A Website Accessibility Consultant for Your Business is Essential
The world of ADA compliance is fraught with complexity and potential pitfalls. An inaccessible website can be devastating to your business, as it can result in thousands of dollars in legal fees as well as damage to your brand’s reputation.
When your business is hit with a lawsuit after failing to meet ADA requirements, the legal costs can be incredibly high, including the approximately $5,000 to $15,000 allocated to the plaintiff’s law firm, around $5,000 spent on a defense attorney, and between $2,000 to $20,000 for audit and remediation costs. In extreme cases, the consequences of having an inaccessible website can cost upwards of $6 million– which is how much retail giant Target had to pay in 2008 when the company settled a lawsuit against the National Federation of the Blind.
According to EcomBack’s estimates in our annual ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuit Report, there has been a slight improvement in the level of seriousness with which U.S. businesses approach website accessibility. In 2023, 3,862 cases were filed, compared to the approximate 4,334 cases filed in 2022. However, progress is still being made to ensure that people with disabilities have total accessibility in the digital world.
By hiring a consultant for ADA website compliance, your business can avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary litigation. This blog delves into why hiring a consultant is essential for effectively navigating ADA compliance, especially within a budget, providing you with a sense of security and reassurance.
Find Affordable Web Accessibility Services
Despite what many people believe, there are cost-effective ways to achieve ADA compliance. Consultants help with that, devising a budget that fits your needs, hopefully providing you with a sense of relief and less stress.
Among the many valuable skills that consultants bring to the table, they are especially useful when it comes to identifying and circumventing unnecessary or ineffective services that can drain resources. These could include ongoing subscriptions to accessibility widgets or overlay tools that don’t address your specific accessibility needs or solutions that offer little value in terms of improving your website’s accessibility. They may even increase your exposure to litigation by plaintiff firms that seek out websites who use them.
An experienced accessibility consultant will provide insights through a manual website accessibility audit on what is genuinely essential for your website’s compliance, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to meaningful improvements in accessibility. This approach not only saves time and money but also directs your investment toward strategies that have a real impact on compliance and user experience.
The Vital Role of an ADA Expert
Consultants play a crucial role in ensuring your website meets ADA requirements. They provide tailored advice while also considering your unique situation and financial constraints. Compared to other approaches, working with a consultant means every step of the process is taken care of, from conducting a website scan and manual audit to interpreting results, achieving effective remediation, and addressing key accessibility issues. This strategic approach enhances compliance efforts and is expected to significantly lower the risk of facing legal action.
What to Look for in an ADA Consultant
The journey towards accessibility can be difficult, and it’s a commitment to continuously improve your website. Effective consultants provide clarity in this journey, setting definitive goals and milestones. They help you avoid common pitfalls like ongoing, unnecessary subscriptions or solutions that offer little value. This journey involves understanding the nuances of accessibility standards and implementing them in a way that aligns with your specific business context.
Below are some key points to look for when selecting an ADA consultant. These factors can guide you in selecting an ADA consultant who not only meets your organization’s needs but also ensures that you achieve and maintain accessibility standards.
- Expertise and Experience: When looking for an ADA consultant, it’s important to find experts who are familiar with relevant laws and regulations. They should also have up-to-date knowledge of WCAG 2.1 AA. standards, which is the globally recognized framework for web accessibility. While not necessary, it’s also a good idea to find a consultant who has experience working with businesses like yours.
- Track Record: Look for consultants who have proven success in helping businesses achieve ADA compliance. Positive reviews or testimonials from past clients should indicate that their services could be right for you.
- Communication Skills: ADA consultants must communicate clearly and effectively to explain complex ADA requirements and recommendations. Your entire staff must be trained on the latest compliance requirements, so the best quality in a consultant is when they have effective teaching skills. Additionally, they should be responsive and offer ongoing support.
Salespeople vs. Consultants
Navigating the ADA compliance landscape can be daunting, particularly for small businesses often targeted by misleading sales pitches. While enticing, these pitches frequently lack the substantive guidance necessary for true ADA compliance, leading to potential legal issues. A consultant’s role is crucial in this scenario.
Unlike salespeople, a consultant’s focus is on guiding your efforts toward genuine compliance and reducing the risk of litigation. They provide the strategic direction necessary to ensure your efforts are not just compliant but also effective in the long term.
Above all else, achieving a fully accessible website is the goal. With the help of experts, you can develop a long-term strategy that ensures your efforts are purposeful and effective, leaving you with a sense of pride and satisfaction in your fully accessible and compliant online presence.
Contact EcomBack for Expert Consultation
Hiring an accessibility consultant is a key strategic decision for businesses seeking ADA compliance. Consultants provide invaluable expertise, helping you navigate ADA compliance’s complexities, prevent legal litigation, and enhance your brand’s commitment to inclusivity.
As a member of the W3C and the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, EcomBack offers expert consultation and tailored services to meet your business’s website accessibility needs and goals. Get a free audit and find out how we can help you. Our focus is on guiding you through the process efficiently and ensuring your website is fully accessible and compliant.
Contact EcomBack today for professional advice on ADA website compliance.
