According to the WebAIM Million 2024 report, a staggering 95.9% of homepages had detectable WCAG 2 failures, highlighting the urgent need for digital accessibility testing. This high failure rate exposes businesses to legal risks and creates barriers for millions of users with disabilities. The impact on businesses is significant: lost customers, damaged reputations, and potential lawsuits.
Digital accessibility lawsuits have surged, with 1,136 cases filed in U.S. state and federal courts in the first quarter of 2024 alone, underscoring the critical need for organizations to partner with trusted accessibility testing firms. This post examines leading U.S. accessibility testing companies, helping organizations make informed decisions about their accessibility needs.
The research revealed many companies focus heavily on automated solutions and proprietary tools. These solutions offer quick scanning and identification of common accessibility issues, though they typically catch only 30-40% of actual accessibility barriers.
TestPros takes a distinctly different approach by combining manual expert testing with strategic automation. Their services include comprehensive manual testing by real users, detailed remediation guidance, regression testing to prevent future issues, and ongoing accessibility consulting.
Achieving true accessibility requires more than just automated scans and surface-level fixes. Organizations need partners who understand the nuances of assistive technologies and the real-world challenges faced by users with disabilities.
The market offers various solutions, from basic automated tools to full-service accessibility partners. While some providers promise quick fixes through overlay tools, others focus on sustainable, long-term accessibility strategies.
The most effective approach combines automated tools for basic scanning with expert manual testing for thorough evaluation. This balanced methodology ensures organizations catch both obvious and subtle accessibility issues.
Due Diligence: Evaluating Partners
Selecting the right digital accessibility partner requires careful consideration of various factors. Here’s a comprehensive list of criteria to help evaluate potential companies. Keep in mind that your specific needs will determine which factors are most important for your organization.
Testing Capabilities- Combined automated, manual, and user testing methodology
- Multi-platform support (web, mobile, software)
- Proficiency with assistive technologies
- Standards expertise (WCAG, ADA, Section 508)
- Team includes human testers and members with disabilities.
- Industry track record
- Relevant certifications
- Project portfolio
- Actionable reporting and analytics
- Remediation and guidance
- Client team training
- Scalable solutions
- Pricing structure
- Integration with development systems
- Support and maintenance options
- Service level agreements
Different organizations have diverse accessibility requirements. Some may need assistance with website accessibility, while others focus on document accessibility for PDFs and other files. Software and application accessibility is crucial for certain businesses, and compliance with specific levels of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) may be necessary depending on legal requirements in different states or countries.
As you review our list of top digital accessibility companies, consider which criteria align best with your organization’s goals and challenges. This will help you identify the most suitable partner to address your unique accessibility needs.
Top U.S. Digital Accessibility Testing Companies
TestPros
Established in 1988, TestPros has carved out a distinctive niche in government and government contractor accessibility testing, with notable clients including DHS, HHS, GSA, and many government contractors. Their testing methodology follows DHS Trusted Tester protocols and IAAP standards, making them particularly valuable for organizations pursuing federal contracts. Unlike purely commercial-focused providers, TestPros specializes in VPAT preparation, Section 508 compliance, and federal procurement requirements, leveraging their 35+ years of government experience to help clients navigate complex compliance standards for successful contract bids.
Level Access
Founded in 1999 by individuals with disabilities, Level Access stands out for its unified accessibility platform that combines proprietary testing tools with expert manual evaluation. Their Access Engine integrates multiple testing frameworks including axe-core and WAVE, while offering comprehensive monitoring and analytics. The company’s Academy provides role-specific training, and their services extend beyond the web to include mobile, gaming, and embedded systems. Recognized as a Leader in Forrester Wave™ 2023, Level Access primarily serves larger organizations needing enterprise-grade accessibility solutions across diverse digital platforms.
Deque Systems
A pioneer in digital accessibility, Deque Systems stands out for their axe suite of testing tools and significant contributions to WCAG standards development, with 15 employees in W3C Working Groups. Their team holds 145 IAAP certifications and has completed over 8,000 compliance projects. Through Deque University and their “shift left” approach, they help organizations integrate accessibility early in development. Their tools have achieved remarkable adoption, with their accessibility library downloaded over 2 billion times and testing extensions reaching 875,000+ downloads.
