Web Accessibility Explained
When you receive an ADA demand letter, it cites specific accessibility violations on your website. This expert guide explains what each violation means, why it matters, and how to fix it.
Why These Accessibility Violations Get Cited
ADA demand letters don't use vague language like "your site isn't accessible." They cite specific technical accessibility violations like "missing alt text" or "insufficient color contrast ratio of 2.8:1."
Our team has remediated accessibility violations for enterprise e-commerce sites, complex web applications, attorney websites, and everything in between. We've worked with React components, web components, HubSpot modules, WordPress, Drupal, and custom platforms. This guide distills that decade of hands-on experience into actionable insights.
The 7 Most Common Accessibility Violations
Based on thousands of accessibility audits and demand letter reviews, these are the violations that appear most frequently. Each can be detected with automated scanning and clearly prevents disabled users from accessing your site.
Missing Alt Text
Images without descriptions for blind users. Screen readers can't announce what's in images without alt text.
This is the #1 cited violation because it's easy to detect and clearly prevents access. Most sites have 50-200 images needing fixes. Professional fix: $200-$800.
Color Contrast Issues
Text that's too light to read. WCAG requires 4.5:1 ratio for normal text, 3:1 for large text.
Light gray on white often fails at 2.8:1. Affects people with low vision and color blindness. Demand letters cite exact ratios. Professional fix: $300-$600.
Keyboard Navigation
Site doesn't work without a mouse. Many disabled users rely entirely on keyboard (Tab, Enter, Escape keys).
Common problems: dropdown menus that only work on hover, modals that trap focus. Try navigating with Tab key only - if you get stuck, you have violations. Professional fix: $800-$2,000.
Screen Reader Compatibility
Site doesn't work with assistive technology. Screen readers need proper HTML structure and ARIA labels.
Common issues: unlabeled icon buttons, improper heading hierarchy, missing landmarks. Demand letters cite 'buttons lacking accessible names.' Professional fix: $1,500-$4,000.
Empty Links
Links with no text. Screen readers just say 'link' with no indication of where it goes.
Usually icon-only links - shopping cart, social media, hamburger menus. Most sites have 20-50 empty links. Easy to fix with aria-label. Professional fix: $200-$500.
Missing Video Captions
Videos without captions for deaf users. WCAG 2.1 Level AA requires captions for all prerecorded videos.
Affects promotional videos, product demos, testimonials. YouTube videos can use YouTube's caption tool. Professional fix: $150-$300 per video.
Missing Form Labels
Forms that assistive tech can't understand. Each input needs a properly associated label.
Without labels, blind users encounter empty fields with no indication of what to enter. Common on contact forms, checkouts, logins. Professional fix: $300-$800.
Understanding the Legal Standard
Every demand letter references WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the compliance benchmark. Understanding this standard is essential to resolving accessibility complaints and protecting your business.
Why This Guide Is Different
Most accessibility resources are written by agencies that outsource the actual remediation work. This guide is written by developers who have spent 10+ years in the code, fixing these exact violations across hundreds of websites.
Our experience includes:
- Enterprise e-commerce platforms (Ashley Furniture, Tractor Supply, and similar scale)
- Complex React applications with custom component libraries
- Attorney and law firm websites with strict compliance requirements
- WordPress and Drupal sites with accessibility-compliant themes
- HubSpot CMS modules and templates built for WCAG 2.1 Level AA
- Custom web components and design systems with accessibility baked in
We know what works, what doesn't, and how long each fix actually takes because we've done it hundreds of times.
Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about website accessibility and common WCAG violations. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. The information is based on our technical experience remediating accessibility violations, not legal expertise. If you have received an ADA demand letter or are facing legal action, consult with an attorney who specializes in ADA defense. Laws and regulations regarding digital accessibility vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. While we strive to provide accurate technical information, we make no guarantees about legal compliance or outcomes.
Got a Demand Letter?
Understanding what's wrong is the first step. Fixing it is the second. Our Houston-based team can help you resolve violations quickly and affordably.
About Houston Web Compliance
Houston Web Compliance specializes in website accessibility remediation for businesses nationwide. With over 10 years of experience fixing WCAG violations across enterprise e-commerce sites, complex web applications, and professional service websites, we bring hands-on technical expertise to every project.
Based in Houston, Texas, we work with businesses across the United States to resolve ADA demand letters, achieve WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance, and build accessible digital experiences that serve all users.