Over 98% of websites contain accessibility errors, creating barriers for millions of users. If your website is one of them, you could be at risk of lawsuits, reputational damage, and lost customers. A WCAG auditing consultant can help you identify and fix these issues, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards and improving user experience. But not all consultants offer the same level of expertise. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing the right one.
Why WCAG Matters
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the industry standard for digital accessibility. They provide technical recommendations for making websites, apps, and digital documents accessible to people with disabilities.
Beyond compliance, an accessible website benefits businesses by:
- Expanding audience reach
- Improving SEO rankings
- Enhancing brand reputation
- Reducing legal risks
Through our experience with accessibility compliance, we’ve seen firsthand how businesses struggle with WCAG implementation. Many assume that simply adding an accessibility widget is enough, but true compliance requires a structured audit and remediation plan.
Key Qualifications to Look For
Relevant Certifications
A qualified consultant should hold industry-recognized certifications that demonstrate expertise in digital accessibility, such as:
- CPACC (Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies)
- WAS (Web Accessibility Specialist)
- ADS (Accessible Document Specialist)
These certifications indicate that the consultant understands both the technical and legal aspects of accessibility compliance.
Proven Experience and Case Studies
Accessibility compliance isn’t just about knowing the guidelines – it’s about applying them effectively. When evaluating a consultant, ask:
- Have they worked on websites similar to yours?
- Can they provide case studies or client testimonials?
- Do they have experience in your industry?
A consultant with a strong track record in your sector will be better equipped to navigate industry-specific challenges.
Technical Expertise and Audit Methodology
An effective WCAG audit goes beyond automated testing. While tools like Axe, WAVE, and Lighthouse can identify many issues, a comprehensive audit should also include:
- Manual Testing – Using screen readers, keyboard navigation, and real-world scenarios to identify usability issues.
- Assistive Technology Expertise – Knowledge of tools like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver to test how users with disabilities interact with your site.
- Code-Level Analysis – Reviewing HTML, ARIA attributes, and JavaScript for compliance issues.
A thorough audit follows a structured approach:
- Assessment – Reviewing the website’s structure and identifying areas for testing.
- Testing – Conducting automated scans and manual evaluations.
- Reporting – Delivering a detailed report outlining issues, severity levels, and recommended fixes.
As Daniel from EqualWeb explains:
“An audit is only as good as its methodology. Automated tools catch a fraction of the issues – manual testing is what truly ensures accessibility.”
Clear Communication and Reporting
A good accessibility report isn’t just a list of errors – it’s a roadmap to compliance. Your consultant should provide:
- Plain-language explanations instead of jargon.
- Prioritized recommendations so you know what to fix first.
- Actionable remediation steps that your developers can implement.
Reports should also differentiate between high-impact and low-impact issues, ensuring critical fixes are addressed first.
Ongoing Support and Training
Web accessibility is not a one-time project – it’s an ongoing commitment. The best WCAG consultants offer:
- Remediation support – Guiding your team through fixing identified issues.
- Accessibility training – Educating developers and content creators to maintain compliance.
- Follow-up audits – Regularly re-evaluating accessibility as your website evolves.
A consultant should act as a long-term partner, not just a one-time service provider.
Cost vs. Value
Pricing models vary depending on the size, complexity, and scope of the audit. Common pricing structures include:
- Hourly rates – Best for small-scale audits or consultations.
- Per-page pricing – Suitable for large websites with many unique templates.
- Project-based pricing – Provides a clear cost upfront for full-site audits.
While cost is a factor, view accessibility as an investment, not an expense. A well-executed audit helps businesses avoid lawsuits, improve user experience, and expand their customer base.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right WCAG auditing consultant requires more than just checking a few boxes – it requires ensuring they have the certifications, experience, and technical expertise to guide you toward full compliance. The best consultants don’t just flag issues; they provide solutions that integrate accessibility into your long-term strategy.
Prioritizing accessibility benefits both your business and your users. With the right expertise, achieving and maintaining compliance becomes a seamless part of your digital operations.
