How to Use the Web Accessibility Cost Calculator?

Website Accessibility Cost Calculator: Quick Estimates for WCAG Audits and More Transcript On the screen with me is a very helpful resource from DigitalA11Y. And of course, A11y is spelled A11Y. I will link to this in the YouTube description. This is a digital accessibility cost calculator. So, this is a way to get a really good feel for how much it will cost for whatever digital accessibility services you want.And on this page, there are any number of options. So this is not just for an audit. There are also options for responsive pages, design pages, audit, iOS screens, audit, Android screens, audit, consulting hours, number of screens for a design audit (so Figma/Sketch), number of PDF or other document pages, minutes of audio, video, captioning, transcripts, follow-up audit, and a VPAT, and then online or in-person training. So, very helpful in helping someone get a feel for their cost.And this really contrasts with the industry because most accessibility providers require you to book a call or contact them; you will not find out about their costs from their website. So, they really want to get you in that sales demo or that sales call. A lot of the time, people are just looking to get a feel for how much something costs.So, let’s give an example here. I’m going to go ahead and go to the number of desktop pages for audit, and I’m going to say two simple pages, and then let’s go with five medium and three complex. And then if we scroll down after those entries, the total cost we can see is 35 50. So, $3,550. And then at the very bottom, there’s a table where we can see that cost.If we add any other services, we can also add that cost on. So, let’s go to the number of consulting hours and let’s say two consulting hours. And then now the cost is 38 50. So, this is a really nice resource: transparent pricing. Of course, it’s not exact; this is an estimate, but it’s a really good estimate. So, you have a really good feel for how much something will cost.I also want to direct your attention to this: there’s a help tab on the calculator page or on the cost calculator page. It tells you how to use the cost calculator. But then if we scroll down, we can also get guidance for identifying the scope for accessibility audits in various industries. I think this is really helpful.So many times clients come to me and they will not know what should be in scope or what URLs are really needed. This is a way for them to decide what pages do we want or what URLs do we want to include in this audit. It has how to scope an ecommerce store, how to scope a travel website, how to scope a restaurant website, banking, and then I’ll scroll down and then insurance, education, and health care.For example, in banking, it says home page, login and registration pages, account information pages, bill pages, transfer pages, accessibility information, contact, and mobile app. So, extremely helpful and very useful. It will help people quickly get a feel for preparing themselves for the process of procuring digital accessibility services, understanding what is involved, understanding the cost, and having a better sense of just the services and how much they can expect to pay.I think this is an excellent resource. The Help tab is about the same URL. I will link to this below.


The web accessibility cost calculator provides an estimate of the cost of procuring various services from accessibility vendors. We have analyzed industry data and averaged the costs to provide an idea of the cost of procuring digital accessibility services. Please note that each accessibility agency might have different costs factored in.

This web accessibility cost calculator breaks down the costs into the following categories:

  • Scanning and monitoring
  • Desktop pages
  • Responsive design pages
  • Mobile (iOS and Android)
  • PDF and document accessibility
  • Captions
  • Transcripts
  • Audio description
  • Accessibility consulting
  • VPAT
  • Follow-up audit
  • Trainings (in-person or online)

Desktop

Template

When conducting an accessibility audit for a website, it is crucial to identify the website’s templates, which often have a consistent layout and design. While the content of each page may differ, the underlying template structure remains the same. To effectively evaluate the accessibility of the website, it is recommended to select two templates with similar design and layout for comparison. By
doing so, potential accessibility issues can be identified more easily and accurately, and appropriate solutions can be implemented.

Components Heading

When conducting an accessibility audit for a website, it is important to identify the various components of the website, such as navigational menus, forms, accordions, tab panels, carousels, audio/video player, interactive maps, tables and grids, among others.

Identifying Page Complexity

  • Simple web pages: These are web pages with minimal content and functionality. They typically consist of basic text and images, and may include a few links or buttons. Examples of simple web pages include landing pages, blog posts, and news articles.
  • Medium web pages: These are web pages with more content and functionality than simple pages. They may include multimedia elements such as videos, audio files, and interactive graphics, as well as forms, tables, and more complex navigation menus. Examples of medium web pages include product pages, service pages, and event pages.
  • Complex web pages: These are web pages with a high level of interactivity and functionality. They may include dynamic content such as animations, slideshows, and real-time data, as well as more complex features such as search functionality, filtering options, and user-generated content. Examples of complex web pages include e-commerce sites, social media platforms, and web-based applications.

