Why Accessibility and Messaging Matter on Digital Platforms

Accessibility and Messaging in Digital Platforms

Web Accessibility

One of the most common barriers to accessibility in many sectors, including utilities like water companies, is poor website design and unclear messaging. Many websites are often cluttered, with important information hidden behind complex navigation systems or inaccessible to individuals with cognitive or learning differences.

Usability for Everyone

When websites feature poor layout design and large blocks of text that alienate large portions of the customer base - especially those who may already face challenges in processing information. This creates frustration, delays in resolving issues, and potentially a loss of customers who simply cannot navigate these sites efficiently.

Learn Grammar

Use clear language to present facts. Ensure content is public-friendly and avoid branding or slogans that may cause confusion.

Listen and Answer

As part of my consultancy services, I focus on improving the digital accessibility of your platform, ensuring that all customers - regardless of their cognitive, sensory, or physical needs - can easily access and understand your offerings. By streamlining messaging and adopting accessible design principles, your company can foster a more inclusive, user-friendly experience.

• Poor website design creates accessibility barriers • Complex navigation excludes users with cognitive differences • Clear language and public-friendly content essential • Inclusive design benefits all customer types • Streamlined messaging improves user experience

Basic Accessibility Report Process

01 - Our Accessibility Audit Service

DES use advanced software to perform a thorough scan of your website. This scan checks for common accessibility issues based on the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

02 - Identification of Key Issues

Our scan will identify between 50 to 100 key accessibility issues on your website. These issues can range from minor to critical and may include: Missing text descriptions for images • Low color contrast • Missing form labels • Improper heading structure • Keyboard navigation problems

03 - Detailed Accessibility Report

You'll receive a clear and concise report (5-10 pages) that outlines the accessibility issues found on your website. The report will include: A summary of the findings • Detailed descriptions of each issue • Specific recommendations on how to fix each issue • Quick fixes for common problems

04 - Prioritization of Issues

We will prioritize issues by severity: Critical Issues: Urgent problems that prevent users with disabilities from accessing essential content or functionality • Minor Issues: Less severe problems that may cause inconvenience but do not obstruct core website functionality

• Advanced software scanning identifies 50-100 accessibility issues • 5-10 page report with clear findings and recommendations • Issues prioritized by severity level • Specific fix recommendations provided for each issue

Accessibility Audit Levels: AA vs AAA

Understanding Level AA

Basic compliance requirements including color contrast, keyboard navigation, alt text, and heading structure.

Understanding Level AAA

Enhanced accessibility with stricter requirements for color contrast, audio descriptions, and sign language interpretation.

AA Requirements

Practical applications for most websites including essential accessibility features for daily usability.

AAA Benefits

Comprehensive accessibility that serves users with the most complex needs and demonstrates the highest commitment to inclusion.

• Level AA meets legal compliance requirements • Level AAA provides enhanced accessibility features • AA suitable for most business websites • AAA demonstrates highest commitment to inclusion

Empowering Your Team with Accessibility Training

Ongoing Accessibility Training

Continuous training, support, and live reviews to maintain compliance.

01 - Enhance Your Organization's Digital Accessibility

With our Microsoft-focused training program, featuring hands-on instruction around tools like Office, Edge, and Immersive Reader. Our small group format allows for personalized attention as participants learn built-in accessibility features and best practices for inclusive design.

02 - Learn

Train your team's digital inclusion abilities with practical exercises designed to integrate accessibility checks into daily routines, product development, and ongoing verification procedures to reinforce your commitment to accessibility.

03 - Active Listening to Participants

Listen and adapt to specific issues directly, offer tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all workshops, focus on individualized solutions instead of generic strategies.

• Microsoft-focused training with hands-on instruction • Small group format for personalized attention • Practical exercises integrated into daily workflows • Active listening approach for tailored solutions

Access to Work Guidance Process

1. Can we trial the service before committing to the full 6-month package?

Yes. We offer a one-day trial workshop or monthly starter sessions to let your team experience the service firsthand. This flexible model gives you no-pressure opportunity to assess impact and engagement.

2. What kind of guidance will our team receive throughout the process?

You'll receive hands-on, tailored guidance throughout our 6-month partnership. This includes session discovery and goal setting during the first phase, real-time coaching during workshops. Ongoing support via email/Teams calls for questions or resources.

