How to Get Buy-In for Web Accessibility

Making sure your website meets accessibility standards is not only an ethical and legal obligation, but a strategic choice. By building an accessible local government website, you’ll be better positioned to connect with all residents, including those who may require additional accommodations. You’ll also enhance user experience (UX) and position your agency as socially responsible.

Investing in software to monitor and enhance website accessibility is a crucial step toward solidifying compliance with guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, convincing decision-makers in your organization might require some persuasion.

In this blog article, we present tips to help you make a compelling case for purchasing a new web accessibility solution. Need backup for your next team meeting? We’ve got you covered.

5 Reasons You Need a Web Accessibility Solution

1. To stay compliant

Did you know that each state has different laws and regulations that govern website accessibility? Failing to comply can result in lawsuits, fines, and even reputational damage. Having a tool that can monitor and improve your site’s accessibility will help you meet and stay on top of legal and regulatory changes. This not only reduces the risk of costly litigation or penalties, it boosts resident engagement and satisfaction.

2. To boost business

An accessible website can increase impact by making your content available to every member of the community, including those with disabilities. In turn, this can lead to higher traffic and greater engagement from new and returning visitors. Not only that, but accessible websites can improve the digital experience for all, leading to higher conversion rates.

3. To show commitment

When you invest in a tool to monitor and improve website accessibility, it shows a commitment to social responsibility and enhances your local team’s reputation for inclusion. Furthermore, commitment to online equality sends a positive message to residents, staff, and other stakeholders about your values and dedication to inclusivity.

4. To save time (and money)

Implementing accessibility as part of web development is often more cost-effective than retroactively fixing issues after launching a website. Using software that proactively identifies and monitors issues can save your team time and resources, enabling early detection and correction of potential accessibility barriers. It can also reduce the risk of expensive redesign work, saving you money in the long run.

5. To stay ahead

By prioritizing accessibility, you can stay “ahead of the game” and gain a competitive advantage by positioning you as a leader in inclusivity. Software that monitors website accessibility can also provide your agency with a competitive edge by allowing you to achieve and maintain compliance.

Getting Stakeholder Buy-in

Winning the approval of key stakeholders in your organization to invest in accessibility software can be tough, but it is essential for meeting legal and ethical obligations, improving UX, and enhancing reputation. The following tips and strategies are designed to help you make a case for investing in a new tool for monitoring and improving your website’s approach to accessibility.

Educate and excite

Provide your colleagues with information about website accessibility, including relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines. Highlight the benefits of accessible websites, including increased reach, improved UX, and enhanced reputation. Use real-world examples and case studies to demonstrate the business value of accessibility, inclusive of legal consequences.

Involve people early

Involve team members in the decision-making process from the beginning. Seek input and feedback on the need for a new software solution. Try to understand their concerns and address them proactively as you move through the process of finding the perfect web accessibility partner.

Provide evidence

Use data and metrics to support your case. Conduct an accessibility scan of your website to identify current issues as well as demonstrate the need for a tool to improve UX and move your site toward full compliance. Try referencing benchmark data to compare your website’s accessibility performance against industry standards.

Demonstrate return on investment

Prepare a presentation that outlines both the positives and negatives of purchasing a new tool – in other words, the return on investment (ROI). Highlight any potential cost savings that might result from early detection of accessibility issues, increased website traffic, greater resident satisfaction, and stronger reputation. Use financial projections and other relevant data to quantify the ROI of the investment.

Next Steps

By implementing the tips and strategies outlined, your local government team can confidently and skillfully advocate for the importance of investing in website accessibility software to decision makers on your leadership team. Leveraging this advice, you’ll be armed with the necessary tools to make a compelling case for your solution of choice. Even better, you’re ready to take a crucial step toward accessibility for all residents of your community.

Related reads:
Breaking Down the U.S. Department of Justice’s New Web Accessibility Guidance
7 Things Park and Recreation Professionals Should Know About Web Accessibility