Web accessibility audit: The start of your accessibility journey

Web accessibility isn’t achieved by intention alone. Even well-designed digital platforms can have hidden barriers that make essential functions, like navigation or transactions, inaccessible for some users. That’s where a web accessibility audit comes in. By thoroughly evaluating your platform against Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards, an audit identifies gaps—such as missing alt text, poor color contrast, non-compliant interactive elements, etc.

However, identifying accessibility issues is just the first step—real impact comes from implementing these changes. While N-iX doesn’t conduct audits directly, we help businesses choose the right web accessibility auditor, align seamlessly with their process, and start planning improvements alongside the audit. Our team ensures a transparent, structured approach to implementing WCAG-aligned changes—from refining interface design to optimizing code for assistive technologies.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key stages of a web accessibility audit and show how N-iX can help you build an accessible, inclusive, and engaging digital presence.

What is a web accessibility audit?

A web accessibility audit is a comprehensive evaluation of your website or digital platform to ensure it meets established accessibility standards. The goal is to identify and remove barriers that could prevent users with disabilities from accessing and interacting with your content. By conducting an accessibility audit, organizations ensure their digital assets are inclusive, legally compliant, and user-friendly for all by addressing limitations that hinder accessibility.

How do you best approach a site accessibility audit?

A successful accessibility audit starts with thorough preparation, strong collaboration, and a clear remediation plan. Here are the main steps you need to take to a successful web accessibility audit and effective change implementation.

1. Select the right auditor

Choose a qualified auditor or firm experienced in web accessibility and well-versed in WCAG standards to provide accurate assessments and actionable recommendations. What makes a good auditor? There is no universal answer to this question: it depends on your deadlines, needs, etc. We at N-iX offer consulting services to help you understand what you should look for when choosing an auditor.

For instance, N-iX can help you:

• Define the essential qualifications and experience required for auditors;
• Create a checklist of critical technical and process capabilities;
• Align auditor selection with your business needs, ensuring efficiency and legal compliance.

1.1. Partner with a trusted tech vendor

As mentioned, the audit itself is only the first step. Success relies on implementing the findings and bridging accessibility gaps. N-iX helps assemble a qualified team based on various metrics, such as deadlines, client-specific needs, and the root causes of accessibility issues—whether they stem from design, require architectural changes, or need extensive testing. Our approach fosters synergy with the auditor and ensures a transparent, efficient implementation process.

2. Involve your tech vendor early on

It is a good idea to engage all your stakeholders early in the process to ensure alignment and proper and transparent planning.

Your tech team needs to select the right tools, onboard the appropriate team members with relevant expertise, and plan the process in line with project deadlines. Additionally, they should create detailed estimates for timelines and resources needed, ensuring that each phase of the software engineering process is well-organized and efficient.

3. Start planning while the audit is still running

While the audit is underway, your team should start outlining potential implementation steps. This enables faster remediation once the audit findings are available.

4. Prioritize transparency

Maintain open communication with the audit team and internal stakeholders to track progress, findings, and recommendations effectively.

The main steps that lead to the accessibility of your system

1. Audit itself

The website accessibility audit is a complex process that requires meticulous planning and many steps and can differ greatly from case to case. So, we have no ambition to enlist them all. Nonetheless, here are some key steps involved in the audit:

• Automated and manual testing: Using tools (e.g., Axe, Lighthouse) alongside manual checks to assess compliance.
• Reviewing against standards: Assessing the system using frameworks such as WCAG 2.1, Section 508, or EN 301 549.
• Identifying key issues: Focusing on navigation, screen reader compatibility, and interactive elements.

2. Accessibility features implementation

Once gaps are identified, it is time to fix them. So, this stage is your tech partner’s time to shine. Again, we will not be able to list all the features. However, here are some examples:

• Keyboard navigation: Ensuring users can interact with all functions using the keyboard alone.
• ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications): Adding ARIA roles and labels for screen readers.
• Color contrast and text size: Meeting contrast ratios for readability and ensuring text can be resized.
• Alt text and media captions: Providing descriptive text for images and captions for multimedia content.
• Error notifications: Creating accessible error messages that are clearly conveyed through visual and auditory cues.

Here are some more examples of accessibility features:

3. Governmental (or other) compliance

Depending on why you started the audit process in the first place, you may need formal approval that your system is accessible. Here are the most common compliances active across the globe.

• WCAG 2.1 AA: The most common standard for web accessibility, covering text alternatives, adaptable content, and more.
• Section 508 (US): Requires the digital content of federal institutions to be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
• EN 301 549 (Europe): A European accessibility standard for ICT products and services.
• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): Mandates that public and private digital services be accessible.

How can N-iX help you make your system more accessible?

While N-iX does not conduct accessibility audits directly, we provide end-to-end support throughout the process:

• Selecting the right auditor: We help you choose a trusted web accessibility audit provider with expertise aligned to your industry.
• Audit alignment: Our team ensures smooth collaboration with the auditor by coordinating schedules, sharing technical information, and addressing communication gaps.
• Parallel planning: As the audit progresses, we assist in mapping out the changes needed and aligning the plan with your business priorities.
• Implementation strategy: We create a transparent, structured approach to implementing WCAG-aligned changes, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations.
• Technical support: Our experts assist in implementing code updates, optimizing UI/UX design, and ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies.