A comprehensive study analyzed over 63,000 websites. 88% of these websites are not compliant with the latest web accessibility standards. Less than 4% achieved full compliance.
Moreover, the first quarter of 2024 alone resulted in 1,136 digital accessibility lawsuits in U.S. state and federal courts.
Accessibility has become both a legal and business imperative. This is why many companies face a critical question: should they hire digital accessibility consultants or rely on accessibility Software? Learn the strengths and limitations of each option to make your digital platforms compliant and effective.
The answer is not always straightforward about accessibility software vs. digital accessibility services. You need to figure out which approach makes sense for your organization.
What Is an Accessibility Consultant?
Q: What does a digital accessibility consultant do?
A digital accessibility consultant is a professional who evaluates your websites, apps and software for accessibility. They run automated tools but also perform hands-on testing to ensure real-world accessibility.
ADACP, for example, provides:
- Accessibility testing to check how well your product works with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies.
- Remediation support to fix issues found during testing.
- Hands-on training for your team to maintain accessibility standards internally.
Q: Do I need a consultant if I already have accessibility software?
Automated software can catch common errors but real human testing finds issues that software can’t detect. No tool can tell you that the navigation flow of your website is illogical. Did you know automated accessibility scans are only 30% accurate? Therefore, you will need human intervention by experts to confirm total compliance.
What Is Accessibility Software?
Accessibility software includes tools and automated solutions that scan websites or digital platforms for compliance issues. Examples can be accessibility checkers like WAVE or Axe and color contrast analyzers.
Automated tools are excellent for catching obvious code errors, but they cannot test usability for real users with disabilities. For example, you will definitely need human evaluation for the screen reader test or keyboard navigation flow.
Q: How does accessibility software save time?
It provides quick reports and highlights common issues. Many organizations use software alongside consultants for a faster, more thorough solution.
Digital accessibility testing services vs. accessibility software: Key Differences
| Feature | Digital Accessibility Consultant | Accessibility Software |
| Human Testing | Hands-on real-world testing | Automated but limited scope |
| Remediation Support | Provides actionable guidance | Only flags issues |
| Training & Knowledge Transfer | Staff training & workshops | Not included |
| Speed | Can be slower if project is vast | Instant scans |
| Accuracy | Comprehensive, context-aware | Limited to detectable errors |
| Compliance Confidence | High and legally defensible | Partial, needs human review |
Q: Why is human testing important?
Many accessibility issues are contextual. For example, automated tools might pass color contrast rules but fail to account for readability for visually impaired users. A professional works beyond code standards. They ensure that your digital product works for actual users.
When Should You Use Accessibility Software?
Accessibility software is ideal for initial scans before hiring a consultant. You can use a tool if remediation is already done and now you only need ongoing monitoring of website updates. Only rely on tools for quick checks on small changes to digital content.
I recommend using software as a first step, followed by consultant-led testing. This combination reduces errors and helps businesses stay compliant faster.
Q: Can accessibility software replace digital accessibility solutions provided by an agency?
Software can assist and save time but a human consultant is essential for legally defensible VPATs, remediation plans, and hands-on training.
When Should You Hire a Digital Accessibility Consultant?
You will really need a consultant for accessibility in the following conditions:
- You work with federal contracts or government agencies that require Section 508 compliance
- You want a VPAT-compliant accessibility report
- You have plans for major website or software updates
- Your staff needs training for internal accessibility awareness
Q: How fast can a consultant deliver results?
Choose service providers that offer quick and reliable services. They often completing testing, remediation plans, and VPAT reports within days. Their dedicated team should be helping businesses meet deadlines efficiently.
You can even consult ADACP for digital accessibility solutions. The offer full accessibility audits, step-by-step remediation planning, hands-on training workshops and quick VPAT preparation for contracts.
Combine digital accessibility consultant services and testing software
Give your businesses the best of both worlds by combining software and a consultant.
Software will handle automated scans for obvious issues. Consultant will address complex, real-world problems and provide staff training.
This combination ensures compliance confidence, faster remediation, and better long-term accessibility.
Conclusion
If you want to decide between digital accessibility software and a human consultant, think about your business needs. Consider your compliance goals and understand that software alone cannot identify all of the accessibility issues. You will need human experts for testing, remediation, training and total digital accessibility compliance.
The best approach is often a combination of both. Use automated tools but also hire trusted digital accessibility services for total evaluation and guidance.
