The Funniest Mistakes People Make With ADA Compliance WordPress Plugin (And How To Avoid Them)

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ADA compliance isn’t just about being respectful and inclusive—it’s also the law. For website owners using WordPress, one of the easiest ways to ensure digital accessibility is through plugins designed to improve ADA compliance. But as with most things in life, even the best intentions can go hilariously (and sometimes dangerously) wrong. From over-relying on automation to trusting a plugin with zero credentials, users make some pretty cringe-worthy mistakes that are entirely avoidable.

TL;DR

People often make funny yet serious mistakes when using ADA compliance plugins on WordPress, like expecting a one-click fix or using tools that actually break their site. The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to combine plugins with good manual practices and an understanding of accessibility principles. Educate yourself and test thoroughly! Your site visitors—and any lawyers lurking—will thank you.

1. Believing a Plugin is a One-Click Fix

This is by far the most common and knee-slapping misstep. Many users hit “Install” on an ADA compliance plugin and think their job is done. Like magic, right? Nope.

Accessibility involves everything from color contrast to keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and logical HTML structure. A single plugin can’t ensure all these things, especially not without customization.

How to avoid this?

  • Educate Yourself: Learn at least the basics of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
  • Use Tools as Aids, Not Solutions: Leverage plugins as starting points, not final fixes.
  • Perform Manual Audits: Use tools like WAVE or AXE browser extensions to double-check your website’s compliance.

2. Choosing the Plugin with the Flashiest Name

There’s a trend where people assume a plugin with words like “Pro” or “Ultimate” in its name must be the best. Alas, marketing isn’t the same as results.

These plugins might add unnecessary bloat to your site or, worse, not actually help with compliance at all. In some cases, they make your site heavier and slower without improving accessibility in the slightest.

How to avoid this?

  • Check Reviews: Not just the stars—read the long reviews. Look for users talking specifically about accessibility improvements.
  • Look for Transparency: Good plugins disclose what they do (and what they don’t).
  • Avoid Gimmicks: Plugins that offer “overlay” solutions are often controversial and disliked by accessibility experts.

3. Using “Overlay” Plugins and Thinking You’re Covered

Let’s talk about one of the loudest debates in the accessibility world: overlay plugins. These tools promise to “fix all accessibility issues automatically” by adding an accessibility toolbar on top of your website.

The problem? Many of these overlays interfere with screen readers or simply mask issues instead of resolving them. Worse still, they can give you a false sense of legal safety while actually making you more liable in a lawsuit.

How to avoid this?

  • Don’t Use Overlays as a Crutch: Avoid plugins that promise to “fix everything” with no effort. That’s not how accessibility works.
  • Test with Real Users: Watching a screen reader user navigate your site is eye-opening and effective.
  • Focus on Real Fixes: Address issues at the code and content level—where they really count.

4. Disabling the Plugin Because “It Looks Funny”

Imagine installing an ADA compliance plugin that adds an accessibility button or modifies the layout slightly. Then, because it doesn’t match the theme or looks “a little weird,” someone decides to just turn it off.

This is like removing the wheelchair ramp outside a building because it wasn’t aesthetically pleasing. Just… no.

How to avoid this?

  • Understand Design with Accessibility: Accessible design can be beautiful. Work with your designer to integrate accessibility tools seamlessly.
  • Prioritize Function Over Form: A sleek site is meaningless if visitors can’t navigate it.

5. Ignoring Plugin Settings (aka, Forgetting to Configure It)

Another comedy goldmine is installing a plugin and then never looking at the settings. It’s like buying a bicycle and refusing to adjust the seat—technically it works, but it’s going to be very uncomfortable, maybe even dangerous.

Most good ADA plugins come with configurable options like color contrast, font size controls, skip links, ARIA landmarks, and more. If you don’t touch these settings, you’re missing out on half the features.

How to avoid this?

  • Take the Time to Explore Settings: It only takes a few minutes but can make a huge difference.
  • Test Changes on Desktop and Mobile: What works well on one device might not on another.
  • Consult the Plugin Documentation: They often have helpful guides—don’t ignore them!

6. Not Testing with Real Assistive Tech

This one’s more a tragedy than a comedy. People assume that if the ADA plugin is active and there are no red flags from automatic scanners, the site is golden. Surprisingly, many never test how their site performs with screen readers or keyboard-only navigation.

Without this hands-on testing, you’re likely missing problems that real-world users experience daily.

How to avoid this?

  • Use NVDA or VoiceOver: These tools are free and widely used. Spend 15-30 minutes navigating your site using just one.
  • Unplug Your Mouse and Navigate: See if you can access every essential part of your website using only the keyboard.
  • Use Screen Reader Simulators: These simulate user experiences in a browser to help identify stumbling blocks.

7. Assuming ADA Compliance is a One-Time Task

Think your site is compliant because it passed an audit last year? Think again. Web content changes, plugins break, themes get updated, and new regulations roll out. Your site is always evolving—your accessibility should be too.

How to avoid this?

  • Regularly Test Your Site: Set a schedule—monthly or quarterly—and run audits regularly.
  • Update Plugins Carefully: New versions can affect accessibility either positively or negatively.
  • Keep Learning: Accessibility rules are updated; staying informed is key to long-term success.

Bonus Tips to Boost Your Accessibility Game

Here are a few extra pointers that will help you sidestep embarrassing flubs while improving user experience for everyone:

  • Don’t forget alt text: Every image needs it—period.
  • Keep your forms accessible: Use clear labels, error messages, and accessible CAPTCHA tools.
  • Mind your color choices: Use online contrast checkers to ensure readability for all users.

In Conclusion: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

ADA compliance isn’t just something you can install—it’s something you commit to. WordPress plugins are excellent tools, but they only work as part of a broader accessibility strategy. Be smart, test often, and resist the temptation to believe in magical one-click fixes. Your site—and its visitors—deserve better than that.

So, laugh at the goofy mistakes others have made, but then take the steps to ensure your website is truly accessible. After all, usability isn’t just for compliance—it’s for everyone.