Responsive Design

Responsive design refers to a design approach that allows websites and applications to adjust and display content effectively across various screen sizes and devices. The breakpoints are specific screen sizes at which the design layout changes, and these breakpoints are defined using CSS media queries. When it comes to picking breakpoints and pages for an accessibility audit in responsive design, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

  • Screen Sizes and Devices: It’s important to consider the most common screen sizes and devices that users are accessing the website or application from. This can help to identify the breakpoints that will be most critical to test for accessibility.
  • User Behavior: Consider the pages that are most commonly accessed by users and prioritize them for testing. This can include pages such as the homepage, navigation, search results, and checkout pages.

Commonly Used Breakpoints

Here’s a list of commonly used breakpoints for responsive design:

  1. 320px – commonly used for mobile phones in portrait mode
  2. 480px – commonly used for smaller mobile phones in landscape mode
  3. 768px – commonly used for tablets and larger mobile phones in landscape mode
  4. 992px – commonly used for smaller desktop screens and larger tablets in landscape mode
  5. 1200px – commonly used for larger desktop screens

These are just some examples and the specific breakpoints used can vary depending on the website or application being designed. It’s important to select breakpoints that align with the target audience’s device usage and screen sizes, as well as the design goals for the website or application. It’s important to note that these categories are not set in stone, and the level of complexity of a web
page can vary depending on many factors, such as the amount of content, the level of interactivity, and the functionality required. Additionally, a page may fall into multiple categories, depending on its design and purpose.

When conducting an accessibility audit, it’s important to consider the complexity of each web page and the level of accessibility required for users with disabilities to navigate and interact with the page. More complex pages may require additional accessibility features and testing to ensure that they are fully accessible to all users.

Mobile

Scope Identification for Native Mobile Apps

When identifying the scope for native mobile apps for accessibility testing, there are a few things to consider:

  • Platforms: Identify the platforms you want to test. For example, iOS, Android, or both.
  • App features: Identify the app features you want to test for accessibility. For example, navigation, color contrast, font size, and content readability.

Once you have identified the scope for native mobile apps for accessibility testing, you can begin to develop a plan for testing. It’s important to involve users with disabilities in your testing.

Guidance for Identifying Scope for Accessibility Audits in Various Industries

  1. Homepage: This is the first page users will see when they visit your website, and it should be easy to
    navigate and understand. Consider auditing the navigation menu, search bar, and any links or buttons
    on the page.
  2. Product category pages: These pages provide users with a list of products that belong to a specific
    category. Consider auditing the filters, sorting options, and any links or buttons on the page. If the
    category page has a “Split Product” layout, ensure that each product is still accessible to all users.
  3. Product pages: These pages are critical for eCommerce websites, as they provide users with
    information about the products you are selling. Consider auditing the product descriptions, images,
    and any forms or fields on the page. If the product has multiple options or variations, ensure that they
    are accessible to all users.
  4. Shopping cart and checkout pages: These pages are where users will make a purchase on your
    website. Consider auditing the checkout process, including any forms or fields that users must fill out
    to complete their purchase.
  5. Store locator: If your website has a store locator feature, consider auditing the search functionality,
    map display, and any links or buttons on the page.
  6. Login and account management pages: These pages allow users to create an account, login, and
    manage their account settings. Consider auditing the login process, password recovery, and any forms
    or fields on the page.
  7. Contact us and support pages: These pages are critical for providing users with help and support when
    they need it. Consider auditing the contact forms, email addresses, and any links or buttons on the
    page.

