Website Accessibility Services
Accomplished Accessibility Consulting, Assessments & Remediation
Supporting your Brand's Accessibility
Businesses vary in their Accessibility Journey
Accessibility success within today’s digital solutions requires two necessary elements. One of those is the knowledge of accessibility laws. The other element is the ability to implement solutions that faithfully consider, and connect with end-users with disabilities.
Types of Website Accessibility Services We Provide
WCAG
WCAG is an acronym describing the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines that are developed, tested, authored and distributed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These are the most prominent digital accessibility standards used in the world today.
W3C is the leading standards-making body for the Web. W3C develops the Web standards HTML, XML, CSS, and more. W3C ensures international development of standards as well as their testing and review from a diverse range of stakeholders. The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) is led by W3C. WAI works with individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout the world to develop specific strategies, guidelines, and resources to help make the Web accessible to people with disabilities.
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was established as federal law in 1990 by the U.S. Congress. It stands as a pivotal civil rights legislation, prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various aspects of public life. This encompasses employment, education, transportation, and access to public and private spaces. The ADA imposes specific requirements on businesses that operate for 20 or more weeks annually, employ 15 or more full-time employees, and are categorized as “public accommodation.”
The ADA strives for equality by granting individuals with disabilities the same rights and opportunities as others. It parallels protections based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion, providing civil rights safeguards. Ensuring equal access to public accommodations, employment, transportation, and government services, the ADA promotes inclusivity and fairness for all.
Section 508
Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act is a law in the United States for its federal agencies. Section 508 requires all federal agencies to make their digital services accessible to people with disabilities. Web developers play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with Section 508 when creating or maintaining websites for federally funded government agencies or organizations.
Blue Spot Designs has partnered with many agencies and organizations committed to exceeding the expectations of Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Accessible Systems & Technology (OAST) certifies Section 508 Trusted Testers for their conformance test process, now on version 5. We employs version 5 certified Section 508 Trusted Testers that oversee code-inspection based determinations of web content performance to Section 508 standards.
VPAT
A VPAT is a templated document that outlines a business’s conformance within information and communication technology (ICT) products and services. The VPAT is typically used to communicate the level of their products’ accessibility to potential buyers, such as government agencies, educational institutions, and other organizations that require accessible technology.
The VPAT provides detailed information about compliance with accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 or 2.1, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other relevant accessibility regulations. It describes accommodations that specific to guidelines and expectations, as well as providing explanations for any deviations or non-compliance.
AODA
AODA stands for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. It is a law in Ontario, Canada that sets out accessibility standards for government, businesses, nonprofits, and public sector organizations in the province. The goal of AODA is to make Ontario more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. All organizations with more than 20 employees must formally report their accessibility assessments and progress to the Ontario government.
EN 301 549
EN 301 549 is the recognized standard in the European Union for digital accessibility required for information and communication technology (ICT) products and services. Titled “Accessibility requirements suitable for public procurement of ICT products and services in Europe,” these requirements were developed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
The inclusive standards of EN 301 549 aim to ensure that people with disabilities have access and functional use of ICT offerings across the European Union. EN 301 549 includes considerations for a wide range of technologies, including software, websites, mobile applications, electronic documents, and multimedia content.
blue spot designs
Web Accessibility Services
One solution for all your digital accessibility needs – for companies of any scale.
More than a legal issue, accessibility is a fundamental essential to business. Mitigating legal risk is only one piece of the accessibility benefit. Websites that are optimized for accessibility also perform better within search engines. Accessibility-focused businesses realize increased revenue from improved and inclusive audience reach. Consistent optimization for accessibility also promotes positive user experiences that advance customer retention and loyalty. As web accessibility experts, Americaneagle.com helps your brand advance accessibility and inclusivity to benefit your business through consulting and training, assessments, and remediation services.
What's Included in
Accessibility Compliance Expertise
There is a large range of terms, laws, guidelines, and documentation around accessibility. Blue Spot Designs can help guide you through the nuances and compliance needs throughout the world.
Accessibility Consulting
& Training
Consultation and training from Blue Spot Designs will be efficiently designed to fit your business’s unique needs, technologies, and team. Whether you are ramping up efforts to improve accessibility, currently facing legal action, or simply seeking guidance, you have found the right partner. Empower your internal team to confidently monitor and maintain the accessibility of websites, applications, documents, and other digital media.
Accessibility Audit &
Assessment
Blue Spot Designs performs a thorough audit that maximizes automated tools and manual testing to identify remediation opportunities aligning with accessibility standards. We always test and assess to meet the latest version of WCAG. We also consider ADA, Section 508, and other international laws, then create a roadmap to optimized accessibility.
Web Accessibility Remediation Services
Blue Spot Designs’ team includes specialists within every major web platform and programming language. That diverse expertise supports website remediation that is specific to your needs and environment. Our accessibility team also works alongside project teams to ensure new digital solutions are optimized for accessibility.
should I invest
In Web Accessibility?
Deciding whether or not to prioritise web accessibility can be a significant business consideration.
Legal Compliance & Reduced Risk
In the US, in certain cases businesses are required by law in certain cases to ensure their digital offerings are accessible to all users. Being compliant can help you avoid potential legal issues, penalties, or damaging publicity.
Content & Media Adaptability
Ensure all content, including text, images, and multimedia, is presented in ways that can be perceived by all users. This might include offering text alternatives, subtitles, or ensuring content is adaptable to different devices and orientations.
Interactive Element Accessibility
Interactive elements, such as forms or buttons, need to be navigable and usable by everyone, including those using assistive technologies. This could involve designing clear, concise forms or ensuring keyboard accessibility.
Consistent & Predictable Navigation
The navigation structure should be logical, consistent, and easy to follow. Implement features like skip-to-content links, breadcrumb trails, and clear headings to help users navigate your site effectively.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about web accessibility services? Ask us anything. Here’re some answers from our inbox.
Web accessibility is about ensuring that websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed to be usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. It emphasises creating an inclusive digital landscape where all users have equal access to information and functionality.
Beyond the moral imperative of inclusivity, ensuring your website is accessible can broaden your audience reach, enhance SEO efforts, reduce legal risks, and improve overall user experience. An accessible website is not just right but smart business.
An accessible site generally offers a better user experience for all. Features that make a site accessible to those with disabilities—like clear navigation, legible fonts, and coherent content structure—also enhance usability for everyone else.
Absolutely. Although building with accessibility in mind from the outset is ideal, existing sites and apps can be audited and modified to meet accessibility standards. Our team has expertise in retrofitting sites to be more inclusive.
Yes. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of recommendations to make web content more accessible. They provide a detailed framework for web developers and business owners to ensure their sites cater to users with varying abilities.
In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that online services and websites provide equal access to all users, including those with disabilities. Additionally, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates that all federal electronic and information technology be accessible. Both of these regulations align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Our team is well-versed in all relevant U.S. regulations and ensures that your website or app complies with local and international standards.
Committing to web accessibility reflects positively on your brand, signalling to users that you value inclusivity and cater to all customers. It showcases a level of corporate responsibility that resonates with a wider audience, which can translate to increased loyalty and trust.
Not at all. In fact, accessible design often leads to cleaner, more user-friendly interfaces. While some modifications might be necessary, they don’t compromise the aesthetics or functionality. Instead, they enhance the user experience for everyone.
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