Accessibility Audits

What is an accessibility audit?

An accessibility audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a website or digital service aimed at ensuring that the service is accessible to all users, including people with disabilities and user groups with special needs. The audit helps identify potential barriers that may hinder the use of the service, for example, for users with visual, auditory, or motor impairments.

Accessibility is based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which set the standards for web accessibility. In the EU and Finland, accessibility requirements are governed by the Accessibility Directive (EU 2016/2102) as well as national laws on the provision of digital services.

Why is an accessibility audit important?

An accessibility audit is important because it ensures compliance with laws and regulations, improves user experience, expands the service’s target audience, optimizes search engine visibility, and strengthens brand responsibility. When a service is accessible, it better serves all users and reduces digital exclusion.

The audit process follows a step-by-step approach: first, an initial assessment is conducted to analyze the current state of accessibility. This is followed by automated tests to identify technical issues. Finally, experts evaluate the usability of the service and its compatibility with assistive technologies. Based on this, a report with development recommendations is compiled, which serves as a basis for implementing necessary corrections and tracking accessibility progress.

Key aspects of accessibility

The key aspects of accessibility include perceivability, operability, understandability, and robustness. Perceivability means that content is visible and audible to all users, for example, through text alternatives and sufficient contrast. Operability ensures that the website is usable on different devices and with assistive tools, such as keyboards or screen readers.

Understandability emphasizes the use of clear and unambiguous language as well as consistent navigation. Robustness refers to technical compatibility, ensuring that the digital service functions properly across different browsers and assistive technologies without disruptions. Taking these aspects into account ensures that the service is as broadly accessible as possible.

How to start improving accessibility?

Improving accessibility can begin with small changes, such as checking color contrasts, adding text alternatives to images, or simplifying navigation. These modifications can immediately enhance user experience and increase service usability for everyone.

The most effective way to ensure accessibility is to commission an expert audit, where specialists evaluate the current state of the service and provide concrete improvement suggestions. Accessibility is not a one-time project but an ongoing process in which the service is continuously developed to be more user-friendly and compliant with legal requirements over time. Investing in accessibility ensures that the digital service is genuinely available to all users and serves a wider audience as efficiently as possible.