Auditing a travel website for accessibility can be a complex task as these websites often have different pages and features. However, based on common practices and guidelines, here are some suggestions for the critical pages and features you should consider auditing:

  1. Homepage: This is the first page users will see when they visit your website, and it should be easy to navigate and understand. Consider auditing the navigation menu, search bar, and any links or buttons on the page.
  2. Destination pages: These pages provide users with information about specific travel destinations. Consider auditing the destination descriptions, images, maps, and any forms or fields on the page.
  3. Booking pages: These pages are critical for travel websites, as they allow users to book flights, hotels, and other travel accommodations. Consider auditing the booking process, including any forms or fields that users must fill out to complete their booking.
  4. Flight search and booking pages: These pages allow users to search for and book flights. Consider auditing the flight search functionality, search filters, and any forms or fields on the page.
  5. Hotel search and booking pages: These pages allow users to search for and book hotels. Consider auditing the hotel search functionality, search filters, and any forms or fields on the page.
  6. Accessibility information: Ensure that the website provides accessibility information for users with disabilities, such as wheelchair accessibility, hearing loops, and other relevant information.
  7. Contact us and support pages: These pages are critical for providing users with help and support when they need it. Consider auditing the contact forms, email addresses, and any links or buttons on the page.
  8. Mobile app (if applicable): If the travel website has a mobile app, ensure that it is accessible to users with disabilities.

Auditing a restaurant website for accessibility can be a challenging task, as it may have different pages and features. However, based on common practices and guidelines, here are some suggestions for the critical pages and features you should consider auditing:

  1. Homepage: This is the first page users will see when they visit your website, and it should be easy to navigate and understand. Consider auditing the navigation menu, search bar, and any links or buttons on the page.
  2. Menu pages: These pages provide users with information about the restaurant’s menu. Consider auditing the menu descriptions, prices, images, and any forms or fields on the page.
  3. Reservation pages: These pages are critical for restaurant websites, as they allow users to make reservations. Consider auditing the reservation process, including any forms or fields that users must fill out to complete their reservation.
  4. About us page: This page provides users with information about the restaurant, its history, and its mission. Consider auditing the text, images, and any links or buttons on the page.
  5. Contact us and support pages: These pages are critical for providing users with help and support when they need it. Consider auditing the contact forms, email addresses, and any links or buttons on the page.
  6. Location and hours pages: These pages provide users with information about the restaurant’s location and opening hours. Consider auditing the map display, address, and any other relevant information.
  7. Mobile app (if applicable): If the restaurant website has a mobile app, ensure that it is accessible to users with disabilities.
  8. Online ordering pages: If the restaurant offers online ordering, consider auditing the ordering process, including any forms or fields that users must fill out to complete their order.

Auditing a banking site for accessibility can be a challenging task, as it involves ensuring that users with disabilities can access and use all features of the site securely. Here are some suggestions for the critical pages and features you should consider auditing:

  1. Homepage: This is the first page users will see when they visit your website, and it should be easy to navigate and understand. Consider auditing the navigation menu, search bar, and any links or buttons on the page.
  2. Login and registration pages: These pages allow users to log in to their account or create a new one. Consider auditing the login and registration forms, fields, and any error messages.
  3. Account information pages: These pages provide users with information about their account, such as balances, transaction history, and statements. Consider auditing the information display, graphs, and any forms or fields on the page.
  4. Bill payment pages: These pages allow users to pay their bills online. Consider auditing the bill payment process, including any forms or fields that users must fill out to complete their payment.
  5. Transfer pages: These pages allow users to transfer money between their accounts or to other accounts. Consider auditing the transfer process, including any forms or fields that users must fill out to complete their transfer.
  6. Accessibility information: Ensure that the website provides accessibility information for users with disabilities, such as keyboard shortcuts, screen reader compatibility, and other relevant information.
  7. Contact us and support pages: These pages are critical for providing users with help and support when they need it. Consider auditing the contact forms, email addresses, and any links or buttons on the page.
  8. Mobile app (if applicable): If the banking site has a mobile app, ensure that it is accessible to users with disabilities.

These are just a few examples of critical pages and features that you may want to consider auditing for accessibility on a banking site. However, depending on the complexity of your website, there may be additional pages and features that you should include in your audit.

