Most websites aren’t trying to be inaccessible—it just kind of happens. A few plugins here, a third-party widget there, and before you know it, people using screen readers or keyboard navigation are hitting roadblocks you didn’t even know were there.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about where your site stands or thought, “We added a tool—so we’re probably fine,” you’re not alone. But the truth is, real accessibility takes more than a one-click solution. It takes intention, testing, and a plan. And with digital accessibility lawsuits on the rise, ignoring the gaps is more of a liability than ever.

If staying ADA-compliant is your goal, you need more than a quick fix. You need custom accessibility audits, meaningful remediation, and a partner who can help you maintain compliance long-term.

The Real Limitations of Automation Tools

Automated accessibility tools are everywhere, and it’s easy to see the appeal. They promise a quick scan and some instant fixes—like adding alt text, adjusting colors, or offering a text-size toggle. It feels like progress. But these tools can only go so far.

They often miss what really matters: how someone with a disability actually uses your site. Screen readers, keyboard navigation, and cognitive-friendly layouts aren’t things most automation can truly understand or evaluate.

What They Miss (And Why It Matters)

Here are a few areas where automation usually falls short:

• Screen reader experiences: Automated tools won’t tell you if your navigation makes sense when read aloud.
• Keyboard usability: They don’t catch when menus or popups trap users who don’t use a mouse.
• Structural clarity: Bad heading structures or mislabeled buttons often go unnoticed.
• Interactive elements: Modals, forms, and sliders might work visually but break down when tested for accessibility.

Even more concerning? Courts are increasingly ruling that automation alone doesn’t meet ADA requirements. In some cases, relying on overlays without fixing underlying issues can actually increase your legal risk—especially for busy sites that handle transactions. This is why custom accessibility audits remain the gold standard for identifying real, user-impacting issues.

Why Real Testing Still Matters

You can’t fix what you don’t experience—and that’s the heart of manual testing. It’s not just about running a tool and checking boxes. It’s about walking through your site the way someone with a disability might.

That means:

• Navigating with a keyboard and nothing else.
• Using a screen reader to browse your content.
• Testing user flows like logging in, searching, or checking out—without assuming the user can see or use a mouse.

The Kind of Issues Manual Testing Uncovers

This type of testing uncovers issues that automation never will:

• Dropdowns that don’t announce themselves
• Buttons that lack clear, descriptive labels
• Interactive sections that lose focus or confuse navigation
• Forms that look fine visually but are hard to use with assistive tech

At 216digital, we don’t just skim the surface. During custom accessibility audits, we follow real user journeys—from homepage to checkout—so we can see how the experience actually holds up. It’s not about passing a test. It’s about making sure everyone can use your site smoothly.

What Custom Accessibility Audits Really Looks Like

Once you know what’s broken, fixing it takes more than flipping a switch. True remediation means tailoring fixes to your site’s layout, content, and functionality—not applying a generic patch.

That’s why we focus on changes that make a measurable difference for real users. Things like:

• Making sure users can see where their keyboard focus is at all times
• Adding ARIA roles and labels so screen readers can understand what’s on the page
• Improving contrast without compromising your brand’s look

Examples of Targeted Fixes

We also fix the kinds of problems that create the most user friction:

• Popups and modals that trap keyboard or screen reader users
• Sliders or videos that move too quickly without user control

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each website is different. Each problem needs a thoughtful, code-aware fix. That’s where custom remediation stands apart—it solves the right problem in the right way.

Keeping Accessibility on Track with a11y.Radar

Accessibility isn’t something you do once and forget about. Websites change—new content, new plugins, new designs—and with those changes come new risks.

That’s where our ongoing monitoring tool, a11y.Radar, makes the difference.

It acts like a digital safety net by:

• Running regular scans to check for new or recurring issues
• Prioritizing problems based on what’s most important to fix first
• Providing clear reports that your team can actually understand and act on
• Using the same scanning methods many law firms rely on before filing lawsuits

Stay Ahead, Don’t Fall Behind

Think of it like maintenance for your website’s health. You wouldn’t skip oil changes for your car—and keeping your site accessible works the same way. a11y.Radar helps you stay proactive so small issues don’t turn into bigger problems later. And when paired with custom accessibility audits, you gain a complete strategy for long-term digital compliance.

Why Visibility Increases Your Risk

The more visible your business becomes, the more pressure there is to get accessibility right.

In just May alone, 445 new digital accessibility lawsuits were filed in the U.S.—many aimed at online retailers, especially those using Shopify or WooCommerce. These platforms offer convenience, but often rely on templates or plugins that haven’t been fully tested for accessibility.

The Real-World Consequences

It’s not personal—these lawsuits are often triggered by bots scanning the web for compliance issues. If your site trips a red flag, it could end up on a law firm’s radar.

The risks are real:

• Expensive legal battles or settlement costs
• Strained customer trust
• Hits to your brand reputation
• Increased insurance premiums

The upside? When you invest in custom accessibility audits and monitoring, you dramatically lower your risk—and build a better experience for every user.

Beyond Legal Advice: Why You Need Technical Support

A good legal team can help you understand where you’re exposed. But they won’t fix your navigation, rewrite your forms, or troubleshoot your ARIA labels.

That’s where a hands-on partner makes the difference.

What a Technical Accessibility Partner Does

At 216digital, we’ve supported hundreds of websites—small shops and enterprise platforms alike. Our approach is practical, technical, and built around real-life use cases. We don’t just tell you what’s wrong—we fix it, explain it, and set you up to manage accessibility long-term.

Here’s what we bring to the table:

• Clear developer guidance tailored to your platform
• Integrated testing and remediation that fits into your current workflow
• Ongoing support and monitoring after the fixes are live

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about building lasting accessibility habits. And having a partner who helps you stay on track.

Accessibility Isn’t Obligation—It’s Opportunity

It’s your chance to build a brand that’s genuinely inclusive, appealing to a wider audience and avoiding costly legal pitfalls. Automation tools alone won’t get you there, but custom accessibility audits, hands-on remediation, and proactive monitoring will.

If you’re done guessing and ready to confidently say your site is accessible, reach out to us at 216digital. We’ll clearly show you where your site stands, guide you through practical improvements, and keep accessibility effortless and ongoing. Because ultimately, making your website accessible isn’t just smart—it’s the kind of thoughtful action your customers will notice and appreciate.