Insights
Darren Creasy Examines Potential ADA Issues for Company Websites in DRI's April Retail and Hospitality Newsletter
In the April 2016 issue of Customer Connections, the newsletter of the Retail and Hospitality Committee of DRI, Employment Principal Darren M. Creasy examines website accessibility, and how companies can run afoul of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Mr. Creasy notes:
"Places of public accommodation are required by law to ensure 'full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations' by the disabled. Nowhere is this more evident than in the hospitality sector and likely something Congress had in mind specifically when it passed Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Having considered all the primary points of access to your location, however, is it possible you missed the biggest one: your website?"
"Courts continue to grapple with the scope of Title III, and many questions remain unanswered. While it is unlikely that the DOJ will publish Internet accessibility regulations applicable to private businesses in the near future, places of public accommodation subject to Title III would be well-advised to be proactive and should consider retaining a consultant to review their websites for compliance with the Level AA success criteria of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0."
