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  • The Key to Compliance? Continuous Accessibility

    When businesses think about web accessibility, many assume it’s a one-and-done task—an issue to be resolved, checked off a list and forgotten. However, true accessibility is an ongoing process that requires regular updates, monitoring, and proactive improvements. Without continuous accessibility efforts, websites can quickly fall out of compliance, leading to legal risks, increased remediation costs, and a frustrating experience for users with disabilities.

    For businesses looking to stay ahead, the key to compliance isn’t a single fix—it’s a long-term commitment to digital inclusion.

    Why Accessibility Can’t Be a One-and-Done Project

    Legal Landscape is Always Changing

    The number of digital accessibility lawsuits continues to rise year after year. In 2024 alone, over 4,000 lawsuits were filed, and more than 78,000 demand letters were sent in 2022—an average of over 1,500 per week. These legal challenges highlight the growing expectation for businesses to maintain accessible digital spaces.

    At the same time, accessibility regulations continue to evolve. Updates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) introduce new requirements that organizations must meet. A website that was compliant last year may not meet the latest standards today. Without continuous accessibility, even well-intentioned businesses can fall out of compliance, increasing the risk of legal action. Keeping up with regulatory changes through ongoing monitoring ensures that your website remains accessible and legally protected.

    Technology and Websites Constantly Change

    Websites rarely stay the same for long. New products, services, or design changes can quickly introduce barriers if they’re not tested for accessibility. A single line of new code could break an important accessibility feature. That’s why continuous accessibility involves regularly testing your site. You’ll spot problems early, fix them, and keep your site usable for everyone.

    Business Risks of Treating Accessibility as a One-Time Fix

    Increased Legal Vulnerability

    If you ignore continuous accessibility, you open yourself up to legal issues. A website that doesn’t maintain ongoing compliance will have more accessibility gaps. These gaps can lead to lawsuits or demand letters. And once you’re in legal trouble, you’ll face tight deadlines to fix problems. This rushed work disrupts your team and can become very expensive. On the other hand, a business that practices continuous accessibility can stay ahead of potential lawsuits by showing it takes compliance seriously.

    Cost of Reactive Fixes vs. Proactive Maintenance

    Fixing problems under legal pressure can cost far more than addressing them early. When you wait until someone files a lawsuit or sends a demand letter, you don’t have time to plan your budget or workload. With continuous accessibility, you can schedule regular checks and fixes. You stay in control of your spending and protect your bottom line by avoiding big surprises.

    Loss of Control Over Your Development Roadmap

    If you get sued for an inaccessible website, you may be forced to pause other important projects in order to fix issues quickly. This can mean cutting back on marketing campaigns, product launches, or site improvements. When you adopt continuous accessibility, you maintain control over your development roadmap. You never have to rush or sacrifice other work because accessibility is always part of your process.

    The Competitive Advantage of Continuous Accessibility

    Expanding Market Reach

    Accessibility is not just about meeting legal rules—it’s also about reaching more people. Many individuals with disabilities rely on websites that meet their needs. By focusing on continuous accessibility, you’re opening your site to a wider audience. In fact, 85% of businesses report that accessibility gives them a competitive edge. When your website is easy to use for everyone, you win more customers and build loyalty.

    Stronger Brand Reputation & Customer Loyalty

    People notice when a website welcomes them with clear navigation, captions, and other accessible features. A commitment to continuous accessibility tells the world you care about every user’s experience. That’s a message that builds goodwill. Not only does it help people with disabilities, but it also creates a simpler, more direct experience for all visitors. Happier customers are more likely to return and recommend your brand to others.

    How to Sustainably Maintain Digital Accessibility

    Implementing an Ongoing Monitoring Solution

    Your accessibility work should not stop after an initial audit. You need to track your site’s status in real-time. Automated testing tools and manual reviews can show if any new barriers appear. For instance, a11y.Radar by 216digital offers a real-time monitoring and compliance tracking system. This solution is designed to help you practice continuous accessibility without it feeling burdensome. When an issue appears, you can fix it right away, long before it becomes a bigger problem or legal headache.

