site ADA-compliant doesn’t mean making it boring – with the right expertise, your site can be both innovative and compliant, offering an awesome experience to users of all abilities.

Don’t wait until you’re facing a lawsuit to act.

Design the Planet is here to help you get ahead of the curve. Our ADA-compliant web design and development services will transform your online presence into one that is inclusive, engaging, and legally sound. From New Orleans to Baton Rouge and across Louisiana, we’re the trusted local experts in accessibility and web development.

Concerned about ADA compliance or received a warning?

Hire Design the Planet and put those worries to rest. We’ll audit your site, implement the necessary fixes, and craft a digital experience that everyone can enjoy. Let’s start a conversation about your needs and how we can make your website ADA-compliant and exceptional. Contact Design the Planet today – together, we’ll ensure your website is a welcoming space for all users and a resilient asset for your business.