YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST ACCESSIBILITY SOFTWARE

FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE INTERNET

By Shelby Ruch

As digital accessibility becomes increasingly important in our modern world, many companies and tools are stepping up to ensure compliance with accessibility standards, like Section 508 and the WCAG. Section 508, part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, mandates that federal agencies – and any businesses receiving federal funds – make their digital content accessible to people with disabilities. The WCAG, or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, provide technical standards to guide how we make digital content accessible. Accessibility is crucial, not just to avoid expensive and costly lawsuits, but because it’s the right thing to do. Businesses that prioritize accessible design can even reach a broader audience. 

Fortunately, several companies are stepping up with important accessibility tools and software to help you meet these standards, giving you a smoother path toward compliance and digital accessibility. 

KEY TOOLS AND COMPANIES LEADING THE CHARGE: 

Equidox provides cutting-edge tools for accessibility, but one thing that sets them apart is their extensive webinar archive. The webinars they host provide informative sessions on ADA compliance and accessibility solutions. Additionally, Equidox offers a broad resource library and newsletter to help you stay on top of important updates on the latest accessibility trends and standards. Their educational resources empower your business to take proactive steps to enhance your accessibility efforts.

Accessibility.com offers a comprehensive Digital Accessibility Vendor Directory, which is a valuable resource for businesses looking for accessibility solutions of all kinds. Their directory connects you with certified digital accessibility service providers. Not to mention, their platform makes it easier for you to find the right partner for you, all to help you achieve ADA and Section 508 compliance.

Level Access / UserWay is a leader in providing accessible design tools tailored for building accessible websites and apps. These free tools – like their color contrast checker and dyslexia font – help designers create digital content that meets ADA and Section 508 standards – from the very beginning of the design process. They also offer an extensive FAQ and tutorials section on their website, helping give you knowledge about the ins and outs of accessibility, and they equip designers, developers, and business owners with the knowledge and tools needed to create and maintain an accessible website. These resources can help you foster a culture of inclusivity in design from the ground up.

Deque Systems is known for their Color Contrast Analyzer, a simple yet powerful tool that ensures your website meets WCAG standards for color contrast. This is crucial for users with visual impairments and/or colorblindness. Proper color contrast makes both text and images easier to see. It may seem basic, but color contrast is one of the most frequently overlooked aspects of accessibility. Deque’s tool ensures your website’s colors are usable for everyone, regardless of their visual abilities.

JAWS®, or Job Access with Speech, by Freedom Scientific is one of the most popular screen readers for visually impaired users. It reads aloud the text on a screen, as well as allows for navigation using keyboard shortcuts. Making your digital content compatible with JAWS is vital for ensuring that users with visual disabilities can interact with your website. Millions of users rely on screen readers, so ensuring your website is compatible with tools like JAWS will help widen your audience and ensure compliance with accessibility laws. 

Implementing accessible design helps your business duck a lawsuit, improve customer satisfaction, reach a broader audience, and increase consumer loyalty. Moreover, accessible websites and digital content usually deliver a better user experience for everyone, not just those with disabilities. The best time to make your content accessible is now.

Whether you’re just beginning or need to remediate existing digital assets, Splash Box® Marketing is here to help you achieve compliance. Contact us today at info@splashbox.com or visit our website at splashbox.com for more information. ●