The push towards a more inclusive web for individuals with disabilities, such as vision, hearing, motor impairments, epilepsy, cognitive disabilities, and more, aligns with broader social efforts towards inclusivity. This initiative has legal implications across different regions, with countries like Canada implementing specific web accessibility standards. Meanwhile, in the United States, the legal framework guided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 is evolving, establishing a precedent for web accessibility despite the absence of clear legislation for private businesses.

For contemporary WordPress websites, utilizing tools like Kadence Builder can inherently satisfy many accessibility standards, provided the website’s design adheres to compliance criteria. However, it’s important to note that while such tools significantly aid in achieving accessibility, they may not cover all requirements. Research has shown that websites that require meeting government accessibility standards are on average two times as costly to build. When it comes to retrofitting existing websites, the path to full accessibility becomes more complex. This is the reason we’re delving into the subject in the discussion that follows, aiming to shed light on the nuances of remediation for established sites.

Understanding Legal Requirements

• Canada: Enforces specific laws and regulations for web accessibility.
• United States: Influenced by ADA Title III and Section 508 for government funded websites, yet lacks specific legislation for private entities.
• Global: The WCAG AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) serves as a universal standard, embraced by numerous countries without being legally consequential in itself.

For WordPress site owners, achieving web accessibility is both a legal requirement and a moral obligation in many jurisdictions, necessitating an evaluation of cost-effective compliance strategies:

1. Audit and Manual Remediation: The Comprehensive Approach

Overview: The most thorough method involving expert audits and manual remediation of identified issues.

Cost Range:

• Audit Costs: $1,000 to $5,000+, varying with site complexity. Includes manual checks and realistic testing with disability software like NVDA and JAWS.
• Remediation Costs: From several thousand dollars for minor updates to over $10,000 for significant redesigns.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Costs vary based on the extent of updates and changes.

2. Audit and Manual Remediation: The More Affordable Option

Overview: Utilizes free audit scanners for a high-level assessment, followed by manual remediation of identified issues, focusing on basic compliance.

Cost Range:

• Audit Costs: Utilizes free scanners like WAVE by AIM or Axe by Deque Labs, noting that these tools may only detect 20-25% of all known issues.
• Remediation Costs: Ranges from a few hundred dollars for minor updates to many thousand, aiming for some basic compliance and maximum return on investment.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Costs vary depending on the extent of updates and changes to the site.

3. Accessibility Overlay Tools: The Automated Solution

Overview: An automated, cost-effective alternative to manual remediation, often including an accessibility policy.

Cost Range:

• Subscription Costs: $49 to $500 per month, based on the provider and website scale.
• Setup Fees: Ranges from $100 to $1,000, with many providers not charging extra.

Tool Summaries:

• Accessibe: Advanced daily automated scanning and remediation with minimal configuration; faces criticism despite claims of preventing lawsuits. Most well known overlay and includes some level of legal assistance. Starts at $490 / yr for 1,000 site pages.
• UserWay: Extensive criteria coverage by offering unlimited page coverage. Also offers legal assistance and a warranty. Customizable accessibility policy. Starts at $490 / yr for unlimited site pages.
• One Click Accessibility: A free option focusing on basic compliance, only available for WordPress and does not include daily monitoring for compliance. Not assistance or warranty.

4. Accessibility Policy and Contact Page: The Basic Compliance

Overview:

Creating an accessibility statement and setting up a contact page for issue reporting is the most cost-effective approach to compliance. Although this strategy can offer a degree of legal safeguarding, it could potentially have adverse effects if the website remains non-compliant. This approach implicitly acknowledges the organization’s awareness of accessibility requirements but also highlights a failure to make significant progress toward becoming accessible.

Cost Range:

• Development Costs: Minimal if in-house; outsourcing may cost $100 to $500 for professional services.

Conclusion

Choosing the right approach to web accessibility depends on your organization’s budget, resources, and commitment to inclusivity. While the comprehensive audit and remediation ensure thorough compliance, more affordable options and overlay tools offer viable steps towards meeting legal requirements and demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. Investing in accessibility not only mitigates legal risks but also broadens your site’s audience by enhancing usability for everyone.

Please be aware that the cost estimates provided are approximate and may vary. The information presented should not be interpreted as legal advice, nor does our company offer any guarantees regarding compliance. For tailored advice and detailed information, it is recommended to consult with an accessibility expert or legal advisor.