This two-part series discusses the significance of digital accessibility audits. Part one introduces accessibility audits and highlights the benefits of web accessibility audits they offer. Part two focuses on the critical components of an accessibility audit, with practical examples and a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Introduction to Web Accessibility Audits

Over 97% of websites fail to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), according to the WebAIM Million analysis. These issues include missing alt text for images, low contrast text, and inaccessible forms. However, the WebAIM Million only detects issues that automated testing can identify. Many accessibility issues still require manual testing to discover, such as testing how well the keyboard navigation works or if it’s compatible with assistive technologies.

Making your website accessible to all, including those with disabilities, is crucial for both legal and business purposes. The benefits of web accessibility audits are numerous, helping businesses turn accessibility into a strategic advantage. For instance, some have made their sites easier to use, while others have discovered and entered previously untapped markets. A friend of mine, who was seeking a bank, chose a particular bank because of its accessible online services. This was not a “nice-to-have” for them; accessibility was essential to perform their banking.  

An accessibility audit is a detailed assessment that helps identify and resolve accessibility issues using both automated and manual methods. In this article, we explore the main parts of an accessibility audit, showcase real-life success stories, and offer practical steps to begin.

Key Components of Effective Web Accessibility Audits

The benefits of web accessibility audits are rooted in their thorough evaluation based on the four principles of the WCAG guidelines. Let us examine how each principle is handled during an audit.

Perceivable: Ensuring Accessibility for All Users

This principle ensures that users can use more than one sense to access information and interface components. For example:

• Content: Assess all content on your website, including text, images, and videos. Ensure that text is clear and readable, images have alt text, and videos have captions and transcripts.
• Multimedia: Ensure all multimedia elements are accessible by adding captions and describing audio. Also, ensure interactive elements are compatible with assistive technology.

Operable: Making Web Navigation Accessible

This principle ensures that user interface components and navigation are operable. For example:

• Navigation: Evaluate the navigation system for usability and accessibility. Ensure that menus are accessible via keyboard and properly labeled. Check for barriers that might prevent users from moving through the site.
• Interactive Elements: Ensure that all interactive elements, such as buttons, forms, and links, are accessible through various input methods, including keyboard and voice commands.

Understandable: Enhancing User Comprehension through Audits

This principle focuses on making information and the user interface easy to comprehend. For example:

• Content: Write all content in plain language, provide clear instructions, and design forms that are easy to complete.
• Consistency: Ensure consistent navigation and predictable functionality across the site.

Robust: Building Resilient and Accessible Web Platforms

This principle ensures that different devices, including assistive technologies, can understand your content.

• Compliance with Standards: Make sure your website follows accessibility standards like WCAG by checking against various criteria and ensuring your site is usable by people with diverse abilities.

Success Stories from Web Accessibility Audits

Accessibility audits can lead to significant improvements in user engagement and satisfaction. Here are a few real-world examples:

• Microsoft has made great strides in improving the accessibility of its products, like Windows and Office. Their commitment to accessibility has enhanced user experiences for millions of users, including those with disabilities. By prioritizing accessibility, Microsoft has seen a rise in customer satisfaction and loyalty. 2020 Diversity and Inclusion report.
• Apple has made accessibility a priority, creating innovative features like VoiceOver, which is a screen reader for iOS devices. By making their products more inclusive and accessible, Apple has gained a larger customer base and increased customer loyalty. The American Foundation for the Blind has recognized Apple’s efforts.
• Barclays, a UK bank, made their website and mobile apps more accessible after conducting an audit. This resulted in a more inclusive user experience, increased customer satisfaction, and positive feedback from users with disabilities. Barclays reported a 13% increase in customer satisfaction scores following these improvements.

Steps to Get Started with Your Web Accessibility Audit

There are multiple processes involved in implementing an accessibility audit. As you progress through the steps, the amount of investment from the company increases. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Determine Scope: Identify what to include in your accessibility assessment. Consider focusing on key components, such as the component library or essential business processes.
2. Initial Assessment: Start by assessing your current accessibility situation. Identify obvious issues using free tools like Lighthouse in Chrome or Microsoft’s Accessibility Insights. These tools help your team understand the issues and test different fixes.
3. Hire Professional Auditors: Consider hiring professional auditors to conduct a thorough audit. They can spot manual issues and provide actionable advice, helping your team learn how to make other parts of your site accessible.
4. Implement Recommendations: Address the findings from the audit by creating a roadmap to tackle critical issues. Ensure that the entire team, including content creators, designers, and developers, is involved in meeting accessibility guidelines.
5. Continuous Monitoring: Ensuring accessibility requires ongoing effort. Regularly review and update your digital assets, using tools like Siteimprove and Monsido to monitor accessibility. Align your monitoring with automated testing in your development cycle to maintain consistency.

Take Action: Schedule Your Web Accessibility Audit Today

Ready to experience the benefits of web accessibility audits? Contact AccessibilityFirst Solutions LLC for a comprehensive accessibility audit and expert guidance. Our experienced auditors will help you identify and fix accessibility issues on your website. We ensure that your content is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Together, we can create a more inclusive digital world.

Michael Harshbarger is an experienced project manager and accessibility consultant. He is passionate about helping businesses create inclusive digital experiences. With over ten years of experience in project management and accessibility, Michael established AccessibilityFirst Solutions LLC. Michael believes in promoting accessibility as a core business value. He thinks that inclusive design benefits not only those with disabilities but also enhances the user experience for everyone. Michael holds a Master’s degree in Project Management. He has successfully implemented accessibility programs for Fortune 100 companies. In his free time, Michael enjoys exploring the outdoors with his family and playing tabletop role-playing games.