In today's increasingly digital world, ensuring that your website or application is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, is not just a moral imperative but a legal one as well. Accessibility isn't a one-time project but an ongoing process requiring a balanced approach, combining both technological solutions and manual efforts. This holistic strategy ensures that digital platforms remain compliant with accessibility standards, providing an inclusive experience for all users.

The Importance of Digital Accessibility

Digital accessibility means designing and developing websites, applications, and digital tools that can be used by people with various disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. Given that over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, accessibility is an essential aspect of digital design.

Failure to provide accessible digital content can lead to legal penalties under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in the EU, and similar legislation around the world. Beyond compliance, embracing accessibility can enhance user experience, boost SEO rankings, and broaden your audience reach.

The Limitations of Automated Accessibility Tools

Automated accessibility tools are a vital part of any accessibility strategy. These tools can quickly scan your digital content, identify issues, and provide recommendations for fixing them. They can check for common issues such as missing alt text on images, improper heading structures, or insufficient color contrast.

However, while these tools are powerful, they have limitations. Automated tools can identify about 30% of accessibility issues but often miss more nuanced problems. For instance, they might struggle to assess a website's usability for someone navigating with a screen reader or identify issues with the logical flow of content. Moreover, they can't evaluate the accessibility of dynamic content, such as forms or interactive elements, with the same precision as a human.

The Role of Manual Accessibility Audits

Manual accessibility audits complement automated tools by catching what machines miss. These audits are conducted by certified experts who understand the needs of users with disabilities and can evaluate a website's or application's accessibility from a real-world perspective. Manual audits involve:

Screen Reader Testing: Ensuring that content is accessible and understandable when read aloud by screen readers.

Keyboard Navigation Checks: Verifying that users can navigate the site using a keyboard alone is crucial for those with motor impairments.

Usability Testing: Engaging people with disabilities to use the site and provide feedback on their experience.

Contextual Analysis: Assessing whether the content's structure, flow, and meaning are conveyed clearly to all users.

This human-centered approach uncovers insights that automated tools may overlook, making it a vital part of a well-rounded accessibility strategy.

Combining Technology and Manual Efforts for Ongoing Compliance

A holistic approach to digital accessibility requires integrating both technological tools and manual testing. Here's how to strike the right balance:

Initial Assessment with Automated Tools: Begin with an automated scan to quickly identify and address obvious issues. This helps lay a solid foundation for accessibility and ensures compliance with many baseline standards.

Follow-Up with Manual Audits: After resolving issues flagged by automated tools, conduct a manual audit to uncover less obvious problems. This audit should be performed by trained professionals who understand the nuances of accessibility.

User Testing: Involve users with disabilities in testing your website or app. Their feedback is invaluable for understanding real-world accessibility and making necessary adjustments.

Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance: Accessibility isn't a "set it and forget it" task. Regularly use automated tools to check for new issues, especially after updates or redesigns, and schedule periodic manual audits to ensure ongoing compliance. This combined approach helps catch any issues that automated tools might miss and keeps your digital platforms accessible over time.

Training and Awareness: Educate your team about accessibility best practices. Developers, designers, and content creators should all be familiar with accessibility guidelines so they can integrate them into their daily work.

The Benefits of a Holistic Approach

By combining technology with manual efforts, organizations can achieve several key benefits:

Comprehensive Compliance: Ensuring that all aspects of accessibility are covered, not just the ones easily detectable by automated tools.

Enhanced User Experience: Providing a more intuitive, user-friendly experience for all visitors, including those with disabilities.

Risk Mitigation: Reducing the likelihood of legal action by adhering to accessibility standards and best practices, though not entirely eliminating the possibility of lawsuits.

Positive Brand Image: Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility, which can resonate with a broader audience.

Conclusion

Digital accessibility is an ongoing commitment that requires both technological and manual efforts. While automated tools are essential for quickly identifying and addressing many accessibility issues, they must be supplemented with manual audits to ensure comprehensive compliance. By adopting a holistic approach to digital accessibility, organizations can create more inclusive digital experiences, mitigate legal risks, and serve a wider audience.

Staying ahead of accessibility challenges in a constantly evolving digital landscape is crucial. Combining technology's power with human experts' insight is the best way to ensure that your digital platforms are not just compliant but welcoming to everyone.

Ready to ensure your digital platforms are fully accessible and compliant? Our team of experts is here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our accessibility specialists to discuss your organization’s needs and take the next step towards creating an inclusive digital experience for all users.