How to Offer ADA Compliance Audits for Websites
As more businesses move online, ensuring digital accessibility has become not just an ethical necessity but a legal requirement.
Offering ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance audits for websites is a valuable service that helps clients avoid lawsuits and reach a broader audience.
This guide walks you through how to effectively provide ADA compliance audits, from understanding the law to using the right tools and building trust with your clients.
Table of Contents
- What Is ADA Compliance?
- Why ADA Audits Matter
- Tools and Standards You Need
- How to Conduct an ADA Audit
- Reporting and Remediation
- How to Offer This as a Service
- Conclusion
What Is ADA Compliance?
ADA compliance refers to making websites accessible to users with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
It includes ensuring compatibility with screen readers, keyboard navigation, color contrast, and more.
Most websites follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, which are used as the standard for accessibility in the U.S.
Why ADA Audits Matter
Non-compliance with ADA can lead to lawsuits, lost customers, and reputational damage.
According to a report by UsableNet, over 4,000 ADA-related lawsuits were filed in 2023 alone targeting digital accessibility.
By offering audits, you help businesses reduce risk, improve user experience, and demonstrate social responsibility.
Tools and Standards You Need
To offer ADA audits professionally, you need a solid understanding of WCAG 2.1 guidelines and ADA Title III requirements.
Tools you can use include:
- WAVE by WebAIM
- axe DevTools
- Lighthouse Accessibility Audit
- NVDA and VoiceOver screen readers for manual testing
These tools help detect contrast errors, missing labels, incorrect heading structure, and other accessibility issues.
How to Conduct an ADA Audit
Step 1: Automated Testing
Start with automated testing tools to catch common issues quickly.
This saves time and gives you a baseline of the site's accessibility status.
Step 2: Manual Review
Automated tests only detect around 30% of accessibility problems.
You need to manually test using screen readers, keyboard navigation, and by reviewing semantic HTML.
Step 3: Compliance Checklist
Use a checklist based on WCAG 2.1 to ensure all critical areas are covered — from text alternatives to navigability and readability.
Reporting and Remediation
After the audit, prepare a comprehensive report that includes:
- Summary of findings
- Screenshots or video examples
- Severity levels
- Step-by-step remediation advice
Include actionable items that developers and designers can follow to fix the issues efficiently.
You can also offer remediation services or partner with agencies that specialize in accessible design.
How to Offer This as a Service
Position yourself as an accessibility expert by building a strong portfolio and demonstrating compliance knowledge.
Here are some ways to promote your services:
- Offer free mini-audits as lead magnets
- Publish case studies on your blog
- Partner with web development firms and marketing agencies
Don’t forget to stay updated with legal changes, as ADA regulations and interpretations can evolve.
Clients appreciate professionals who not only assess but also educate and guide them.
Conclusion
ADA compliance is more than just a checkbox — it’s about creating inclusive digital experiences for all users.
By offering thorough, data-driven audits and actionable reports, you position yourself as a valuable asset to any organization with an online presence.
With the right tools, knowledge, and approach, you can turn accessibility into a thriving service niche.
For more insights and strategies on web accessibility and audits, check out the link below.
Keywords: ADA compliance, website accessibility, WCAG audit, ADA audit service, accessibility tools
