In modern mobile-first digital ecosystem, creating inclusive mobile websites is no longer just a best practice – it’s a legal and moral obligation. With over 85% of Americans owning a smartphone and using it as a primary access point to the web, it is vital to ensure that mobile sites are accessible to users with disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), originally enacted in 1990, has evolved to encompass digital environments. However, the legislation doesn’t explicitly mention mobile websites, court interpretations and Department of Justice (DoJ) guidelines make it clear that “mobile websites must be accessible.”
This article dives deep into ADA compliance for mobile websites; read along.
ADA compliance in the mobile context: Details!
It is known that the ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Title III of the ADA requires that places of public accommodation – which now include websites and mobile apps – are accessible to all users.
If a business serves the public – whether it’s an ecommerce store, a healthcare provider, or a government agency – their mobile website is considered a digital public accommodation. Courts have repeatedly ruled that inaccessible websites can violate Title III of the ADA, especially when those websites provide services to the public.
Mobile accessibility is one of the crucial facets of successful websites!
- Mobile dominance: Over 60% of global internet traffic now comes from mobile devices.
- Diverse user needs: Mobile users with disabilities rely heavily on assistive technologies like All in One Accessibility Screen Reader, VoiceOver (iOS), TalkBack (Andriod), switch access, and voice commands.
- Legal risks: ADA-related lawsuits targeting inaccessible websites and mobile platforms have surged in recent years. In 2024 alone, over 4,000 digital accessibility lawsuits were filed in the U.S.
- SEO and UX: Accessible mobile design enhance user experience for everyone and improves search engine rankings.
Recommended standards for mobile website compliance
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) – currently at version 2.2 – are the most widely accepted standards for digital accessibility and are used as a benchmark for ADA compliance.
Thus, even for mobile websites, the following WCAG principles are critical:
Perceivable
- Text alternatives: All non-text content (e.g., images, icons, videos) must have alt text or descriptions.
- Responsive text: Text must be readable without requiring zoom.
- Color contrast: Minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.
Operable
- Keyboard navigation: Users should be able to navigate the mobile site using its keypad or alternative input.
- Touch targets: Buttons and interactive elements must be large enough (at least 44x44 pixels).
- Consistent navigation: Ensure navigation remains predictable across all mobile pages.
- Avoid motion triggers: Avoid gestures that require device shaking or tilting.
Understandable
- Readable content: Use clear, concise language and readable fonts.
- Form labels: Properly label input fields and ensure error messages are clear and specific.
Robust
- Assistive tech compatibility: Code should be semantic and compatible with screen readers and mobile accessibility APIs.
- HTML and ARIA: Use valid HTML5 and ARIA landmarks to support accessibility tools.
Other than this, ensure support for voice navigation, and test regularly to maintain content’s accessibility and compatibility with assistive technology.
Tools for mobile accessibility testing
Recommended tools:
- Free Accessibility Checker – Tests page-level accessibility.
- Axe DevTools (Mobile) – Automated and manual accessibility checks.
- Google Lighthouse – Offers accessibility scoring and audits.
- TalkBack (Andriod) and VoiceOver (iOS) – Manual screen reader testing.
- Accessibility Scanner (Android) – Identifies potential accessibility issues on Android apps.
Common challenges to avoid in mobile website accessibility
Even well-planned mobile websites may fall short of ADA compliance due to oversights in design, development, or content. Some of the most prevalent pitfalls are:
- Using placeholder text instead of proper labels
Pitfall: Designers sometimes use placeholder text inside input fields (e.g., “Enter your email”) as the only label.
Why it’s a problem: Screen Readers often skip placeholder text, and users with cognitive disabilities may forget what they were supposed to enter once they start typing.
- Fix: Always use <label> element linked to the form field using the for attribute. Keep placeholders for hints – not essential instructions.
- Over-reliance on Hamburger menus without screen reader support
Pitfall: Many mobile websites hide navigation in a hamburger menu without ensuring it is accessible via keyboard or screen reader.
Why it’s a problem: Visually impaired users might not even know the menu exists if it lacks ARIA roles, focus management, or keyboard accessibility.
Fix: Ensure the menu button has aria-label=”Main Menu” or similar, and manage focus and visibility states programmatically.
- Disabling zoom functionality
Pitfall: Developers sometimes use viewport settings like user-scalable=no to control design scaling.
Why it’s a problem: This blocks users from enlarging text, which disproportionately impacts users with low vision or age-related visual impairments.
Fix: Allow users to pinch-zoom and avoid disabling browser-native zoom controls.
- Inadequate tap target size
Pitfall: Mobile designs sometimes cram clickable elements too close together or make them too small.
Why it’s a problem: Users with motor disabilities may struggle to tap precisely. Small targets are also frustrating on smaller screens.
Fix: Ensure tap targets are at least 44x44 pixels and leave ample spacing between them.
- Poor contrast and color-only cues
Pitfall: Relying solely on color (e.g., red text for errors or green buttons for confirmation) without using icons or labels.
Why it’s a problem: Users with color blindness may not distinguish these visual cues.
Fix: Use a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 and add redundant cues – like icons, patterns, or text – for clarity.
- Carousel and slider misuse
Pitfall: Auto-rotating carousels with no pause or skip option, and no proper structure for screen readers.
Why it’s a problem: They can disorient users with cognitive disabilities, and screen readers may not capture all carousel content.
Fix: Include play/pause control, allow keyboard interaction, and use ARIA roles (aria-live, aria-hidden, etc.) appropriately.
- Unlabeled buttons or icons
Pitfall: Icons like a magnifying glass or trash bin are used without accessible names or labels.
Why it’s a problem: Screen readers won’t be able to describe the function, which may confuse users.
Fix: Use aria-label , or wrap icons in buttons with proper text descriptions using visually hidden classes (e.g., .sr-only).
- Lack of error recovery support in forms
Pitfall: Users aren’t told what went wrong or how to fix an error after submitting a form.
Why it’s a problem: This creates a frustrating loop for users with cognitive disabilities or screen reader users since they keep missing vague error messages.
Fix: Offer inline, accessible error messages tied to form fields with aria-describedby and specific guidance like: “Password must be at least 8 characters.”
Strategies for building an inclusive mobile website
- Start with an accessibility-first design by using mobile accessibility wireframes.
- Use proper HTML tags (<button>, <nav>, <section>, <label>) for interactive elements.
- Apply ARIA attributes to provide additional context. But avoid using them as a substitute for semantic HTML.
- Use a mobile accessibility testing routine both for iOS and Android screen readers.
- Avoid jargon and complex sentences to create content.
- Educate team members on mobile accessibility patterns and native mobile accessibility APIs.
- Publish an accessibility statement. Accessibility Statement Generator can be used to create a quick accessibility statement.
- Partner with seasoned web development agencies.
You may also like: Mobile Accessibility Trends: Best Practices for Inclusive App Design
In a nutshell,
ADA compliance for mobile websites is not just about avoiding lawsuits – it’s about not excluding users with disabilities and opening digital doors for them. Mobile usage will continue to rise and thus, businesses ought to invest in ADA compliance for mobile websites and reach out to broader segments of audiences.
Is your business website and other digital assets ADA compliant? With a team of experts, we provide website accessibility remediation services including accessible website design and development, audit, strategy, website remediation, consulting, VPAT accessibility conformance report, PDF / document remediation, and support services that comply with accessibility regulations such as WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, Section 508, within your budget. Reach out [email protected] or request a free quote.
