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Web Accessibility Certification
September 05, 2022
Updated: Apr 27, 2025
TL;DR - A web accessibility certification verifies that your website meets recognized accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1 AA. It’s not a legal shield, but it serves as vital documentation of your remediation efforts.
What Is Web Accessibility Certification?
A web accessibility certification is an official document issued after a website has been tested, reviewed, and remediated to meet accessibility standards. This certificate outlines the accessibility features present on the site and confirms compliance with guidelines like WCAG 2.1 Level AA and legal frameworks such as the ADA or Section 508.
While it shares some similarities with an accessibility statement, the certification is a more detailed, technical document often used internally or for legal documentation.
Who Needs It - and Why?
Roughly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. lives with a disability. Globally, that number reaches over 1 billion people. Web accessibility ensures equal access to digital content for this massive population.
Beyond inclusivity, website accessibility is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. If your website fails to meet standards, your business may face lawsuits, fines, or loss of government contracts. Certification is not legally mandated, but it’s a powerful tool to show you`ve taken concrete steps toward compliance.
What’s Included in EqualWeb’s Certification?
EqualWeb issues a Certificate of Performance for clients under both the Auto and Managed plans. This includes:
Verification of WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance
List of implemented accessibility features (e.g., keyboard navigation, color contrast tools, text magnification)
Modifications for assistive technologies like screen readers
Platform-specific remediation details
Confirmation of manual and automated testing procedures
Certification vs. Accessibility Statement
Although related, these are not interchangeable:
Accessibility Statement: A public-facing declaration summarizing a website`s commitment to accessibility.
Accessibility Certification: A formal document that proves a site was audited and remediated to comply with accessibility standards.
Most organizations should have both.
How EqualWeb Can Help
EqualWeb offers a hybrid approach to accessibility that blends automation with expert oversight. Our AI-powered toolbar, expert remediation team, and continuous monitoring system ensure your website not only becomes compliant - but stays that way.
We also offer:
A $1 million compliance warranty for Managed Plan clients
Support across all CMS platforms
Free accessibility testing and audits to evaluate your current standing
Ready to Certify Your Website?
If your website has already been remediated or is in the process of becoming accessible, EqualWeb’s certification provides peace of mind and formal documentation. Contact us to learn more about our certification and compliance solutions.
TL;DR: On April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the updated guidelines for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requiring state and local governments to follow WCAG 2.1 AA standards for their websites and mobile applications. While there are specific requirements, the updates also include exceptions for archived content and certain social media posts. This isn’t a heavy-handed mandate but a necessary step toward ensuring digital accessibility for everyone.
In the fast-paced digital landscape of today, ensuring accessibility for all users is not just a competitive aspect of the market but a legal necessity. With the rise in lawsuits related to website accessibility, businesses and website owners are increasingly finding themselves under scrutiny for non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, navigating the complexities of ADA compliance can be daunting and time-consuming, often diverting attention from core business activities. Enter EqualWeb`s automatic AI-powered accessibility software – a game-changer in simplifying the process and alleviating one major worry for businessmen and website owners alike.
In 2004, Italy introduced a groundbreaking piece of legislation known as the Legge Stanca, or Law 4/2004. This legislation, also referred to as the Stanca Act, established a set of guidelines for ensuring the accessibility of websites and mobile applications for people with disabilities. Italy has recently expanded its accessibility law to apply to large private entities, which establishes the Stanca Law even more as a significant force in promoting digital inclusion in the boot-shaped peninsula.