    Accessibility Training & Organizational Buy-In

    Many accessibility problems happen because teams don’t know how to avoid them. If developers, designers, and content creators are not trained in best practices, problems sneak in during everyday tasks. That’s why continuous accessibility relies on ongoing training. Encourage your staff to learn about accessible coding, design, and content rules. When everyone sees accessibility as part of their job, it’s easier to maintain compliance over time

    .

    Partnering with Experts for Long-Term Success

    You don’t have to handle accessibility on your own. Working with a team of experts can ease your workload and calm any fears you might have. A trusted partner stays updated on changing rules and new technology. They guide you in making smart choices about your site’s structure and features. By collaborating with experts, continuous accessibility becomes a manageable task rather than a giant project. You keep your site welcoming and compliant without excessive effort.

    Future-Proof Your Website with Continuous Accessibility

    Accessibility isn’t a one-time box to check off. It’s an ongoing journey that requires regular care and attention. By embracing continuous accessibility, you protect your business from lawsuits, manage your budget more effectively, and reach a broader audience. You also build a reputation for being inclusive, which makes users feel valued and keeps them coming back.

    If your business has already taken the first steps with a web remediation project, don’t stop there. Make sure your site stays compliant by practicing continuous accessibility as part of your standard workflow. You will save money, avoid risks, and serve a diverse group of people who might otherwise be left out.

    At 216digital, we understand that continuous accessibility may sound daunting. That’s why we offer expertise and tools like a11y.Radar, a real-time monitoring solution. Together, we can keep your site compliant and user-friendly. It’s time to future-proof your website, protect your brand, and ensure a better online experience for everyone. Because when you invest in continuous accessibility, you invest in long-term success—both for your business and for the people who depend on it.

    Greg McNeil

    March 7, 2025
    Web Accessibility Monitoring
    Accessibility, Accessibility monitoring, ADA Compliance, web accessibility monitoring, Website Accessibility
  • Common Barriers Found in Accessibility Monitoring

    Have you ever tried to use a website or open an email, only to find that some parts are impossible to read or use? That’s exactly what happens to people who face accessibility barriers online. Web accessibility is all about making sure digital content can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. It covers things like readable text, clear navigation, and even how images are described for those who rely on screen readers.

    A great way to keep your website or marketing emails user-friendly for all is through routine accessibility monitoring. Think of accessibility monitoring as a regular check-up that catches problems before they become bigger headaches. This practice is not just about following rules; it’s about ensuring your audience feels valued and included.

    The Importance of Ongoing Accessibility Monitoring

    Accessibility is an evolving target. Standards shift, technologies change, and user needs grow more complex. That’s why a one-time audit is rarely sufficient. Instead, incorporating accessibility monitoring into your regular workflow offers multiple benefits:

    Early Issue Detection

    When you track accessibility metrics continuously, you can detect and address accessibility gaps before they become widespread or lead to costly legal issues. This proactive approach helps avoid major overhauls, saving both time and money.

    Improved User Experience

    The best user experiences are built on consistency and reliability. When a website is accessible, it isn’t just beneficial for users with disabilities—it enhances the site’s overall usability, making it more intuitive and enjoyable for everyone.

    Brand Reputation and Trust

    Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity can significantly bolster your brand reputation. Users who find your platform welcoming are more likely to trust your brand, return for future visits, and recommend you to others.

    Regulatory Compliance

    Accessibility regulations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. or the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) internationally, are increasingly enforced. Routine monitoring ensures your site remains in compliance, mitigating the risk of legal action or damage to your brand image.

    Common Accessibility Barriers Identified

    Accessibility issues can vary widely from site to site. However, accessibility monitoring consistently highlights some recurring problem areas. Below are a few of the most common explanations of why they matter.

    Missing Alternative (Alt) Text for Images

    Alt text (or “alternative text”) is a short written description of an image, embedded in the HTML using the alt attribute. This text is essential for screen readers to convey the meaning of the image to users who cannot see it.

    Why It Matters

    • A user who relies on assistive technology may only hear “image” or “graphic” if alt text is not provided.
    • Missing alt text not only harms accessibility but also impacts SEO, as search engines use alt text to understand image context.

