Accessibility Audits

Going Beyond Compliance to Achieve True Accessibility

Accessibility is about more than just meeting legal requirements – it's about creating spaces and experiences that are genuinely welcoming and usable for all. That's why our Accessibility Audit Services go beyond mere compliance with ADA and WCAG standards. We take a holistic, human-centered approach to assess and enhance accessibility across multiple dimensions, considering the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities and neurodivergent perspectives.

'Technically Accessible' ≠
Actual Accessibility

Our Approach to Achieving Pay Equity

The first step in our accessibility audit process is a thorough assessment of your current environment. Our team of experts evaluates your physical spaces, digital platforms, communication materials, policies, and processes through an accessibility lens. We conduct:

Environmental assessment to identify potential barriers to physical access and navigation
Technology audits to assess the accessibility of your hardware, software, and web platforms
Communication material reviews to evaluate the inclusivity of your content and messaging
Policy and process analyses to uncover any biases or obstacles embedded in your systems

Through this multifaceted assessment, we establish a clear baseline understanding of your accessibility landscape and pinpoint areas for improvement.

Our assessment process digs deep into the nuances of accessibility, examining not just the presence of accommodations, but their usability and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. We look at factors such as:

Placement and design of grab bars and handrails in restrooms – are they positioned optimally for people with varying mobility needs?
Sequence and spacing of elements like sinks, hand dryers, and trash receptacles – do they allow for logical, barrier-free use?
Sensory aspects of the environment – are there quiet spaces available for individuals who may become overwhelmed by noise or stimuli?
Wayfinding and signage – are directions clear and easy to follow for people with cognitive differences or visual impairments?

By considering the full spectrum of user experiences, we identify opportunities to go above and beyond baseline accessibility requirements.

To gain deeper insights into the lived experiences of your employees, we conduct extensive interviews and focus groups across your organization. We engage with:

Employees who have disabilities and neurodivergent individuals to understand their unique needs, challenges, and recommendations. Through in-depth interviews and focus groups, we gather insights on questions like:

What specific pain points do you encounter in navigating and using our spaces?
How well do current accommodations meet your needs, and where do they fall short?

What additional supports or modifications would make our workplace more inclusive for you
Managers and team leaders to assess their knowledge and comfort level with accessibility best practices
HR professionals to evaluate the effectiveness of current accommodation processes and identify opportunities for enhancement

These qualitative findings complement our assessment data, providing a holistic view of your accessibility strengths and gaps.

Armed with a comprehensive understanding of your accessibility status quo, we collaborate with your team to develop a customized action plan. Our recommendations span the full spectrum of accessibility dimensions, including:

Physical enhancements such as ramps, automatic doors, and accessible restrooms
Digital upgrades to ensure your technology is perceivable, operable, and navigable for all users
Communication improvements like captioning, visual aids, and plain language translations
Policy and process revisions to remove barriers and embed accessibility into your organizational DNA
Training and education initiatives to foster an inclusive, accessibility-minded culture

We prioritize high-impact, feasible solutions that align with your unique context and resources, setting you up for success. Our recommendations may include:

Retrofitting restrooms with grab bars at varying heights and positions to accommodate different mobility needs
Rearranging or modifying common areas to allow for clear, intuitive navigation and use
Incorporating sensory-friendly design elements like adjustable lighting, sound absorption, and designated quiet zones
Implementing more inclusive wayfinding strategies, such as color-coding, pictograms, and tactile maps

We also provide guidance on organizational policies, practices, and training to support ongoing accessibility and foster a culture of inclusion.

True accessibility is an ongoing journey, not a one-time destination. That's why we partner with you to engage your entire organization in the process of continuous improvement. We provide:

Training and education for employees at all levels on accessibility best practices and inclusive design principles
Resources and tools to empower individuals with disabilities and neurodivergent employees to advocate for their needs
Regular check-ins and follow-up assessments to monitor progress and identify new opportunities for enhancement
Visibility and celebration of accessibility achievements to reinforce the organization's commitment to inclusion

By engaging your workforce in the accessibility journey, you create a shared sense of ownership and accountability for building a truly inclusive workplace.

The Value of Going Beyond Compliance

Investing in accessibility isn't just the right thing to do – it's also a smart business move. By prioritizing accessibility, you:

Tap into a broader pool of talented candidates, including the 1 billion people worldwide with disabilities
Mitigate legal and financial risks associated with inaccessible spaces and practices
Position your organization to better serve a diverse customer base with evolving needs

Going beyond minimum compliance to focus on comprehensive, usability-focused accessibility enhancements yields significant benefits beyond risk mitigation, including:

Improved employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention by demonstrating a genuine commitment to inclusion
Enhanced innovation and problem-solving by tapping into the diverse perspectives and experiences of individuals with disabilities and neurodivergent employees
Strengthened reputation as an employer and business that values diversity and goes above and beyond to create welcoming spaces for all

Your Partner in Accessiblility

Our team is here to help you go beyond compliance and create a truly inclusive workplace. With our AIDE-driven Accessibility Audit Services, you'll gain the insights, strategies, and support you need to make meaningful, sustainable enhancements that prioritize usability and inclusion.

Contact us today to learn more about our Accessibility Audit Services and how we can support your organization's journey to fair, transparent, and equitable compensation for all.