TPGi (The Paciello Group)
TPGi distinguishes itself with 21 team members actively contributing to W3C standards development. Their ARC Platform combines high-speed automated scanning with expert manual audits, while their innovative JAWS Inspect tool enables precise screen reader testing simulation. Recently, they launched TPGi as a Service (TaaS), offering a guaranteed improvement in accessibility for audited properties through managed services, automated tools, and centralized audit management. This comprehensive approach makes them particularly suited for organizations seeking both technical solutions and strategic accessibility expertise.
QualityLogic
Based in Boise, Idaho, QualityLogic brings 36 years of testing expertise to digital accessibility. Their distinctive blended methodology pairs automated tools with testing by individuals who have physical or cognitive impairments, ensuring authentic usability feedback. Rather than focusing on proprietary tools, QualityLogic emphasizes real-world testing scenarios using standard assistive technologies like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver. This practical approach, combined with cost-effective pricing, makes them particularly suitable for organizations seeking authentic accessibility validation from actual users.
Digital Accessibility Testing Companies Comparison
| Company | Founded | Key Differentiator | Tooling | Target Market | Special Features |
| Level Access | 1997 | Founded by individuals with disabilities; unified platform with proprietary Access Engine | Access Engine, axe-core, WAVE integration | Large enterprises, complex accessibility needs | Academy for role-specific training; multi-platform support including gaming and embedded systems |
| Deque Systems | 1999 | Major contributor to WCAG standards (15 W3C members) | axe DevTools, axe Monitor | Organizations of all sizes | Deque University; ‘shift left’ development integration; 145 IAAP certifications |
| TPGi | 2002 | 21 W3C members; TPGi as a Service (TaaS) | ARC Platform, JAWS Inspect | Mid to large organizations | Guarantees improvement with TaaS; ARC Knowledge Center |
| QualityLogic | 1986 | Testing by users with disabilities | Standard industry tools (JAWS, NVDA) | Cost-conscious organizations | Blended methodology with real-world testing focus |
| TestPros | 1988 | Government sector expertise, combined manual and automated testing approach | DHS Trusted Tester methodology | Commercial, Government contractors, agencies | VPAT expertise; federal procurement specialization |
Testing Models and Price Ranges
Digital accessibility testing costs vary widely based on project scope and organizational needs. While smaller companies might start with per-page testing or basic audits, larger enterprises typically require comprehensive solutions. The following breakdown helps organizations align their budget with appropriate testing options, from basic compliance checks to full-scale accessibility programs.
Small-Scale Solutions:
- Per-page testing: $50-500 per page (includes audit and basic fixes)
- PDFs: $5-25 per page
- Individual VPAT/ACR reports: $2,000-5,000
- User-testing sessions: $750-800 per session
Mid-Range Solutions:
- Basic website audits: $5,000-50,000
- Monthly monitoring: $1,000-10,000 (includes automated scans, manual checks, reporting)
- Annual software licensing: $7,500-70,000
Enterprise Solutions:
- Comprehensive platform testing: $50,000-250,000+ annually
- Includes dedicated support, custom frameworks, multiple properties
- Cost-effective, considering the average lawsuit settlement of $350,000
*Key factors affecting pricing: page count, template complexity, content volume, testing depth, and ongoing maintenance needs. Pricing above is for informational purposes only. Organizations should request custom quotes as pricing varies significantly based on specific requirements and scale.
While testing methodologies and pricing structures vary among providers, all are working toward compliance with a common set of guidelines that have become the global benchmark for digital accessibility.
Accessibility Guidelines for Digital Products
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of internationally recognized standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. These guidelines provide recommendations for creating websites, applications, and other digital content that can be perceived, operated, understood, and accessed by individuals with various disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological impairments.
WCAG is structured around three levels of conformance: A, AA, and AAA. Level A represents the minimum level of accessibility, addressing the most basic and critical issues. Level AA is the target for most organizations and is often required by laws and regulations. It includes all Level A criteria plus additional guidelines that significantly improve accessibility. Level AAA provides the highest level of accessibility but may not be achievable for all content types.
WCAG 2.0, published in December 2008, has long been the standard for organizations to meet accessibility requirements. Many laws and regulations worldwide have referenced WCAG 2.0 Level AA as the benchmark for digital accessibility compliance. However, more recent versions, such as WCAG 2.1 and 2.2, have been released to address evolving technologies and user needs, expanding on the foundation laid by WCAG 2.0.
ADA Compliance and Updated Requirements
Recent legal developments have strengthened digital accessibility requirements in the U.S. The Department of Justice’s April 2024 ruling explicitly requires state and local governments to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards under Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). This milestone decision sets clear technical benchmarks for websites and mobile apps, with compliance deadlines varying between two to three years based on population served.
