Why Accessibility Audits Matter

Digital experiences should be accessible to everyone - regardless of ability, device, or circumstance. That's why accessibility is more than just a checkbox or compliance requirement; it's a commitment to inclusivity, usability, and human-centred design.

As part of our digital services, we conduct accessibility audits to identify issues and provide clear, actionable recommendations for improving accessibility across your digital platforms. In this post, we’ll break down what these audits involve, what they don’t, and why they’re essential in today’s digital world.

An accessibility audit is a structured review of your website or digital service, guided by internationally recognised standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and supported by tools such as AXE, Lighthouse, and PageSpeed Insights.

The primary goal? To uncover issues that may prevent people—especially those with disabilities—from accessing and using your site effectively. But the bigger picture is even more important: creating inclusive digital experiences for all users, including:

• People with permanent disabilities (e.g. vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive)
• Mobile users on the go
• Non-digital natives
• Users with situational limitations (e.g. screen glare, low bandwidth)

WCAG is not a law, but it’s the most widely accepted technical standard for making websites and digital content accessible. Created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), it provides clear rules that designers and developers can follow to ensure digital experiences are inclusive.

WCAG is built around four key principles:

Perceivable – Information must be presented in ways all users can perceive (e.g., screen readers, alt text for images, captions for videos).

Operable – The interface must be navigable by all, including keyboard-only users.

Understandable – Content must be clear and predictable.

Robust – Content must work reliably across current and future assistive technologies.

WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the common standard required in both U.S. and EU accessibility laws.

Key areas covered include:

• Alt text for images
• Proper use of headings and page structure
• Color contrast between text and background
• Clear link text (not just “click here”)
• Accessible forms with labels
• Keyboard navigation
• Semantic HTML and ARIA roles

The European Accessibility Act is a binding law across the EU. It aims to ensure digital accessibility for consumers with disabilities, and it will be fully enforceable by the end of June 2025. The EAA applies to both public and private companies offering digital services within the EU.

The EAA requires that certain digital products and services follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA. This includes:

• E-commerce websites and apps
• Online banking platforms
• Ticketing and booking systems
• eBooks and media platforms
• Public transportation websites and apps
• Digital customer support services

In short, if your business operates or sells in the EU, and you offer digital services, your website and digital platforms must be accessible or you risk penalties, fines, or restricted market access.

The ADA is a U.S. civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.

Although the ADA was written before the digital age, U.S. courts have consistently ruled that public websites and digital services must be accessible, especially those considered "places of public accommodation" (like retailers, restaurants, healthcare, education, etc.).

The ADA itself doesn’t specify technical standards, but courts and the U.S. Department of Justice commonly uses WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the reference point for compliance.

If your business is U.S.-based or targets U.S. customers, an inaccessible website could expose you to legal action. ADA-related lawsuits have become increasingly common, especially in industries like retail, hospitality, education, and financial services.

An audit is a critical first step, but it's not the whole journey. Here’s what you need to know:

Scanners like AXE or Lighthouse detect 30–40% of issues. They’re great for things like:

• Missing alt text
• Broken form labels
• Colour contrast errors

But they can’t judge:

• Whether alt text is meaningful
• If content is understandable
• How easy navigation feels

Manual testing, especially with screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, and real users with disabilities, provides the kind of feedback tools can’t.

We recommend combining both automated and manual testing for the most accurate picture.

Your site might pass today’s audit, but changes in content, code, or platform can introduce new issues. That’s why we encourage:

• Ongoing accessibility checks
• Team training and awareness
• A culture of inclusive design

Passing an audit doesn’t mean you’re legally bulletproof. Interpretation varies, and the law often focuses on real user impact, not just technical checks.

Unless specified, audits often don’t cover:

• PDFs or downloadable files
• Embedded videos or third-party tools (e.g. booking systems, chatbots)
• Mobile apps and responsive design quirks

These areas often require separate assessments and remediation.

An audit identifies the problems, fixing them is where the impact happens. Whether it's rewriting confusing link text, improving navigation for keyboard users, or adjusting contrast for readability, the real progress comes through:

• Developer and design changes
• Content adjustments
• UX enhancements for accessibility

We don’t just audit - we partner with you to create digital experiences that are inclusive by design.

From initial assessments to implementation and education, our team supports you every step of the way.

Ready to make your website more accessible?

Let’s talk about how we can help you create a better experience for every user. Contact us here.