Digital accessibility has become a crucial part of the internet. Lately, more organizations, and businesses have begun approaching experienced and suitable agencies to fix accessibility issues present on their digital assets. With changed priorities, organizations are now inclining towards DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), which is a positive signal for the digital world.
A white label digital accessibility partner can help web design and development agencies, hosting service providers, user experience specialists, digital marketing firms, CSR and PR agencies, managed service providers, and law firms to bridge the gap and give them an opportunity to serve accessibility and make additional revenue.
What can digital accessibility professionals help with?
Technology / software or a tool that companies can use for testing, quick remediation, monitoring, and generating report on the digital accessibility compliance.
Experienced accessibility professionals / specialists / partners also offer strategic consultation, automated and manual audit, website remediation, document remediation, monitoring, accessibility conformance reports, accessibility statement development, training, and support.
This article presents a detailed checklist to guide website owners in preferring digital accessibility partner committed to delivering effective digital accessibility solutions.
What needs to be considered before kickstarting accessibility partnership?
Expertise in accessibility standards
Ensure that the accessibility partner has a deep understanding of international standards, including the web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG). Verify their understanding of the latest guidelines and commitment to staying updated on changes. They should be capable of guiding the website towards compliance with regional and international accessibility standards including ADA and WCAG 2.1, WCAG 2.2, ATAG 2.0, Section 508, Canada ACA, Ontario AODA, California Unruh, UK equality Act, Australian DDA, and more.
Experience with diverse technologies
Assess their proficiency in working with diverse web technologies. They should be capable of implementing accessibility solutions across various CMS, LMS, CRM, ecommerce platforms, browsers, desktop, mobile, and emerging technologies.
They must be proficient on implementing accessibility on various platforms on which websites have been built for example, WordPress, Drupal, Adobe Commerce, Joomla, BigCommerce, Adobe Experience Manager, Wix, Shopify, Sitecore, Umbraco, OpenCart, etc.
Successful track record
Investigate their portfolio and case studies. Look for their successful projects where they have remediated websites for ADA and WCAG accessibility compliance. Client testimonials and references can provide valuable insights into their track record.
Accessibility testing methodologies
Inquire about the approach they take for the website accessibility auditing. A reliable agency will employ a combination of automated tools and manual testing methods to ensure a thorough evaluation of a website’s accessibility. Also, user testing is a key indicator of a successful website. Thus, they must involve user testing (with disabled individuals) to refine accessibility solutions.
Customized industry-specific solutions
Consider the accessibility partner’s relevant industry experience because each industry has unique challenges that can be conquered only with specific experience. It is also important for tailoring effective accessibility solutions.
Collaboration and communication skills
Effective collaboration and communication are essential for successful projects. Assess the accessibility partner’s ability to communicate complex accessibility issues clearly and understandably.
Cost transparency
Seek clarity on the cost structure. A transparent breakdown of costs associated with accessibility services including testing, implementation, remediation, and ongoing support will help to make an informed decision without unexpected financial surprises.
Timeline for implementation
Discuss the expected timeline for implementing accessibility solutions. A realistic and well-defined timeline ensures that the website becomes accessible within a reasonable timeframe.
Post-implementation monitoring and continuous improvement
Inquire about their post-implementation monitoring and maintenance services. A commitment to ongoing monitoring and support demonstrates the digital accessibility partner’s dedication to the sustained accessibility of the website. Moreover, they must be innovative in continuous accessibility improvements. A forward-thinking accessibility specialist will actively seek new and better ways to enhance accessibility, ensuring the website remains at the forefront of inclusivity.
Why more agencies seek white label digital accessibility solution partner?
Companies seek accessibility partners because it is difficult for them to educate their teams against accessibility standards and keep an eye on new updates regularly along with maintaining their websites. It helps them to bridge the gap between digital and marketing competencies, grow their client base, and better serve their clients.
With a white label digital accessibility partnership, businesses can access their partner's expertise and resources. This means the businesses don't have to invest a significant amount of time and money into developing certain digital accessibility services or functions themselves.
Choosing the right accessibility partner for digital accessibility solutions is a critical decision that goes beyond technical expertise. It requires a comprehensive evaluation of the accessibility partner’s commitment to suggested standards and other important facets. By using above checklist, website owners can navigate the process of selecting a partner to meet legal obligations and create an accessible digital space for everyone.
In a nutshell, investing in a reliable partner is an investment in inclusivity, user satisfaction, and the long-term success of an organization’s online presence.
How does Skynet Technologies help as a digital accessibility solution partner?
We bring an opportunity for the digital agencies, service providers, CSR and PR agencies, MSPs, law firms, and platform partners to provide inclusive digital experience for their clients. Serve quick WCAG and ADA website accessibility enhancements as a service by partnering with All in One Accessibility™ PRO! For more information reach out [email protected].