Although WCAG 2.2 introduced new success criteria in 2023, organizations should prioritize WCAG 2.1 AA compliance as it remains the DOJ’s recognized legal benchmark. Meeting these standards not only reduces legal exposure but creates a solid foundation for future accessibility requirements. This “happy medium” addresses most accessibility needs while positioning organizations for future guideline updates.
The DOJ’s guidance now clearly indicates that both Title II and Title III of the ADA apply to digital assets, making compliance mandatory for both public and private sectors. This clarification removes any ambiguity about whether websites fall under ADA jurisdiction, emphasizing the importance of proactive accessibility testing and remediation.
Legal Landscape and Testing Implications
Legal trends in 2024 highlight why companies can’t afford to ignore digital accessibility testing. With 1,467 ADA lawsuits filed in the first half of 2024 and 78% targeting eCommerce sites, organizations face increasing pressure to ensure compliance. Most concerning, 15% of the top 500 eCommerce retailers faced legal action during this period, highlighting the widespread nature of accessibility challenges.
While automated overlay solutions and AI-driven tools may seem attractive for quick compliance, they’ve proven risky—over 100 lawsuits have targeted companies using these quick-fix tools. These solutions can technically meet WCAG checkpoints while still creating barriers for users with assistive technologies. Both the National Federation of the Blind and prominent advocates like Haben Girma strongly advise against relying solely on automated solutions, emphasizing that AI tools may not only fall short of addressing real user needs but can actually introduce new accessibility barriers.
The rise in litigation reflects a broader shift in digital accessibility expectations. As more services move online, companies must move beyond simple compliance to create truly inclusive experiences. This means adopting comprehensive testing strategies that incorporate manual testing, user feedback, and ongoing monitoring rather than depending on single-point solutions or overlays.
Achieve True Digital Accessibility with TestPros
With over 35 years of experience, TestPros specializes in thorough manual testing that reveals accessibility issues automated tools often miss. Our DHS Trusted Tester certified team conducts extensive hands-on testing using today’s most common assistive technologies.
This real-world validation ensures your digital assets meet the latest standards—including WCAG 2.1 / 2.2, ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, and AODA requirements. TestPros provides professional accessibility services for government agencies, contractors, and private organizations. Our comprehensive approach includes detailed VPAT preparation, remediation, accessibility conformance reports, and ongoing monitoring to help maintain accessibility as your digital presence evolves.
Contact TestPros today for a free consultation and discover how we can customize an accessibility testing solution for your organization. Our experts will evaluate your current digital assets and provide a clear roadmap to achieving your accessibility goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is digital accessibility testing?
Digital accessibility testing is the process of evaluating websites, applications, and digital content to ensure they can be used by people with various disabilities. This includes checking for compatibility with assistive technologies, proper navigation structures, and adherence to accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1/2.2.
How do I get started with accessibility?
- Start off by understanding the basics.Begin learning WCAG guidelines and understanding different types of disabilities that affect web usage. Focus on the four main principles: perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
- Conduct a simple audit. Run a free automated accessibility checker like WAVE or axe on your website to identify obvious issues. While automated tools catch only some of the problems, they provide a solid starting point for improvements.
- Fix high-impact issues first.
- Image alt text
- Sufficient color contrast
- Keyboard-accessible forms
- Proper headings
- Keyboard navigation enabled
- Build your team’s awareness. Schedule a team workshop to demonstrate basic screen reader usage and keyboard navigation. Real-world examples create lasting impact and build empathy among team members.
- Create an action plan by documenting current issues, setting priorities, and establishing clear timelines for fixes. Start with critical user journeys and gradually expand to full site compliance. When following WCAG, begin by achieving WCAG Level A, then work your way to Level AA and AAA. You can download TestPros’ WCAG 2.1 Checklist for free.
- Consider speaking with accessibility experts for help.
Which accessibility standards should we follow?
For your digital properties, WCAG 2.1 Level AA should be your minimum compliance target. It is becoming the global baseline standard for 2025, with many regions already adopting it, including the EU’s EN 301 549 and newer US state laws. This provides comprehensive accessibility coverage while meeting most regulatory requirements.
Key points to consider:
- While some jurisdictions such as Section 508 (US Federal) and AODA (Ontario, Canada) still only mandate WCAG 2.0 AA, we strongly recommend implementing WCAG 2.1 AA.