    Solution

    Always add descriptive alt text that explains what’s in the image. For example, “A smiling person holding a coffee cup,” rather than “coffee-cup.jpg.”

    Insufficient Color Contrast

    Color contrast refers to the ratio between the foreground (text or important elements) and the background. Low contrast can make text and interface elements nearly unreadable for users with visual impairments.

    Why It Matters

    • Users with color vision deficiencies, low vision, or even older monitors can struggle to perceive low-contrast elements.
    • Poor contrast reduces readability and increases user frustration, potentially leading to lost conversions for e-commerce sites.

    Solution

    Use color contrast tools to check your text and background combinations. Aim for contrast ratios that meet WCAG standards, like a ratio of at least 4.5:1 for most text.

    Keyboard Navigation Failures

    Not everyone navigates a website using a mouse or a trackpad. Many rely on their keyboard (or keyboard-like devices) to move through links, buttons, and form fields.

    Why It Matters

    • If a website’s interactive elements are not properly coded for tab or arrow-key navigation, users with motor impairments or who rely on screen readers can become “stuck” on the site or unable to complete essential tasks.
    • In e-commerce, this can cause significant revenue loss if customers cannot move through the purchase funnel without a mouse.

    Solution

    Make sure you can move between all clickable or interactive elements using the keyboard alone. This includes things like buttons, links, and form fields.

    Missing Form Input Labels

    Forms with missing or unclear labels can create major barriers. Users relying on assistive technology might not understand what data each form field requires.

    Why It Matters

    • For e-commerce, if a prospective buyer cannot fill out billing and shipping forms, they simply can’t complete a purchase.
    • Proper labeling reduces errors, cart abandonment, and user frustration.

    Solution

    Always pair form fields with clear and descriptive labels. For instance, “First Name” should clearly label the first name field.

    Missing or Improperly Structured Headings

    Headings (e.g., <h1>, <h2> provide a logical structure for your content, enabling users with screen readers to navigate effectively.

    Why It Matters

    • Screen readers often rely on heading tags to jump to different sections of the page.
    • A lack of proper hierarchy can make content confusing and time-consuming to navigate, especially if headings are out of order (e.g., an <h3> directly following an <h1>).

    What Monitoring Reveals

    Accessibility monitoring tools and manual audits can uncover pages with mismatched headings, missing headings, or headings used for stylistic purposes rather than structural ones.

    Benefits of Accessibility Monitoring for Web Developers and Ecommerce Managers

    Whether you’re responsible for building new platforms or maintaining existing ones, the benefits of accessibility monitoring extend far beyond mere compliance:

    Reduced Development Bottlenecks

    Identifying and fixing accessibility concerns early in the development process prevents technical debt from piling up. Smaller, more manageable updates are generally simpler to implement, saving development resources in the long run.

    Increased Conversion Rates

    Accessibility improvements often go hand in hand with better user experience. A site optimized for all users naturally boasts higher conversion rates because it eliminates unnecessary friction in the user journey.

    Stronger Data

    By continuously tracking accessibility metrics, you gain insight into how people actually use your site. This data can help shape design decisions and user research, contributing to a more holistic product strategy.

    Mitigated Legal Risks

    In many regions, having an inaccessible website can lead to lawsuits or fines. Ongoing monitoring demonstrates due diligence and places you in a stronger legal position if accessibility complaints arise.

    Recommended Tools for Accessibility Monitoring

    With various platforms and user scenarios to consider, it’s impossible to cover accessibility manually alone. Thankfully, a range of tools exist to help simplify this process:

    Automated Accessibility Scanners

    • WAVE: A browser extension that highlights accessibility issues right on the page and offers detailed explanations.
    • Accessibility Radar (a11y.Radar): An advanced accessibility scanning tool that provides comprehensive reports on accessibility compliance. It integrates seamlessly with development workflows, allowing for continuous monitoring and real-time feedback during the development process.
    • Google Lighthouse: An open-source, automated tool for improving the quality of web pages. It includes accessibility audits that evaluate elements like color contrast, ARIA attributes, and more, offering actionable insights to enhance your site’s accessibility.

