Web Accessibility Consultants: How the Human + Automation Approach Affords Maximum Protection

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Web Accessibility Consultants: How the Human + Automation Approach Affords Maximum Protection

Posted November 29, 2024

AudioEye

Posted November 29, 2024

Man sitting behind a desk pointing to a stylized presentation screen with the accessibility symbol in the middle. A woman is sitting across the desk and looking at the presentation.
Man sitting behind a desk pointing to a stylized presentation screen with the accessibility symbol in the middle. A woman is sitting across the desk and looking at the presentation.

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Choosing the right web accessibility consultant is essential for ensuring compliance and creating an inclusive digital experience. Below, we’ll explain what a consultant does, what to look for when choosing your own, and the benefits that come from using one.

Trying to navigate the complexities of digital accessibility can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re new to the approach or if you’ve recently discovered your digital content falls short of compliance standards. While navigating accessibility or remediation can be difficult, it’s a key step in creating a more accessible online experience for individuals with disabilities. And you don’t have to go it alone. 

A web accessibility consultant can help guide you through the accessibility remediation process — including which standards you need to meet to avoid legal consequences. These experts can help you unlock all the benefits of creating a more inclusive digital experience.

Below, we’ll explore exactly what a web accessibility consultant does, the pros and cons of using one, and what to look for when choosing a consultant.

What a Web Accessibility Consultant Does

A web accessibility consultant is someone who works with businesses to ensure their digital content, including website, mobile app, digital documents, and other online content, is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Their responsibilities often involve analyzing sites to identify issues that prevent conformance with accessibility standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) or compliance with legal requirements like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or European Accessibility Act (EAA). 

Here’s a closer look into exactly what a web accessibility consultant does:

Accessibility Testing and Remediation

To determine whether digital content meets accessibility standards, consultants will test digital content using either automated or expert testing. 

Automated testing involves using tools or software to quickly scan websites for common accessibility issues, like missing alt text, poor color contrast, or improper heading structures. The benefit of using automated accessibility tools is they can test large amounts of content in a short amount of time, making them great for identifying common or repetitive issues. However, automated tools have limitations, such as determining whether or not alt text is descriptive enough or how intuitive the user experience is for assistive technology users. 

Expert testing involves accessibility experts manually reviewing a website to uncover accessibility issues that automated tools might miss. Most expert testers use screen reader technologies to simulate real-world experiences and determine how accessible and user-friendly they are. 

However, expert testing can be time-consuming, so a hybrid approach to accessibility testing is recommended. Automated tools do the heavy lifting — finding common accessibility issues while experts focus on complex, user-focused issues. Together, web accessibility consultants can use the insights to find and fix most accessibility issues, leading to a website that isn’t just compliant but genuinely accessible and user-friendly for all users.

Accessibility Training

Digital accessibility is a team effort — it requires the entire organization to understand the principles and importance of accessibility and do their part to make it happen. From designers prioritizing color contrast to content creators writing meaningful, descriptive alt text, accessibility training ensures your entire team can maintain accessibility long-term. A web accessibility consultant is often responsible for implementing and overseeing accessibility training within an organization. 


For web accessibility consultants looking for high-quality training courses, check out AudioEyeQ —  a best-in-class accessibility learning platform that helps you create more accessible digital experiences.

Compliance with Different Accessibility Standards

Understanding accessibility laws can be overwhelming; accessibility consulting services help simplify legal requirements and create long-term strategies for compliance. For example, consultants in the U.S. can help organizations identify whether or not they need to comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act or exactly which level of WCAG is required for ADA compliance.

Navigating Legal Challenges

In addition to explaining accessibility laws and requirements, web accessibility consultants can also help organizations navigate any legal challenges or lawsuits regarding accessibility. For example, if an organization receives a demand letter for lack of accessibility, a consultant may be able to determine the validity of the legal claim, provide recommendations on the next steps or the best course of action, and create a long-term plan for ongoing compliance.

Improving Accessibility and the User Experience

Finally, a web accessibility consultant is responsible for implementing accessible and inclusive design features and best practices that enhance website accessibility and the overall user experience. By focusing on features like intuitive navigation, readable text, keyboard-friendly interfaces, and sufficient color contrast, they create digital environments that are beneficial to everyone — particularly those with disabilities. With a better experience in place, organizations can boost customer satisfaction, extend their audience reach, and increase customer loyalty — all of which are great for business.

