Independent Accessibility Audit Methodology

Independent Accessibility Audit Methodology Built for Compliance

or Speak to an Auditor

A structured, evidence-driven audit framework designed to meet regulatory, legal, and enterprise expectations without conflicts of interest.

Accord Compliance operates as an audit-led accessibility institution, not a development agency or tool provider.
Our methodology prioritises objectivity, repeatability, and defensibility across jurisdictions.

or Speak to an Auditor

Independent audit-only mandate

IAAP-certified audit leadership

Conflict-free audit governance

Manual-first, evidence-based testing

Regulator- and enterprise-ready reporting

Why Methodology and Independence Matter in Accessibility Audits

Accessibility compliance is increasingly regulated, enforced, and litigated.

When accessibility findings are reviewed by:

Regulators

Legal teams

Auditors

Procurement committees

They expect:

Consistent interpretation of standards

Clear evidence

No commercial bias

An accessibility audit is only credible if the auditor is independent from remediation, staffing, and tooling incentives. This principle is foundational to Accord Compliance.

Our Independence Principles

Accord Compliance is structured to avoid conflicts that compromise audit integrity.

What We Do Not Do

  • We do not bundle audits with remediation delivery
  • We do not operate as a staffing or outsourcing agency
  • We do not dilute findings to secure implementation work
  • We do not resell or depend on proprietary testing tools

What This Means for Clients

  • Findings are objective, not commercially motivated
  • Audit severity is based on standards, not sales pressure
  • Reports are defensible in regulatory or legal contexts

Independence is not a feature — it is a governance requirement.

Our Accessibility Audit Methodology

Accord Compliance is structured to avoid conflicts that compromise audit integrity.

Step 1:Regulatory & Scope Alignment

Before testing begins, we formally define:

  • Applicable regulations (e.g., SEBI, ADA, EAA, AODA)
  • Applicable standards (WCAG 2.1 / 2.2, ISO/IEC 40500)
  • In-scope URLs, screens, flows, and documents
  • Risk classification (high, medium, low exposure)
  • No audit proceeds without a confirmed scope

Request a callback

Step 2: Manual-First Expert Testing

We prioritise manual accessibility testing, supported (not replaced) by automation:

  • Keyboard-only navigation
  • Screen reader testing (multiple ATs)
  • Focus management and reading order
  • Error handling and validation feedback
  • Cognitive load and interaction clarity
  • Automated tools used only to augment coverage

Request a callback

Step 3: Issue Classification & Evidence Capture

Each identified issue is documented with:

  • WCAG success criterion reference
  • Severity level (Critical / Major / Minor)
  • User impact explanation
  • Reproducible steps
  • Screenshot, DOM, or code-level evidence
  • Actionable, defensible findings for teams and legal review

Request a callback

Step 4: Compliance-Ready Reporting

Findings are structured for:

  • Development and remediation teams
  • Product and UX teams
  • Legal and compliance stakeholders
  • Executive and governance review
  • Executive summary and prioritised remediation guidance

Request a callback

Standards & Frameworks We Apply

Our methodology aligns with globally recognised standards

Technical Standards:

WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2 (A, AA, AAA)

ISO/IEC 40500:2025

EN 301 549

India

SEBIGIGWRPwD

Accessibility audits mapped to SEBI's digital accessibility mandate, RPwD Act requirements, and GIGW standards for regulated and public-facing digital platforms.

India compliance background

United States

ADASection 508

Accessibility audits aligned with ADA Title III expectations and Section 508 requirements for public and enterprise digital systems.

United States compliance background

European Union

EAA

WCAG-based accessibility audits aligned with the European Accessibility Act obligations for digital products and services across EU member states.

European Union compliance background

Canada

AODAACA

Accessibility audits aligned with AODA and the Accessible Canada Act requirements for federally and provincially regulated digital platforms.

Canada compliance background

Australia

National accessibility mandates

WCAG-aligned accessibility audits supporting compliance with Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act and government accessibility guidance.

Australia compliance background

Audit Governance & Quality Control

To maintain audit integrity:

All audits follow documented internal frameworks

Findings undergo internal quality review

Audit interpretations are standardised

Reporting formats remain consistent

Separation from Remediation & Implementation

Our audit scope adapts to regulatory context while maintaining a consistent core.

Separation from Remediation & Implementation

While remediation guidance may be provided:

Audits are never contingent on implementation

Clients are free to choose any remediation partner

No preferential outcomes are offered

This separation preserves:

Auditor objectivity

Client trust

Regulatory credibility

When an Independent Audit Is Required

When an Independent Audit Is Required

You should require an independent accessibility audit when:

Regulatory compliance is mandatory

Legal exposure exists

Procurement or certification depends on accessibility

Internal testing lacks external validation

In these scenarios, independence is not optional.

Contact Us

Team members collaborating on accessibility compliance

Audit Integrity Is the Foundation of Accessibility Compliance

Accord Compliance delivers accessibility audits that stand up to scrutiny — today and as regulations evolve.

Or Speak With Our Audit Team