    Color Contrast Analyzers

    • Contrast Checker by WebAIM: Allows you to input foreground and background colors to see if they meet WCAG guidelines.
    • Accessible Colors: This gives you suggestions on how to modify your color palette for better contrast.

    Screen Reader Testing

    • NVDA (Windows), VoiceOver (Mac/iOS), and TalkBack (Android) are commonly used screen readers. Testing your site with these tools ensures a real-world perspective.

    CI/CD Integration

    • GitHub Actions or GitLab CI: Integrate accessibility checks into your development pipeline so that new commits automatically trigger testing for accessibility regressions.

    Best Practices to Maintain an Accessible Website

    A robust monitoring strategy is only as good as the actions you take based on its findings. Below are some best practices to ensure that your site remains inclusive:

    Make Accessibility Part of Your Design Process

    Rather than retrofitting accessibility at the end, consider accessibility from the start. Involve accessibility specialists, if possible, during the wireframing and design phases.

    Prioritize Semantics and Structure

    Use HTML elements according to their intended purposes. Properly labeled headings, lists, and form fields help both users and assistive technologies make sense of your content.

    Adhere Strictly to WCAG Standards

    Aim for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance at a minimum. Familiarizing yourself and your team with these guidelines reduces guesswork and ensures you’re meeting widely recognized standards.

    Incorporate Regular Training

    All team members, from designers to content writers, should understand the basics of accessibility. This ensures a unified approach and reduces the likelihood of new barriers being introduced.

    Schedule Routine Audits

    Even if your tools are robust, manual reviews are still invaluable. Implement a monthly or quarterly accessibility review process to catch anything automated tools might miss, such as nuanced usability concerns.

    Create an Accessibility Statement

    Let users know your site strives for accessibility. Provide them with a clear channel to report issues, demonstrating that you value their feedback and are committed to continuous improvement.

    Conclusion

    Maintaining a website that is usable and delightful for everyone requires consistent attention to accessibility. Through routine accessibility monitoring, you can uncover the most common barriers—like missing alt text, color contrast issues, and keyboard navigation failures—and address them long before they negatively impact the user experience or invite legal complications.

    216digital offers a variety of accessibility monitoring solutions and packages. If you’d like to know more, please reach out using the contact form below.

    Greg McNeil

    January 27, 2025
    Web Accessibility Monitoring
    a11y.Radar, Accessibility, Accessibility monitoring, Web Accessibility, web accessibility monitoring, Website Accessibility
  • 5 Best Practices for Maintaining Web Accessibility

    5 Best Practices for Maintaining Web Accessibility

    You’ve dedicated a lot of time and money to ensure your website is accessible to users with disabilities. But web accessibility is not just a one-time task; it’s an ongoing commitment. Once your website or app is built or remediated, how do you keep it accessible? Maintenance.

    Maintenance is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle, yet it is often overlooked. By maintaining compliance with WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), you not only uphold inclusivity but also safeguard your site against potential legal risks.

    Here, we explore five best practices for maintaining web accessibility to prevent pitfalls that may cause your site to drift into non-compliance.

    Why Maintain Your Website’s Web Accessibility?

    Change is a constant in online business. Websites are dynamic, with frequent updates to content, design, and functionality. Unfortunately, each change can impact accessibility. For instance, adding a new video without captions or an image without alt text can create barriers for users with disabilities. Even small changes can create new barriers, putting you in legal hot water.

    Legal Compliance

    ADA compliance is not just about being inclusive; it’s also about staying on the right side of the law. The ADA requires that websites be accessible to people with disabilities. Failing to meet these standards can lead to costly lawsuits. With the rise of copycat lawsuits targeting businesses for ADA violations, staying compliant is more important than ever. In 2023 alone, more than 700 lawsuits—25% of all web accessibility cases—were filed against companies previously sued for ADA violations.

    So, we often hear the same question from our clients: How do we stay compliant?

