Accessibility for people with disabilities as well as individuals from different backgrounds are critical portions under both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Not only is accessibility important for safety purposes, but it also helps with a sense of both inclusion and equity.
Whether your organization has had a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or accessibility plan for a while or is starting from scratch, every organization can benefit from accessibility consulting.
Stay Up to Date on Changes in Technology
The top place that organizations are seeing the importance of accessibility right now is in technology – especially websites. Businesses from Fortune 500 companies to local mom and pop shops have recently seen an increase in lawsuits based on web accessibility.
Working with an accessibility consulting agency gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your website is up to the latest standards and that you have access to the most recent technology.
Additionally, new technology comes out regularly that can allow your organization to be at the forefront of accessibility for your employees.
Ensure Compliance with Local, State, and Federal Law
Even if you have accessibility measures in place, it can be difficult to know if you are following to the letter of the law. You may also have holes in your plan that you had not previously considered. This is where an accessibility consulting agency comes in.
It is their responsibility to keep up with local, state, and federal laws to keep their clients in compliance. With all of the most recent information available at their fingertips, they can ensure that every facet of your organization has proper accessibility policies in place.
Local, state, and federal laws on accessibility will vary, making having an accessibility consulting agency in your corner critical.
Improve Recruiting and Employee Retention
Recent studies have shown that 67% of job seekers are searching for a position where diversity matters to the organization. Since accessibility and diversity go hand-in-hand, creating an accessible workplace is an important step in attracting and retaining the best employees for your organization.
Additionally, employees are much more likely to stick around when they feel seen and heard, saving the organization both time and money.
Being upfront about how your company approaches accessibility and diversity matters for retention. In fact, 32% of job seekers left companies whose culture was a mismatch to what they were presented within the first 3 months.
Working with Applied Development on Accessibility Consulting
At Applied Development, our team of accessibility experts will work with your organization to bring you fully up to date on accessibility laws and regulations in your area. We have worked with organizations of all sizes, from small private companies to large government agencies.
We are here to help you create a culture of accessibility that benefits your whole organization. If you have questions or would like to get started, please give us a call today at 410.571.4016 or contact us online.
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