Every year as tax season approaches, 1 in 7 people will turn to H&R Block, one of the world’s largest tax preparation companies (H&R Block). When April 2013 arrived, several consumers were unable to navigate the H&R Block website due to visual impairments. The result of unequal use of the H&R Block website site has now evolved into a class action lawsuit. Unfortunately, lawsuits against corporations like H&R Block are occurring more frequently. Aggressive attorneys are seeking large settlements and taking action against businesses with inaccessible websites. It is time for companies to take a proactive approach in making their websites accessible and protect themselves against potential legal issues. As the virtual world continues to develop, digital discrimination is not an issue to be taken lightly.
ADA compliance does not specifically address “internet” standards. Lawsuits are being filed based on Title III of the ADA. Title III of the ADA forbids; “discrimination on the basis of disability by public accommodations in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations,” (Department of Justice). Places of public accommodation, are defined as, “businesses that are generally open to the public and that fall into one of 12 categories listed in the ADA...” Public accommodation can be broken put into two categories; government and privately owned businesses and can cover everything from, “restaurants, movie theaters, schools, day care facilities, recreation facilities, and doctors’ offices” (Americans with Disabilities Act Title III Regulations).
On Monday November 25, 2013, the Department of Justice announced that it will be intervening in The National Federation of the Blind vs. The HRB Digital LLC and HRB Tax Group Inc. As this case unfolds one thing is clear; ensuring that websites are accessible is becoming increasingly crucial to best business practices. Having an inaccessible website can be considered discrimination and extremely costly. In some instances, website owners may be charged up to $4,000 dollars per infraction. In the case of H&R Block, the plaintiffs, along with the DOJ, are seeking a court order that would ensure services on the H&R Block website are fully and equally accessible to individuals with disabilities. They are also seeking an award of monetary damages as a civil penalty.
Businesses that can potentially be considered a place of public accommodation should take active steps to ensure their website is accessible. Using tools such as AuditGenie™ to check your website for accessibility issues will not only allow your site to be accessible, but help protect your business from potential lawsuits.
To learn more on how to test your website for compliance and accessibility issues go to www.auditgenie.com. AuditGenie™ is a leading provider of an online website testing tool that is used by web developers, law firms, human resource professionals, and advocacy groups.
ADA compliance does not specifically address “internet” standards. Lawsuits are being filed based on Title III of the ADA. Title III of the ADA forbids; “discrimination on the basis of disability by public accommodations in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations,” (Department of Justice). Places of public accommodation, are defined as, “businesses that are generally open to the public and that fall into one of 12 categories listed in the ADA...” Public accommodation can be broken put into two categories; government and privately owned businesses and can cover everything from, “restaurants, movie theaters, schools, day care facilities, recreation facilities, and doctors’ offices” (Americans with Disabilities Act Title III Regulations).
On Monday November 25, 2013, the Department of Justice announced that it will be intervening in The National Federation of the Blind vs. The HRB Digital LLC and HRB Tax Group Inc. As this case unfolds one thing is clear; ensuring that websites are accessible is becoming increasingly crucial to best business practices. Having an inaccessible website can be considered discrimination and extremely costly. In some instances, website owners may be charged up to $4,000 dollars per infraction. In the case of H&R Block, the plaintiffs, along with the DOJ, are seeking a court order that would ensure services on the H&R Block website are fully and equally accessible to individuals with disabilities. They are also seeking an award of monetary damages as a civil penalty.
Businesses that can potentially be considered a place of public accommodation should take active steps to ensure their website is accessible. Using tools such as AuditGenie™ to check your website for accessibility issues will not only allow your site to be accessible, but help protect your business from potential lawsuits.
To learn more on how to test your website for compliance and accessibility issues go to www.auditgenie.com. AuditGenie™ is a leading provider of an online website testing tool that is used by web developers, law firms, human resource professionals, and advocacy groups.