    1. Conduct Manual Testing and User Testing

    Manual audits are crucial for maintaining ADA compliance. These audits involve a comprehensive review of your website to identify and address any accessibility issues. While automated tools can detect clear-cut technical issues, they miss out on nuances only a trained professional can spot. Accessibility experts will navigate your site, examining each element to make sure it meets WCAG 2.1 AA.

    It’s a meticulous process that requires experts to use a variety of browsers and assistive technologies, such as screen readers or voice recognition software, to diagnose subtle accessibility barriers.

    In every report that we conduct at 216digital, we include the steps needed to recreate non-compliant issues, including:

    1. A Detailed List of Issues: Specific WCAG criteria were violated, their location on your website, screenshots and code snippets for clarity, and their severity.
    2. Recommendations for Remediation: Practical solutions to remediate issues, the urgency of fixing them, and a link to exact WCAG guidelines.
    3. Compliance Level: How compliant your website is with established accessibility standards.

    Learn more about the importance of manual audits in our article, ‘​​What is Manual Testing and Remediation?’

    User Testing with Individuals with Disabilities

    In addition to technical audits, user testing with individuals with disabilities provides invaluable insights. These users can identify real-world accessibility barriers that automated tools might miss. Regular user testing ensures that your website is usable by everyone and helps you stay connected with your audience’s needs.

    2. Automate Testing Whenever Possible

    Automation can be a lifesaver when it comes to maintaining web accessibility. These tools can scan your website for common issues like missing alt text, low-contrast text, and improper heading structures—allowing your team to address them promptly.

    Tips for automating testing:

    • Choose the Right Tools: Several popular automated testing tools, such as WAVE, Axe, and Lighthouse, are available. These tools provide detailed reports on accessibility issues and offer suggestions for remediation.
    • Continuous Integration (CI) Pipelines: Integrate accessibility checks into your CI pipelines. Every time the code is pushed, it’s automatically checked for accessibility issues. This proactive approach ensures that problems are caught and fixed before they reach your users. It also empowers developers to verify their work regularly.

    216digital’s a11y.Radar Monitoring Service

    If you’re looking for a more hands-off approach, consider using a monitoring service like 216digital’s a11y.Radar. Through our work in the trenches of the ADA web remediation space, we were able to reverse-engineer the process in which many of the prolific ADA non-compliance lawsuit firms identify their targets. We realized that the vast majority of cases are filed solely based on the results of automated scanning tools. That’s why we developed Accessibility Radar—to help you stay clear of their legal actions without constant oversight.

    How Does a11y.Radar ADA Monitoring Work? 

    a11y.Radar monitors your ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, whether done by your digital team or an outside agency. You’ll get detailed reports and updates on content, code, and user experience issues that could hinder users or threaten your accessibility standards. Plus, our easy-to-use interface lets your team see current issues and manage fixes efficiently.

    a11y.Radar includes:

    • Site-wide Accessibility Audit
    • Detailed Issues Reports
    • Archived Issues Over Time
    • Automated Email Risk Assessment
    • Current Web Compliance Status

    3. Screen Reader Validation

    The best way to make sure people with disabilities can use your website is to test it with assistive technology tools like screen readers. This is similar to how you check your site on both desktop and mobile devices. Screen reader testing can cover many different situations. With some training, your QA team can handle these tests, or you could hire a third-party vendor to help. Every time you make a big update or add new content, it’s important to check the changes with a screen reader.

    How to Conduct Screen Reader Testing

    Screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver are available. Testing your site with these tools can help you identify and fix issues that automated testing might not catch. For instance, ensure that all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard and that descriptive text is provided for links and buttons. When issues are identified, work with your development team to address them promptly. This ensures that your website remains accessible with each update.

    How to Do It:

    • Pre-Release Testing: Include screen reader testing as part of your pre-release checklist for major updates.
    • Feedback Loop: Gather feedback from screen reader users and address any issues promptly.
    • Documentation: Keep thorough documentation of screen reader test results and the steps taken to resolve any issues.

    4. Provide Ongoing Training and Education

    Maintaining web accessibility is a team effort. Training your team on accessibility best practices ensures everyone involved in your website’s development and maintenance is aware of their responsibilities. This includes designers, developers, content creators, and project managers.

