Skip to Main Content Accessibility Settings

We should all be able to enjoy the full benefits of the web.

Why is an accessible website important to people with disabilities?

  • A more inclusive online community.
  • Equal opportunities.
  • Enhanced quality of life.

Why is it important to your business?

  • Social Responsibility: Meet your social responsibility to create a more inclusive digital world.
  • Equality: Contribute to a fair and equal online experience for all.
  • Empowerment: Empower people with disabilities to access information and services.
  • Market Growth: Attract a broader customer base by ensuring everyone has access to your content.
  • SEO Benefits: Implementing WCAG can improve search engine rankings and online visibility.
  • Risk Reduction: Minimize legal exposure and expenses related to compliance.

How WCAG
Makes
Your Website
Accessible

WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. It's an internationally recognized set of standards that was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), in an effort to make website content more accessible to people with disabilities.

WCAG has three levels of compliance

We work with our clients to make their websites compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA.

As of October 2, 2023, WCAG 2.2 has been published.
We are currently in the process of reviewing the new guidelines to determine their impact.

  • Level A

    This is the bare minimum to be compliant and the easiest level to obtain.

  • Level AA

    Harder to obtain than Level A, but easier than Level AAA. Additional work is required to maintain.

  • Level AAA

    This is the hardest level to obtain. Typically, it requires a lot of on-going work to maintain this level.

How We
Implement
WCAG

We have a three-phase approach to making your website WCAG compliant.

  • Phase 1
    Review, Implement and Training

    We will review your website and provide you with a report on what it will take to make your website WCAG compliant. We will make any necessary code and programming changes to your website to make it WCAG compliant. Any changes that may require a design or visual modification will be coordinate with you before its made.

    When possible, based on your website's framework, we can implement our custom website accessibility tool that allows users with disabilities to customize your website to best meet their needs.

    We will either provide training for your team on how to keep your website compliant or we can maintain the website compliant for you.

  • Phase 2
    Third Party Review

    We work with a prominent, trusted and nationwide advocacy group that has been fighting for the rights of the disabled for decades, to obtain a letter of compliance. The letter will state that your website is in compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA as of the date the letter was issued.

  • Phase 3
    On-Going Review

    Depending on how often your website content will change, we may recommend an annual review to ensure you stay in compliance.

FAQ *

  • Am I required to make my website accessible to people with disabilities?

    The question of whether you are required to make your website accessible to people with disabilities is complex. In a letter to the House of Representatives dated September 25, 2018, the Department of Justice (DOJ) stated:

    "The department first articulated its interpretation that the ADA applies to public accommodation's websites over 20 years ago. This interpretation is consistent with the ADA's Title III requirement that goods, services, privileges, or activities provided by places of public accommodation be equally accessible to people with disabilities."

    However, whether this interpretation applies to your specific business is a matter that should be discussed with your legal counsel. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation.

  • Are there specific regulations that private companies need to comply with?

    While there may not be specific regulations mandated for private companies, it's essential to note that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has consistently maintained the position that the absence of a specific regulation does not excuse noncompliance with a statute's requirements. This means that even without explicit regulations, companies may still be obligated to adhere to the ADA's general principles of nondiscrimination and effective communication.

    Additionally, in 2016, the European Union (E.U.) introduced an accessibility directive aimed at enhancing the accessibility of public sector websites and mobile apps. Public sector websites created before September 23, 2018, falling under this directive, are required to achieve compliance by September 23, 2020. Websites created after September 23, 2018, must achieve compliance by September 23, 2019.

    It's worth noting that the business industry is advocating for the DOJ to align more closely with international standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) due to the rising number of accessibility-related lawsuits. Many companies see adopting WCAG as a legal safeguard to protect themselves."

    This response more directly addresses the question regarding specific regulations for private companies and elaborates on the relevant considerations.

  • Given the absence of clear regulations for private companies, what grounds are used for lawsuits against them?

    Our understanding, based on conversations with several compliance firms and advocacy groups, is that because accessibility regulations remain somewhat ambiguous, some lawyers are using this uncertainty as an opportunity to file lawsuits against companies. They hope that these companies will choose to settle rather than risk a potentially costly legal battle in court.

  • Will I receive a Certificate of Compliance once my website is compliant?

    Obtaining a Certificate of Compliance for website accessibility isn't typically available, as there are no universally recognized regulatory bodies providing such certificates for private companies. However, you can request a letter of compliance from a web accessibility consultant or organization, stating that your website adheres to the WCAG standards. This letter can serve as documentation of your commitment to accessibility and may be useful for demonstrating your efforts in compliance.

  • Is EO certified to provide a letter of compliance?

    We do not provide a formal certification for website accessibility compliance. However, we have substantial experience in implementing WCAG compliance and collaborate with a nationally recognized advocacy group. This partnership allow us to assist you in achieving website accessibility and can provide a letter of compliance to demonstrate your adherence to accessibility standards.

  • How much will this cost?

    The cost of achieving website accessibility compliance can vary significantly, depending on how your website was originally designed and structured. To determine the exact cost for your specific case, we can conduct a thorough review of your website and assess the necessary modifications.

    It's important to note that there are typically two separate costs associated with achieving compliance:

    Cost #1: Updating your website to meet accessibility standards (Phase 1). This cost will depend on the extent of changes required to ensure compliance.

    Cost #2: Obtaining a letter of compliance from a third-party organization (Phase 2). The cost for this phase can also vary and will depend on the specific services and assessments provided by the third party.

    To get a precise estimate for your website's compliance, we recommend initiating the review process so that we can provide you with more accurate cost estimates for both phases.

* This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. EO Design Group is not a law firm and does not offer legal counsel. We are solely sharing this information to help you better understand the importance of implementing WCAG. When it comes to legal matters, it is essential to seek advice from legal counsel.