Why Hire Trained Accessibility Auditors?
Having a website is no longer enough. If your website cannot be used by everyone, including people with disabilities, then you are leaving people behind. That is where a trained accessibility auditor comes in. Even better if you can work with a trained accessibility auditor that also has disability. They can help you make sure your website is clear, fair, and usable for everyone. This means more people can use your site, and it also helps your business or organisation grow.
But why should you pay for a trained auditor when there are online tools and checklists you can use for free? Let’s look at the reasons.
Accessibility Is Not Just About Ticking Boxes
Many people think digital accessibility is just about adding text for images or checking colour contrast. While those things matter, true accessibility goes much deeper. A trained accessibility auditor understands how people with different needs use websites. This includes people who are blind or have low vision, people with hearing loss, people with learning difficulties, and people with physical or movement challenges.
A trained auditor will not just check the surface. They will test how easy your website is to use with tools like keyboards or screen readers. They will also check things like heading structure, form labels, and how clear your language is. These things are easy to miss if you are not trained to look for them.
Mistakes Can Cost You
If your website is not accessible, you could face complaints or even legal trouble. In Australia, the Disability Discrimination Act says that services must be accessible to people with disabilities. That includes websites.
You might not mean to exclude anyone, but if your website cannot be used by all people, it may be breaking the law. Hiring a trained accessibility auditor helps you avoid these risks. They know the legal requirements and can give you a clear plan to fix problems.
It Helps Everyone, Not Just People with Disabilities
When your website is easy to use, more people stay on your page. They can find what they need without stress. That includes older people, people with slower internet, and people using phones or tablets.
Think about someone trying to book a doctor’s appointment on their phone while holding a baby. Or someone who has had a stroke and finds it hard to focus. Or a teenager with dyslexia trying to fill in a form. A trained auditor will help you build a website that works well for all these people.
Better access leads to better results. It can help your customers trust you. It can help you rank higher on search engines like Google. And it shows that your business cares about fairness and inclusion.
Online Tools Cannot Do It All
There are online tools that scan your website and tell you if something is wrong. These tools are useful, but they only find around 30% of the issues. They cannot check if your links make sense, or if your text is too hard to read. They cannot tell you if your layout is confusing or if your forms are usable.
Only a human can test the full experience. A trained auditor can think like a real user and show you what needs to be fixed. They can also give you advice on what to do next, in plain and simple steps.
Real Change Takes Real Knowledge
Accessibility is not just a once-off task. It should be built into your design, your writing, and your updates. A trained auditor will help you build skills in your team and create habits that last.
They might also provide training, support, and regular reviews to keep your site up to date. This saves time and money in the long run. It is better to get it right from the start than to fix it later.
How to Find a Trained Accessibility Auditor
Look for someone with real experience and training. They should know the current Australian standards and have worked on websites like yours before. Ask them if they test with real users or if they offer support after the audit.
A good place to start is Digital Access Solutions and Assistive Technologies (DASAT), the Digital Accessibility Skills and Training organisation. They provide expert help and practical support to make your website more inclusive. You can find out more at https://dasat.com.au.
Make It Part of Your Brand
Making your website accessible is not just about doing the right thing. It is about showing that your brand values everyone. It is about helping people, building trust, and growing your reach.
By working with a trained accessibility auditor, you take a smart and strong step toward a more welcoming online world. It is a step that helps your users, your team, and your business.
Final Thought
If someone told you that one change could help you reach more people, improve your website, and reduce your legal risks, would you take it? Hiring a trained accessibility auditor is that one smart change.
Is your website truly welcoming to everyone, or just to some?