    Ongoing Education

    Accessibility training should be an ongoing process. Regular workshops, webinars, and courses can help keep your team updated on the latest WCAG guidelines and technologies. There are many online resources available, such as the W3C’s Web Accessibility Initiative, which offers tutorials and guidelines on various aspects of web accessibility.

    5. Integrate Accessibility into Your Workflow

    Accessibility isn’t just a one-time project—it should become a part of how your company operates every day. While senior leaders and management bear the ultimate responsibility for making sure your website or app is accessible, everyone in the organization plays a role in achieving and maintaining it.

    Accessibility must be seen as a priority that guides every decision. When everyone understands and embraces this goal, reaching it becomes much easier.

    Here’s how you can make it happen:

    Making Accessibility a Core Value

    Accessibility needs to be a core value of your organization to maintain ADA compliance effectively. This means integrating accessibility into every aspect of your web development process. From the initial design phase to content creation and coding, consider how each decision will affect users with disabilities.

    Support from Leadership

    Make sure your company’s leaders fully understand the importance of accessibility and are committed to maintaining it. Their support is crucial for driving organizational change and allocating necessary resources.

    Team Collaboration

    Encourage different departments—like marketing, design, development, and customer service—to work together. Each team member should understand how they contribute to accessibility and why their role matters.

    Stay Web Accessible with 216digital

    Just one update to your website is enough to make it inaccessible. After months or years of hard work and money spent on accessibility, shouldn’t you put in the last-mile effort to make sure it stays that way?

    Remember, accessibility is not a destination but a journey. Stay proactive, stay informed, and keep making your website a welcoming place for everyone.

    216digital is happy to be an ongoing resource. While your project with us may be complete, we are still an ongoing reference and partner to help you with future projects.

    Greg McNeil

    August 16, 2024
    Web Accessibility Monitoring
    Accessibility monitoring, digital accessibility, Maintaining Web Accessibility, Web Accessibility, web accessibility monitoring, Website Accessibility
  • Do You Need Web Accessibility Monitoring?

    Do You Need Web Accessibility Monitoring?

    Your website is now accessible, but there’s more to be done. Web Accessibility is not a one-and-done task – it’s an ongoing effort to make sure that everyone can easily use and access your site.

    While remediation is an excellent first step, the truth is that you’re just getting started. You now have to keep up the progress you’ve made with your site through constant observation, assessment, and development. 

    In this post, we’ll go over why you need web accessibility monitoring and what you should look for to maintain your digital properties. 

    Challenges in Maintaining Accessibility

    To run an online business successfully, you must be prepared to adapt to constant change. However, updates to your website, such as adding new content or features like forms or plugins, can affect its accessibility.

    Even small changes can create accessibility barriers. Each change carries the risk of making your website difficult to use for people with disabilities,, and you may not even be aware of it.

    Challenges A Website Could Experience

    Here are some common challenges a website might face:

    • Lack of Training: Staff responsible for maintaining the website may lack awareness or understanding of accessibility principles and techniques.
    • Content Updates:  Modifying the website’s content and adding new features. 
    • Third-Party Widgets or Plugins: Websites rely on external plugins and tools, which can be challenging to keep up-to-date and accessible.

    Regular audits and testing are essential to ensure your website is accessible to everyone. One way to do this is through monitoring. But how do you monitor your website?

    What is Web Accessibility Monitoring?

    Accessibility monitoring is an ongoing and proactive process that regularly checks online content for accessibility violations. Think of it as an early warning system, allowing developers and content creators to identify and fix potential barriers quickly.

    There are two ways to monitor accessibility: automated and manual. However, they differ significantly in their approach and the level of thoroughness they provide. Below, you can find a description of both.

    Automated Monitoring

    Automated tools use algorithms to quickly scan web pages for accessibility issues based on predefined criteria. They are efficient for identifying certain barriers, such as missing alternative text for images or improper use of headings. However, automated tools will only catch 30% of issues and should be used with manual testing.