3. How does this connect with the government's Access to Work scheme?

As an experienced AT (Assistive Technology) practitioner:

• Help staff apply for Access to Work funding

• Recommend and demonstrate AT software tools like ReadWrite • ClaroRead • VoiceOver

• Provide follow-up training specific to tools awarded

• Liaise with case managers if needed

4. What tools and tech platforms do you help us use or integrate?

We work with your existing systems (Office 365 • MS Workplace • SharePoint • Teams) and show how to create reasonable templates and enhance guidance.

5. How will this help us long term?

The service builds internal capacity through training:

• Developing champions within your team

• Advocacy • Comprehensive training

• Extending good practices into everyday activities

• Improving your team's ability to support accessibility and deliver inclusive impact

• Trial options available before full commitment • 6-month partnership with ongoing support • Access to Work funding assistance provided • Existing system integration rather than new platforms • Internal capacity building for long-term sustainability

1. Initial Review & Accessibility Scan

We start by reviewing your current website to find key accessibility issues - like missing image descriptions, poor colour contrast, or confusing layouts.

• Current website review • Key accessibility issues • Missing image descriptions • Colour contrast fixes • Layout improvements

2. Collaborative Planning & Goal Setting

We work closely with your team (or external developers/designers) to agree on priorities and plan improvements based on audience needs and accessibility standards (WCAG).

• Team collaboration • External developer partnership • Priority agreement • Improvement planning • WCAG standards focus

3. Inclusive Content & Layout Updates

We help update written content, heading structure, image alt text, and page layout to make sure everything is readable, clear, and easy to navigate for all users.

• Written content updates • Heading structure • Image alt text • Page layout fixes • Universal navigation

4. Final Check & Clear Reporting

We run follow-up checks using assistive technology tools and provide a summary report with outcomes, remaining issues, and advice for long-term improvements.

• Follow-up checks • Assistive technology tools • Summary reporting • Outcomes tracking • Long-term improvement advice.

1. What's the goal of this service?

To revamp your website and content for accessibility, clarity, and user-first design.

Why it's worthwhile: A site that works for everyone enhances engagement and broadens reach, especially for users with diverse needs.

• Website revamp • Accessibility focus • User-first design • Enhanced engagement • Broader reach

2. What does it include?

Alt-text tagging, layout fixes, readability checks, and WCAG-aligned feedback.

Why it's worth it: These fixes reduce legal risk, improve SEO, and future-proof your digital presence.

• Alt-text tagging • Layout fixes • Readability checks • Legal risk reduction • SEO improvement

3. Who is this for?

Teams managing existing sites, working with marketing, design, or development teams.

Why it's worth it: It's perfect for businesses that need expert support without starting from scratch.

• Existing site teams • Marketing collaboration • Design partnerships • Expert support • No restart required

4. Do you work with external teams?

Yes - I collaborate with agencies, designers, or in-house developers directly.

Why it's worth it: We fit into your current workflow, saving you time and ensuring smooth delivery.

• Agency collaboration • Designer partnerships • Developer integration • Workflow compatibility • Time savings

5. What makes this different from a typical redesign?

It's built around accessibility from the start, not just visual polish.

Why it's worth it: Many redesigns ignore users with access needs - this one includes them from day one.

• Accessibility-first approach • Beyond visual polish • Inclusive from start • Access needs priority • Day-one inclusion

6. What's the outcome?

A site that's more inclusive, easier to navigate, and compliant with accessibility standards.

Why it's worth it: Better User experience (UX) means improved outcomes for your business or organisation.

• More inclusive • Easier navigation • Standards compliant • Better UX • Improved outcomes

Our Services & Costings

Free Consultation

Book a free 15-minute call to explore simple steps that can improve your website and customer experience. It's a no-pressure way to find out how inclusive design can support your team, users, and goals.

Quick Audit (£500 - £1,000)

Quick audit • 5-10 pages • fixes for common issues

Training Services

• One-Off Training (£800 - £1,500)

• Ongoing Training (£5,000 - £15,000): Monthly workshops • document reviews • ongoing support

In-Depth Audit

• Web & Content Redesign (£1,500 - £10,000): UX/UI fixes • content strategy for accessibility

• Free consultation available to explore options • Flexible pricing from £500 to £50,000+ depending on scope • Training and audit services available separately or combined • Ongoing support options for long-term accessibility compliance.