accessWidget is a game-changer in web accessibility. Its entered a space that was still using outdated, obsolete methods and revolutionized it, making the web more accessible for people with disabilities and simpler for businesses to become compliant.
The web accessibility industry is made up of three main categories: manual accessibility, plugins and add-ons, and accessWidget - the world's leading AI-powered, web accessibility solution. Here we break down each accessibility option, and show you why accessWidget is different.
Plugins and add-ons (free or low-cost)
These tools are usually free or cheap because they only handle basic accessibility adjustments, covering about 5-15% of the WCAG requirements The remaining accessibility requirements involve complex processes, such as screen reader optimization and keyboard navigation, for users who are blind or motor-impaired respectively, that need to be properly adhered to. That’s why free or low-cost tools cannot achieve the full range of accessibility. The result, your website remains largely inaccessible to people with disabilities and it doesn't mitigate legal risks.
Manual accessibility services
Manual remediation is exactly what it sounds like: line-by-line code evaluation and remediation of your site’s code. While this method can help your site comply with legislation, there are big drawbacks.
Time: Projects can take anywhere from 3-26 weeks depending on the size of the website. If you have a demand letter or lawsuit looming, time is of the essence. Don’t forget that this doesn't include the time it takes for manual remediation of any change or update you make to your site.
Cost: Simply put, manual remediation is priced by labor. Paying an hourly rate for someone to inspect your code line by line is something that piles up fast and can only be determined by project scope. It can cost anywhere from $5,000-$100,000 depending on website size. For most small and medium businesses, repeating this every 6–12 months just isn’t sustainable.
Maintenance: Initial accessibility remediation is just the tip of the iceberg. Once a project is finished, there’s no one around to make sure that the accessibility sticks. This is because the web is dynamic by nature. Your website’s content is constantly updating, as well as browsers, assistive technology, screen readers, website builders, CMSs, and so on. Whenever one of these is updated, you need to make sure that your accessibility is still intact. If you have opted for manual remediation, you'll need to pay for extra remediation and maintenance, which, of course, takes more time. Otherwise, within 6-12 months, so many updates will have taken place that your website will need whole new accessibility remediation.
accessWidget - AI-driven & automated
accessWidget uses AI and automation to make the entire process of accessibility and compliance affordable, and effective. This is done by combining two robust applications, the accessibility interface, and AI processes, that together achieve all accessibility standards:
Accessibility interface
The accessibility interface is a session-based UI tool that enables site visitors to adjust your site according to their personal accessibility needs. With over a dozen modifications and comprehensive accessibility profiles, your website’s design can become accessible to all users.
AI processes
accessWidget’s robust AI uses contextual understanding and computer vision technology to scan a website and automatically adjust it to meet accessibility guidelines and standards. The AI learns the purpose of site elements to ensure an accessibility experience that resembles how your site’s functionality should be used. This means that accessWidget goes beyond basic requirements to ensure that your site visitors have a comprehensive digital experience.