    Manual Monitoring

    Manual testing involves human experts reviewing web pages to identify accessibility barriers using assistive technologies such as screen readers. Human testers can provide a deeper insight that automated tools may miss, such as understanding the context of content or the user experience for people with disabilities. However, manual testing is time-consuming and labor-intensive. It may not be feasible for frequent updates or large-scale projects.

    Why You Should Use a Monitoring Service

    Having a web accessibility monitoring service is crucial for various reasons:

    1. Legal Compliance

    In many countries, including the United States, laws require websites to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. For instance, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that both state and federal agencies make their online content usable for everyone. Monitoring services are vital in ensuring compliance with these regulations by regularly checking a website’s accessibility.

    To learn more about laws regarding web accessibility, check out our article, “Navigating Digital Accessibility Regulation in 2024.”

    2. Risk Management

    ADA compliance isn’t just a one-time task; it’s an ongoing commitment. Failing to meet accessibility standards can lead to legal risks such as lawsuits and fines. In 2023 alone, federal and state courts dealt with 4,605 lawsuits related to web accessibility, with over 25% targeting companies previously sued for similar issues.

    Regularly monitoring your website helps mitigate these risks by identifying any violations promptly.

    3. Spotting Barriers Early

    Monitoring services can detect accessibility barriers caused by updates, changes in code, or new content. Addressing these issues early in development can help save time and resources.

    4. Documentation

    These services also document a website’s accessibility level, which is crucial for tracking improvements and proving compliance with standards.

    Analyzing this data helps teams identify recurring issues and patterns, enabling strategic planning to enhance accessibility through regular maintenance and updates.

    5. Enhancing User Experience

    Accessibility isn’t just about following rules; it’s about providing a better experience for all users. Accessible websites are easier to use, leading to higher user satisfaction and retention. Monitoring services enable you to identify usability issues and enhance the overall user experience.

    6. Cost-Effective Development

    Dealing with accessibility issues early in development is more cost-effective than making changes later. Regular monitoring helps catch problems before they escalate, reducing the resources needed for fixes and potential legal fees.

    What to Look for in a Monitoring Service

    Choosing the right web accessibility monitoring service is crucial to ensure your website is usable by everyone, including those with disabilities. Here are key factors to consider:

    1. Accessibility Standards: Check if the service follows recognized standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), covering levels A, AA, or AAA.
    2. Type of Monitoring: Look for a service offering automated and manual testing
    3. Scalability: Check if the service can handle large or multiple websites. It should handle the scale of your site and provide accurate results.
    4. Integration: Select a service that seamlessly integrates with your existing workflows, including your Content Management System (CMS) or development environment.
    5. Reporting: Opt for a service that offers detailed reports for tracking progress.
    6. Training and Resources: Look for resources such as training materials to help your team understand and implement accessibility improvements.
    7. Cost: Evaluate pricing based on factors such as the number of pages, frequency of scans, and additional features.

    Before deciding, try out a few services to find the best fit for your needs. 

    216digital’s a11y.Radar ADA Monitoring

    Ensuring your website remains accessible is an ongoing task, but it needn’t be daunting. With 216digital‘s a11y.Radar ADA monitoring service, you’re equipped with the tools and insights needed to maintain an ADA-compliant website that welcomes all users.

     a11y.Radar is an automated recurring ADA web compliance auditing platform.a11y.Radar ADA monitoring service reports on your ongoing accessibility efforts, whether conducted by your internal digital teams or an outside web agency. Access enhanced dashboards and receive updates to content, code, and user experience that could pose potential blocks to users or threaten your accessibility standards. In addition, our seamless interface allows your team members to view current issues and manage pending adjustments.

    a11y.Radars Key Features include:

    • Dynamic Dashboard Display
    • Compliance Scans
    • Detailed Issues Reports
    • Issues Over Time
    • Manual Testing Reports
    • Email Alerts
    • Current Web Compliance Status

    Schedule a complimentary ADA strategy briefing to speak with one of our accessibility experts about a11y.Radar ADA Monitoring today. 

    Greg McNeil

    June 27, 2024
    Web Accessibility Monitoring
    Accessibility, Accessibility monitoring, ADA, ADA Compliance, web accessibility monitoring, Website Accessibility, Website Accessibility Tools
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