How to make your eDirectory ADA compliant?

Introduction

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on integrating UserWay, a robust accessibility tool, with your eDirectory website using Google Tag Manager. Ensuring ADA compliance is crucial for making your online directory accessible to all, in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

Understanding ADA Compliance

The ADA, which was established in 1990, is a civil rights law aimed at preventing discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It ensures equal rights and opportunities, extending to the digital realm, including websites. To meet ADA standards, your online directory must be accessible to users with disabilities.

Why UserWay?

For the purpose of this guide, we will be using UserWay, a user-friendly accessibility solution. However, you are free to choose any preferred tool. Please note that we are not associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected to userway.org.

Integrating UserWay with eDirectory using Google Tag Manager

1) While logged in with your Google account, access the following link: https://tagmanager.google.com/#/home

2) Click on the button "Create account".

3) Choose the name of your account. You can name after your company.

4) Then on the "Container name", insert your website in this format: www.test.com, select "Web", and click on "Create".

Note: Replace "test" with your site domain.

5) Check the box and click "Yes" to accept the terms of service and keep forward the process:

6) Two scripts will be displayed on the screen, just click on "Ok" button:

7) Click on "Admin" button.

8) Copy the code displayed. The GTM-XXX code is your Google Tag Manager Container ID.

9) Now, go back to your eDirectory website, access your site manager → Settings → Google Integrations → Google Tag Manager. Insert the code, click on "Enable Google Tag Manager", and click to save changes.

Create a UserWay Account

10) Create an account on https://userway.org/ and log in to the dashboard to copy the script. You can start with a free account.

Set Up UserWay in Google Tag Manager

11) Now, go back to your Google tag manager account, and at your overview / home page screen select Tags → New.

12) Click on the "Tag Configuration".

13) Click on "Custom HTML"

14) Name your tag, add the UserWay script to the HTML field, click on the "Triggering" option, select "All pages", and hit "Save".

15) After creating your tag, every change needs to be submitted to the website. Do not forget to click on the Submit button, otherwise the changes will not be displayed.

16) Add a name, a short description, and hit "Publish

17) After publishing the tag, you should see the message that the tag is live on your site.

18) Refresh your browser and your site home page to see the UserWay icon. After publishing the changes on your Google Tag Manager, you will be able to see the UserWay icon installed to the home page of your site.

For more information on Custom Tags, please head to https://support.google.com/tagmanager/answer/6107167?hl=en&ref_topic=3002579

For more information on Triggers, please visit https://support.google.com/tagmanager/topic/7679384?hl=en&ref_topic=3441647

Disclaimer: eDirectory is not affiliated with User Way or any other ADA compliance tool. eDirectory and the eDirectory support team are not responsible for training external integrations and/or third-party tools.

Conclusion

Ensuring ADA compliance for your eDirectory website is essential for providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all users, regardless of their abilities. By integrating UserWay through Google Tag Manager, you can enhance your website's accessibility and align with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily set up and customize accessibility features to meet legal standards, improving the usability of your online directory for everyone. Remember, accessibility not only benefits users with disabilities but also enhances the overall user experience, making your website more user-friendly and welcoming to all.