Accessibility Audit

At Access by Design, we offer accessibility audit services that combine real-user testing with expert analysis. Every audit is aligned with WCAG 2.2 and supports full compliance with the European Accessibility Act 2025 UK.

A website accessibility audit gives you the full picture. You will know what works, what does not, and what needs to change. We test your website using assistive technology and manual methods, including live testing by disabled users with a wide range of access needs. Our approach is about clarity, not checklists.

You will receive a plain-English report, video clips showing barriers encountered, and a compliant accessibility statement. Whether your website is already live or still in development, our accessibility audit helps you take practical, meaningful steps towards inclusion and digital compliance.

The Landscape Has Changed

In 2018, the UK Government introduced digital accessibility regulations for the public sector. These regulations were well intentioned but vague. They mentioned the importance of an accessibility audit and an accessibility statement but did not explain how to meet these requirements in practice. Many organisations were left confused, unsure of what to do next.

Today, the landscape is much clearer. The European Accessibility Act 2025 UK brings in strict and enforceable requirements. If your organisation serves customers in the EU — even partially — you are legally required to make your digital services accessible. This includes your website, online documents, booking forms, and customer service tools.

Private companies are no longer exempt. This legislation applies to banks, retailers, transport providers, ecommerce sites, and many others. A website accessibility audit is now an essential first step in protecting your organisation and serving your customers fairly.

Why an Accessibility Audit Matters

An accessibility audit allows you to understand how your website functions for disabled users. It highlights the barriers that might not be obvious to you but could stop someone from accessing your service. Without this insight, you are left guessing — and in 2025, that will not be good enough.

Many audits rely on automated tools. These can help, but they only find a fraction of the issues. Our accessibility audit goes further. We carry out live testing using screen readers, keyboard navigation, zoom controls, and colour contrast checks. We work with disabled testers who interact with your site as real users, not theoretical models.

The difference is enormous. You will not only learn what fails — you will see how it fails, why it fails, and what you need to do to fix it. This is the kind of insight that helps you make lasting improvements, not just surface-level fixes.

What Is Included in Your Accessibility Audit

Every audit includes:

Manual testing using assistive technologies and keyboard-only access
Live testing by disabled users with various access needs
A detailed accessibility report written in plain English
Video evidence showing where users encountered barriers
A compliant accessibility statement tailored to your organisation

You will also receive guidance on how to prioritise fixes. Some issues are urgent and may block access completely. Others are less critical but still worth addressing. Our report will show you the difference so you can take clear, strategic action.

Support Beyond the Audit

After your audit, we stay involved. If you make changes based on our findings, we can retest your site to verify those changes. We offer additional consultancy, training for your team, and support with long-term accessibility planning. Accessibility is not a one-off task — it is an ongoing process, and we are here to walk alongside you.

The European Accessibility Act 2025 UK does not require perfection from day one. What it does require is evidence that you are aware of the issues and that you are actively addressing them. Our accessibility audit gives you that evidence.

You do not need to do everything at once. You just need to show that you are committed, that you have a plan, and that the work has begun. That is what we help you achieve.

Where to Start

The best starting point is to get your current website tested. An accessibility audit is the most effective way to understand where you are now, what needs to change, and how to move forward. It is a simple, structured process that gives you confidence, credibility, and clarity.

To understand how our audits fit into your wider digital strategy, visit our how we work page. You can also read about our approach to real user testing, which is a key part of our methodology.

Benefits for Everyone

Accessible websites do not only benefit disabled users. They improve usability for everyone. Clearer layouts, better contrast, more consistent navigation — all of these make websites easier to use, especially on mobile devices and in challenging environments.

Many of our clients find that their bounce rates go down, user satisfaction goes up, and customer journeys become smoother. Accessibility and usability go hand in hand. A good accessibility audit leads to a better digital experience for all your users.

Ready to Begin with an Accessibility Audit?

You do not need to panic, and you do not need to do it alone. If you have not had a website accessibility audit before, now is the time. It will give you the insight, documentation, and direction you need to start making real progress. Whether you are facing compliance pressure or simply want to do the right thing, we are here to help.

Book Your Free Consultation

If you are ready to take that first step, we would love to support you. There is no pressure, no obligation — just honest advice based on where you are now and where you want to go.

Book a free consultation and let us talk through your current situation and your next steps.

For more on WCAG 2.2 standards, visit w3.org. You can also view official UK accessibility regulations at gov.uk.