Stylized web browser with an accessibility symbol inside a gear in the left hand corner. A construction man carrying a ladder is in front of the web browser.

Web Accessibility Consultant Qualifications

As you’re considering different web accessibility consultants, there are a few things to look for, including:

  • Experience: Look for someone who has spent a fair amount of time in the digital accessibility industry. These individuals will have a better understanding of accessibility standards and laws as well as the best way to bring your digital content and products into compliance and create a better user experience.
  • Training: Consider the training a web accessibility consultant has or is offering. Because accessibility is an evolving field that requires both technical expertise and a deep understanding of user needs, you’ll want a well-trained consultant. Additionally, look at the training they’re offering your team. The more comprehensive it is, the better you’ll be able to navigate the complex field.
  • Certification: A consultant's certifications demonstrate their expertise in the industry. Certifications like the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) or the Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) from the International Associate of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) show a consultant has an in-depth knowledge of accessibility laws, principles, and technical requirements.

Web Accessibility Consultants and ADA Compliance Audits

Web accessibility consultants play a key role in helping bring your digital content into compliance with various accessibility standards. 

For example, in the U.S., compliance consultants can help ensure your website complies with ADA regulations. They do this by conducting thorough accessibility audits to identify issues that violate WCAG, which serve as the foundation for ADA compliance. Using the insights from the audit, the consultant provides clear, actionable steps to remediate these issues and help your team implement long-lasting solutions. 

Beyond meeting initial compliance standards, consultants can also help keep your website up-to-date with evolving accessibility standards. As technology and regulations change, consultants provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure your digital content is accessible and compliant. Taking that proactive approach protects your organization from legal risks while fostering a more accessible and user-friendly experience for all visitors.

Beyond initial compliance, consultants also help keep your website up-to-date with evolving accessibility standards. As technology and regulations change, they provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure your digital presence remains inclusive and compliant. This proactive approach protects your organization from legal risks while fostering a more accessible and user-friendly experience for all visitors.

Laptop showing a checklist; a woman holding a pencil is standing on the left side of the checklist and the accessibility symbol is on the right.

Choosing the Right Web Accessibility Consultant

Here’s the bottom line: When evaluating different web accessibility consultants, don’t just go with the first one that fits with your budget or promises 100% compliance with a single audit. 

Start by looking for a consultant that offers a comprehensive range of accessibility services, including audits, remediation, and training for your team. From here, look at the certifications and expertise they have, as this shows they know how to apply accessibility principles and inclusive design effectively. It’s also crucial to choose someone who stays informed about changes in accessibility standards and regulations, as this can help you keep your site compliant even as guidelines evolve. 

Be wary of any consultant or service that relies solely on automation or manual testing alone. As we discussed above, automated tools are great for helping you get started on the path to accessibility or fixing common issues, but they can miss more complex issues. Conversely, manual testing without automation can be time-consuming, expensive, and less efficient for large websites. 

Look for a consultant that provides a hybrid approach, like AudioEye. Combining automation's speed and convenience with the in-depth knowledge provided by experts will give you the most thorough and effective results. Plus, this balance ensures compliance, usability, and long-term success.

Lean On AudioEye’s Hybrid Approach to Web Accessibility

When evaluating different web accessibility consultants, be sure to do your research. Choosing the right partner now will save you time and resources and help you build more trust with your users.

AudioEye’s hybrid approach to web accessibility amplifies the strengths of both automated and expert testing while minimizing their weaknesses. With automated tools that scan for 30 WCAG violations (more than any other tool on the market) and expert testing that finds and fixes more complex accessibility issues, AudioEye provides an immediate boost to accessibility. The synergy of automated and expert testing not only enhances accessibility but also delivers 400% more legal protection than automation-only or traditional consulting services. 

By combining technology and expert knowledge, AudioEye’s Assurance offers a genuine guarantee of accessibility compliance, giving you peace of mind that your digital properties are legally protected. 


Ready to see how AudioEye helps your business achieve accessibility and compliance? Get started with a free accessibility scan or schedule a demo to explore our hybrid approach and see how it can make a lasting impact on your digital presence.

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