- Additionally, WCAG 2.2 is likely to become the standard in the coming years. Consider incorporating these newer success criteria into your development roadmap to stay ahead of requirements.
- We recommend checking your specific regional requirements, as certain sectors (like government, education, or healthcare) may have additional standards you need to meet.
How often should we conduct accessibility testing?
Recommended testing frequency:
- Full audits: Annually
- Automated scans: Monthly
- New features: Before each release
- Major updates: Before deployment
- Continuous monitoring: Daily automated checks
What are the legal risks of poor accessibility?
Legal consequences can include:
- Federal and state lawsuits
- Civil rights complaints
- Loss of government contracts
- Damage to brand reputation (Average settlement costs range from $10,000 to $350,000+)
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates private, commercial organizations to make their websites and web content accessible.
What tools should I use for testing?
At TestPros, we use industry-standard accessibility testing tools trusted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other government agencies. Here are a list of options you can try yourself:
Screen Readers
- NVDA: Catches real-world issues JAWS might miss. Bonus: its choppy pronunciation actually helps spot poorly-written alt text
- JAWS: Best for complex web apps, though its forgiving nature can hide problems NVDA would catch
- VoiceOver: If it works on VoiceOver, it likely works everywhere (but not vice versa)
- Microsoft Narrator: Hidden gem for quick tests. While basic, it’s surprisingly good at exposing heading hierarchy issues
- TalkBack: Most temperamental of all – if your site works well with TalkBack, it’s truly accessible
Magnification Tools
- ZoomText: Like a Swiss Army knife – not the best at anything but reliable for everything
- MAGic: JAWS’ cousin – plays nice with it but can be overprotective of accessibility issues
- Built-in magnifiers (Windows/Mac): Often overlooked but crucial – most users rely on these, not specialized tools
Development Tools
- ANDI: Brutal honesty – catches embarrassing mistakes automated tools miss
- ESLint with jsx-a11y: Your first line of defense – catches 80% of rookie mistakes
- Axe DevTools: Like having a accessibility expert on your shoulder, but sometimes too chatty
- Color Contrast Analyzer: Trust but verify – what looks fine on your screen might fail on others
- WebAIM Contrast: Quick and dirty checks – perfect for design reviews
Document Testing
- PDF Accessibility Checker 2024: Picky but thorough – its false positives often reveal real underlying issues
- Microsoft Office Checker: Better at finding problems than solving them, but invaluable for quick document audits
Platform-Specific
- Microsoft Inspect: Clunky interface hides powerful features
- AccEvent: Like having X-ray vision for accessibility events
- Java AccessInspector: Dated look but still the best for Java apps
Pro Tip: No tool gets everything right – the magic happens when you combine them. NVDA + ANDI + manual keyboard testing catches 90% of critical issues.
What are the essential considerations for mobile accessibility, and how should they be implemented?
Mobile accessibility requires attention to physical interaction patterns and device adaptability:
- Touch targets must be at least 44×44 pixels and well-spaced to prevent accidental activation.
- Every touch gesture (swipe, pinch, tap) needs a simple alternative interaction method, such as visible buttons or keyboard controls.
- Content must remain fully functional and readable in both portrait and landscape orientations, with text sizing that automatically adjusts without breaking layouts or causing horizontal scrolling
- Responsive design should maintain proper heading structure, reading order, and element spacing across all screen sizes while preserving the semantic meaning of content
- Voice control and screen reader compatibility must extend to all interactive elements, with clear labels and announcements for dynamic content changes
How long does a typical accessibility audit take?
The timeline varies based on several factors, but generally speaking:
- Small websites (10-20 pages): 1-2 weeks
- Medium websites (20-100 pages): 2-4 weeks
- Large websites (100+ pages): 4-8 weeks or more
- Enterprise applications: Usually requires a custom timeline
What are the emerging trends in accessibility testing, and how will they impact future development?
Accessibility testing is being revolutionized by AI-powered tools that provide deeper analysis and real-time monitoring, moving beyond simple automated scans to detect complex issues like meaningful alt text and logical content structure. Advanced biometric tools, including eye-tracking and voice interaction testing, are enhancing our understanding of how users with disabilities interact with digital content.
The industry is shifting toward prevention rather than remediation, with integrated development tools and predictive analysis helping teams catch accessibility issues during design and development phases, while cross-device simulation ensures consistent accessibility across all platforms and devices.
