With each passing day, there is a growing ADA compliance for websites. As a result, several consultancy services have appeared in the last decade. Consequently, this has resulted in a rise in demand for ADA website compliance consultants and ADA consulting services. As a result, a number of consulting services have emerged over the past decade.
However, this presents its own problem. With so many ADA companies, which should you pick? In this article, we’ll give you a list of the best qualities to look for in an ADA consultant.
What To Look For In Your ADA Consultant?
Whether you are looking for an ADA consultant for your own website or a company website, you should know what to look for. And the signature qualities to identify a qualified ADA consultant?
1. Substantial Knowledge Regarding WCAG
The web content accessibility guidelines are the cornerstone to ensuring your website meets the standard of the ADA. It has been regarded as the standard by the Department of Justice. As a result, it sees usage by both consultants and web professionals alike.
There is more to accessibility than just using alt text. It goes beyond using media, adjusting text size, color, etc. So, if your consultant lacks substantial knowledge of WCAG, you should keep looking.
One of the most common mistakes made by these types of consultants is overlooking documentation, as accessibility does not stop at just your website. It goes beyond that to documents that they can find on your websites. These include price sheets, brochures, and other documents that users can download from your site.
All of which need to be accessible to those with disabilities. Thus, having a consultant who knows the WCAG in detail can save you from making such mistakes.
2. Qualification
Just like any other job, qualifications matter, especially for ADA consultants. Looking into their qualifications is crucial as one can become an ADA consultant through various means. Thus, before hiring any consultant, ensure that their expertise and capabilities meet your needs.
A great way to learn about a consultant’s abilities is by checking if they belong to any professional organization. Belonging to one, such as the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, guarantees that they are up to date with changes in regulations.
So, hire an individual with the proper credentials and professional association to vouch for it to ensure the future of your website.
3. The Consultants Process
Whichever consultant you choose to hire, you have to be able to understand their process. As an employer, understanding the consultant process gives you a benchmark to measure them up against. Furthermore, their approach can help you figure out your current website’s shortcomings and how you can improve upon them.
So, sit down with them and discuss how they can help you. And the kind of process they follow. It can help you determine if they are a good fit for you.
4. Testimonial And Case Studies
When hiring a consultant or a team, you need to see what kind of work they have done before this. A good reputation is crucial for a consultant. The best way to do this is through testimonials. These testimonials give you an idea of what you can expect from them when you go into business with them.
Case studies also play a crucial role in this. They can show you how they can help you and your website through case studies. And how they solved similar issues that prior clients may have had.
5. Understanding Your Unique Needs
Each company, individual, or organization is unique. Thus, they require special attention. The same is true when making a website more accessible. It needs to meet both your specific users’ needs.
Thus, a qualified ADA consultant must have an understanding of your needs. And be able to make your website ADA compliant and meet your needs. So, when looking for a consultant, ensure that he has at least some prior experience in your industry.
Conclusion
Finding the right ADA consulting services can prove to be a challenge. Considering the numerous ADA website compliance consultants currently available, you need to know what to look for. Hopefully, the qualities we mentioned will guide you through the process. However, if you have any other questions about ADA or inclusive web design, feel free to contact us.
