Digital accessibility platforms carry out multiple functions that are necessary to ensure digital interfaces (e.g., website, app, software) are compliant with digital accessibility regulations. Digital accessibility platforms act as a one-stop-shop for digital accessibility needs. The purpose of these platforms is to ensure that those with disabilities are able to properly access and use websites and other digital applications. They are used primarily by development teams to ensure that the interfaces they create are accessible and compliant. Some companies utilize digital accessibility experts who monitor compliance and progress using digital accessibility platforms. These platforms are often broken up into different modules that address specific parts of the digital accessibility process, from testing to fixing errors to monitoring compliance. Modules may include tools to help development teams catch accessibility errors while coding, tools to perform step-by-step accessibility tests, and monitoring tools that help ensure websites become and remain compliant.
Digital accessibility platforms provide all the essential features for ensuring accessibility-compliant digital interfaces, however, they may integrate with other standalone digital accessibility tools for advanced functionality.
To qualify for inclusion in the Digital Accessibility Platforms category, a product must:
- Scan and identify accessibility issues based on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
- Automatically fix common issues
- Generate reports to address more complex issues
- Offer a dashboard or other methods to monitor accessibility changes and progress
