Test Web Page Accessibility with a Website Accessibility Audit
Table of Contents:
- What Is a Web Audit?
- Who Needs a Web Audit?
- Why Accessibility Audits Matter
- What Does a Web Audit Include?
- What Happens Next?
- Common Issues We Find
- How a Web Audit Helps Different Roles
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Choose Us?
- Beware of Overlay Tools
- How We Compare
- Start Your Website Accessibility Audit Today
What Is a Website Accessibility Audit?
To test web page accessibility, we begin by checking how well your website supports users with disabilities. A web audit is a professional evaluation of how well your website meets recognised accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.2. The aim is to identify and remove digital barriers that prevent disabled people from accessing your content or using your services.
A full audit typically includes technical testing, live testing with disabled users, and a full report outlining issues and solutions. It helps your organisation avoid legal risk, improve user experience, and meet your ethical obligations. If you need a web audit for your platform, this is the first step.
Who Needs a Website Accessibility Audit?
If your business operates in or trades with customers in the EU, the EAA applies to you. This includes B2B and B2C companies, service providers, charities, and online platforms. If you offer digital content or services and any part of your audience is in the EU, your website must be accessible.
Even outside the EU, regulations such as the UK Equality Act and the US ADA increasingly require digital accessibility. A website accessibility audit is no longer optional.
Why Accessibility Audits Matter
From 28 June 2025, the EAA requires businesses that operate within the EU to meet accessibility requirements. This includes:
- Conformance with WCAG 2.2 AA
- A valid Accessibility Statement
- Ongoing accessibility monitoring
Failure to comply can result in:
- Financial penalties
- Contract loss
- Legal complaints
- Reputational damage
One in five people has a disability. Many more benefit from accessible features. Accessibility is not just about compliance it is about equality.
An accessible site works better for everyone. It loads faster, works well on mobile, and supports SEO. A full website accessibility audit gives you a competitive edge.
What Does a Website Accessibility Audit Include?
We go beyond automated testing. A full audit includes:
- Manual testing by our in-house experts
- Live testing by disabled users
- Technical review against WCAG 2.2
- Review of site navigation and usability
- Testing of forms, PDFs, and third-party tools
- Video recordings showing issues in real time
- A detailed written report and fix roadmap
You will also receive a compliant Accessibility Statement and an optional retest once fixes are complete. If you are wondering how to carry out a web audit properly, this approach sets the gold standard.
What Happens Next?
Once you book your audit:
- We schedule initial testing sessions
- We capture real issues through both technical and user testing
- We deliver a detailed report, videos, and a roadmap
- You get a compliant Accessibility Statement
- We provide a follow-up retest if needed
We are with you every step of the way.
Common Issues We Find
In addition to the most common accessibility problems, our audits regularly uncover deeper technical issues that can significantly affect user experience, legal compliance, and search performance.
- Low colour contrast
- Missing alt text
- Keyboard traps
- Inaccessible navigation
- Unlabelled form fields
- Poor focus management
- CAPTCHA challenges
- Confusing instructions and ambiguous interactions
- Over-reliance on automated testing without human validation
- W3C coding errors that affect structure, navigation, and interoperability
- Browser compatibility issues across Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge
- Navigation design that confuses screen reader users or breaks keyboard flow
Many of these cannot be picked up by automated tools. Real users uncover real problems.
How a Website Accessibility Audit Helps Different Roles
Web Agencies
If you build websites for clients, especially in regulated sectors, a professional audit protects your reputation and ensures your clients stay compliant. It shows you value quality and inclusion.
Internal Marketing and Digital Teams
An audit helps you meet KPIs, improve conversions, and reduce bounce rates. It gives you clear, actionable insights into what is holding your users back.
C-Suite and Directors
Audits reduce legal and financial risk. They also improve ESG ratings and brand trust. They show your company is ethical, compliant, and future-proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an audit if I use a website builder like Wix or Shopify? Yes. These platforms may appear to offer accessible templates, but they will still need to be tested as they will affect your accessibility statement.
Can I use a plugin or overlay to become compliant? No. Overlays are not recognised by the EAA. They create risk rather than remove it.
How long does an audit take? Our process usually takes around 30 days. We start with testing, then deliver your report and statement within that time.
What does it cost? The cost of your audit depends on how many pages you would like us to test and the complexity of your website or portal. This will be discussed at the outset.
Book your consultation to get started.
Why Choose Us?
At Access by Design, we have been passionate about accessibility for nearly 2 decades. Our audit team includes disabled testers who bring authentic lived experience to every audit.
We have delivered web audits for public and private organisations including charities, universities, banks, and global brands. Our approach is:
- Thorough and transparent
- Focused on long-term impact
- Supportive, with clear explanations and practical steps
We do not just report problems we help you solve them.
Beware of Overlay Tools
Some companies offer instant accessibility using overlays like UserWay, AccessiBe, or Recite Me. These tools do not fix underlying problems. In fact, they often:
- Interfere with screen readers
- Block keyboard navigation
- Introduce legal risk
US courts have already ruled against overlays in accessibility cases. The EAA does not recognise them as valid solutions.
How We Compare
| Feature | Access by Design | Overlay Tools (UserWay, AccessiBe, Recite Me) |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Expert Testing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Disabled User Testing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| WCAG 2.2 Compliance | ✅ Full | ❌ Partial or Masked |
| Legal Risk Reduction | ✅ Proven | ❌ Exposes You to Risk |
| Ongoing Support | ✅ Included | ❌ None |
Overlay tools may seem quick, but they do not deliver compliance. Real accessibility starts with a real web audit solution.
Start Your Website Accessibility Audit Today
Test Web Page Accessibility with a Website Audit to uncover hidden barriers and create a better online experience for everyone.
Whether you are new to accessibility or need to meet a fast-approaching deadline, we can help. Our process is designed to:
- Identify barriers
- Reduce risk
- Support your team
- Improve your website for everyone
Book a free consultation to find out more.
Get your website accessibility audit started today before the EAA deadline catches up with you.
Clive Loseby
Founder, Access by Design