An accessibility report tells you almost everything you need to know about the person who wrote it. Before hiring an auditor, request a sample report and read it the way a client would read it. Look at how issues are documented, whether WCAG success criteria are cited correctly, and whether a developer could act on … Read more
The right accessibility auditor produces a clear, actionable report grounded in WCAG conformance, not a scan output with a logo on top. Look for someone who conducts fully manual evaluations, documents issues with code-level detail, references specific success criteria, and explains remediation in language your developers can act on. Credentials help, but the audit report … Read more
Vetting an accessibility consultant before signing a contract means verifying three things: their technical credentials, the quality of their past deliverables, and how they actually work with clients. Ask for a sample audit report, confirm they conduct manual evaluations against WCAG 2.1 AA or WCAG 2.2 AA, review their experience with your asset type (website, … Read more
Checking an accessibility consultant’s references is the step most buyers skip and later regret. A short, structured reference call can confirm whether the consultant actually performed (manual) work, delivered an audit report you can act on, and stayed engaged through remediation. Ask for two or three past clients, request a recent sample audit report, and … Read more
Hire an accessibility specialist when the work requires deep expertise in WCAG conformance, audit methodology, screen reader behavior, ARIA patterns, or legal documentation like a VPAT. Hire a generalist (typically a developer, designer, or QA professional with accessibility knowledge) when the work involves day-to-day implementation, basic conformance checks during development, or supporting an existing accessibility … Read more
Hire an accessibility consultant when you receive a demand letter or lawsuit, when a customer requests a VPAT or ACR, when your organization falls under ADA Title II or the EAA, when you are planning a redesign or new product launch, or when internal teams lack the expertise to evaluate WCAG conformance. A consultant brings … Read more
To find a qualified accessibility consultant, vet candidates on three things: documented experience conducting (manual) WCAG audits, fluency with the relevant standards (WCAG 2.1 AA, WCAG 2.2 AA, Section 508, EN 301 549), and a portfolio of deliverables that map to your actual need (audit report, ACR, remediation guidance, or training). Ask for sample reports. … Read more
Scoping an accessibility project before hiring means defining what assets are in play, what standard you need to meet, what deliverables you expect, and what timeline you’re working against. The clearer your scope, the more accurate the quotes you receive and the better the fit with the vendor you choose. Most pricing variation across proposals … Read more
No, you do not need an accessibility certification to get a job in digital accessibility. Most hiring managers weigh practical experience, audit work samples, and WCAG knowledge more heavily than any single credential. Certifications can help a candidate stand out, especially early in a career, but they are not a requirement. A well-documented portfolio, knowledge … Read more
The right questions before hiring an accessibility specialist will separate qualified professionals from those who overstate their capabilities. You need to confirm their audit methodology is fully manual, their WCAG conformance knowledge is current, and their pricing structure is transparent. A few direct questions during the vetting process can save thousands of dollars and months … Read more