Auditing an insurance website for accessibility can be a complex task as it may have a variety of different pages and features related to insurance products, claims, and support. Here are some suggestions for the critical pages and features you should consider auditing:

  1. Homepage: This is the first page users will see when they visit your website, and it should be easy to navigate and understand. Consider auditing the navigation menu, search bar, and any links or buttons on the page.
  2. Insurance product pages: These pages provide users with information about the different insurance products offered by the company. Consider auditing the product descriptions, images, and any forms or fields on the page.
  3. Claims pages: These pages allow users to file claims for their insurance policies. Consider auditing the claims process, including any forms or fields that users must fill out to complete their claim.
  4. Contact us and support pages: These pages are critical for providing users with help and support when they need it. Consider auditing the contact forms, email addresses, and any links or buttons on the page.
  5. FAQ pages: These pages provide users with answers to common questions related to insurance products, claims, and other related topics. Consider auditing the text, images, and any links or buttons on the page.
  6. Accessibility information: Ensure that the website provides accessibility information for users with disabilities, such as keyboard shortcuts, screen reader compatibility, and other relevant information.
  7. Payment pages: These pages allow users to make payments for their insurance policies. Consider auditing the payment process, including any forms or fields that users must fill out to complete their payment.
  8. Mobile app (if applicable): If the insurance website has a mobile app, ensure that it is accessible to users with disabilities.

These are just a few examples of critical pages and features that you may want to consider auditing for accessibility on an insurance website. However, depending on the complexity of your website, there may be additional pages and features that you should include in your audit.

Here are some suggestions for critical pages to consider when conducting an accessibility audit for an education website:

  1. Homepage: This is the first page that users will see when they visit your website, and it should be easy to navigate and understand. Consider auditing the navigation menu, search bar, and any links or buttons on the page.
  2. Course information pages: These pages provide users with information about courses offered by the institution, including course descriptions, schedules, and prerequisites. Consider auditing the information display, images, and any forms or fields on the page.
  3. Registration pages: These pages allow users to register for courses or programs offered by the institution. Consider auditing the registration process, including any forms or fields that users must fill out to complete their registration.
  4. Student resources pages: These pages provide students with access to resources such as academic advising, career services, disability support, and financial aid. Consider auditing the text, images, and any links or buttons on the page.
  5. Learning management system (LMS) pages: These pages provide students with access to online course materials, assignments, and assessments. Consider auditing the accessibility of the LMS platform, including any forms, fields, or media that students must access.
  6. Accessibility information: Ensure that the website provides accessibility information for users with disabilities, such as keyboard shortcuts, screen reader compatibility, and other relevant information.
  7. Contact us and support pages: These pages are critical for providing users with help and support when they need it. Consider auditing the contact forms, email addresses, and any links or buttons on the page.
  8. Mobile app (if applicable): If the education website has a mobile app, ensure that it is accessible to users with disabilities. These are just a few examples of critical pages and features that you may want to consider auditing for accessibility on an education website. However, depending on the complexity of your website, there may be additional pages and features that you should include in your audit.

Here are some suggestions for critical pages to consider when conducting an accessibility audit for a healthcare website:

  1. Homepage: This is the first page that users will see when they visit your website, and it should be easy to navigate and understand. Consider auditing the navigation menu, search bar, and any links or buttons on the page.
  2. Appointment scheduling pages: These pages allow users to schedule appointments with healthcare providers. Consider auditing the scheduling process, including any forms or fields that users must fill out to complete their appointment.
  3. Medical records pages: These pages provide users with access to their medical records, such as test results, diagnoses, and treatment plans. Consider auditing the accessibility of the records, including any forms or media that users must access.
  4. Prescription refills pages: These pages allow users to request prescription refills from their healthcare provider. Consider auditing the request process, including any forms or fields that users must fill out to complete their refill request.
  5. Patient education pages: These pages provide users with information about medical conditions, treatments, and other relevant healthcare topics. Consider auditing the text, images, and any links or buttons on the page.
  6. Accessibility information: Ensure that the website provides accessibility information for users with disabilities, such as keyboard shortcuts, screen reader compatibility, and other relevant information.
  7. Contact us and support pages: These pages are critical for providing users with help and support when they need it. Consider auditing the contact forms, email addresses, and any links or buttons on the page.
  8. Mobile app (if applicable): If the healthcare website has a mobile app, ensure that it is accessible to users with disabilities.

These are just a few examples of critical pages and features that you may want to consider auditing for accessibility on a healthcare website. However, depending on the complexity of your website, there may be additional pages and features that you should include in your audit.

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