7 Metrics for Tracking Accessibility Compliance
Accessibility compliance is crucial for creating inclusive digital experiences, avoiding legal risks, and unlocking business opportunities. Here are seven key metrics to track your progress:
WCAG Compliance Score: Measures how well your website aligns with accessibility standards. Aim for Level AA compliance for a balance between usability and practicality.
User Task Success Rate (TSR): Tracks the percentage of users completing key tasks. A high TSR reflects better accessibility and user satisfaction.
Accessibility Issue Density: Shows the concentration of accessibility errors on your site, helping prioritize fixes.
Assistive Technology Compatibility: Ensures your website works seamlessly with tools like screen readers and voice recognition software.
Legal Compliance Audit Results: Evaluates adherence to accessibility laws and WCAG standards, reducing legal risks.
User Satisfaction Scores: Captures feedback from users with disabilities to identify and resolve barriers.
Employee Accessibility Training Completion: Tracks staff training rates to ensure your team understands and applies accessibility principles.
Why it matters:
1.3 billion people worldwide live with disabilities, controlling $1.9 trillion in annual disposable income globally.
95.9% of websites fail basic accessibility standards, presenting a massive opportunity for businesses to improve.
Accessibility boosts revenue, conversion rates, and customer loyalty while reducing legal risks.
Quick Comparison:
Metric | Purpose | Ease of Tracking | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
WCAG Compliance Score | Measures guideline adherence | Moderate | Legal compliance, user experience |
User Task Success Rate (TSR) | Tracks successful task completion | Easy | Accessibility, usability |
Accessibility Issue Density | Identifies error concentration | Moderate | Prioritizes fixes, reduces barriers |
Assistive Technology Compatibility | Ensures compatibility with assistive tools | Moderate | Enhances usability for disabled users |
Legal Compliance Audit Results | Checks adherence to laws and standards | Moderate | Legal risk reduction, business alignment |
User Satisfaction Scores | Measures user feedback on accessibility | Easy | Improves user experience, loyalty |
Employee Training Completion | Tracks accessibility training participation | Easy | Builds internal expertise, ensures compliance |
Tracking these metrics helps you create accessible digital experiences, meet legal requirements, and tap into a growing market. Start small, measure consistently, and make data-driven improvements.
Scoring the Accessibility of Websites - axe-con 2022
1. WCAG Compliance Score
The WCAG Compliance Score is a numerical measure of how well your website aligns with established digital accessibility standards. It highlights areas where your site meets guidelines and pinpoints opportunities for improvement.
Adherence to WCAG Standards
The WCAG Compliance Score evaluates specific elements that impact your site's accessibility. Jeff Curtis, Sr. Content Manager at AudioEye, explains:
"An accessibility score is how well your website conforms to accessibility guidelines, recommendations, and best practices. The score is calculated by looking at and evaluating features that contribute to a web page's accessibility. This may include the appropriate use of alt text, headers, images, closed captioning, and more".
Scores range from 0 (poor) to 100 (excellent). This score is determined through a combination of automated testing, manual audits, and user feedback, offering a well-rounded view of your site's compliance.
WCAG organizes its success criteria into three levels: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. Most websites aim for Level AA compliance under the latest WCAG version, as it balances accessibility with practicality.
Impact on User Experience
A higher WCAG Compliance Score translates into better user experiences. According to WebAIM, 96.3% of the top 1 million homepages on the internet have detectable WCAG violations. This statistic underscores the widespread need for improvement and the competitive advantage of achieving compliance.
Ease of Measurement and Tracking
Measuring WCAG compliance is straightforward with automated tools that scan your website for potential accessibility issues. These tools flag violations, helping you prioritize fixes.
However, automated tools have limitations. Some WCAG criteria require human evaluation. For this reason, combining manual testing with automated tools offers a more accurate picture of your site's accessibility.
Regular monitoring is key to tracking progress. Automated tools can continuously assess your website, providing updated scores that reflect improvements over time. This creates a measurable baseline for evaluating accessibility alongside other user-focused metrics.
Relevance to Legal and Business Goals
WCAG compliance is a critical best practice for meeting legal requirements. Many accessibility laws reference WCAG standards. For example, the Department of Justice considers commercial websites subject to Title III of the ADA, making compliance essential to avoid legal risks.
The business benefits are equally compelling. By adhering to WCAG standards, you can connect with 61 million individuals with disabilities and 71 million Baby Boomers, who collectively control $548 billion in discretionary spending. Additionally, accessible websites often enjoy better SEO rankings and improved usability for all users.
Some governments are formalizing accessibility scoring into their regulations. For instance, France’s Montchamp Law incorporates the RGAA compliance standard, which includes accessibility scoring. Similarly, the European Accessibility Act, set to take effect in June 2025, will impose additional requirements on U.S. companies with websites accessible in EU countries.
2. User Task Success Rate
After evaluating WCAG compliance, another key metric to assess accessibility is the User Task Success Rate (TSR). TSR measures the percentage of users who successfully complete essential tasks. This metric sheds light on how accessibility barriers affect user behavior and task outcomes. Like WCAG scores, TSR provides actionable data to improve accessibility.
Impact on User Experience
TSR directly reflects how well users can complete tasks, making it a critical measure of usability. Research shows an average task completion rate of 78%. When users reliant on assistive technologies face obstacles, a lower TSR can point out areas where your digital experience needs improvement. Comparing TSR across different user groups can help identify specific accessibility gaps.
A high TSR indicates an interface that is intuitive and inclusive, fostering a positive user experience. It reduces frustration and allows users to focus on their goals instead of battling accessibility issues. This often leads to greater satisfaction and loyalty among users.
Ease of Measurement and Tracking
Measuring TSR is simple:
TSR = (Successfully Completed Tasks / Total Tasks) × 100.
For instance, if 1,000 users attempt to complete a checkout process and 600 reach the confirmation page, your TSR would be 60%. Tracking partial success rates can also provide deeper insights into where users may struggle.
Pairing TSR with other metrics - like error rates and time spent on tasks - can pinpoint specific problem areas. Regularly monitoring TSR helps establish benchmarks, track performance over time, and guide targeted improvements. These insights not only enhance accessibility but also align with compliance and broader business objectives.
Relevance to Legal and Business Goals
A strong TSR demonstrates that key functions are accessible, which can drive higher conversion rates and improve customer retention. On the flip side, a low TSR signals areas that need attention, helping prioritize resources effectively. For stakeholders, TSR connects accessibility efforts to measurable business outcomes, reinforcing the value of investing in user-friendly, inclusive design.
3. Accessibility Issue Density
After task success metrics, another vital measure to consider is accessibility issue density. This metric highlights how concentrated accessibility issues are within specific areas of your interface, offering a clear picture of which pages or sections require the most attention.
Adherence to WCAG Standards
Tracking accessibility issue density provides a measurable way to monitor your progress toward WCAG compliance. For instance, the WebAIM Million 2025 report revealed that a staggering 94.8% of home pages had WCAG 2 failures, averaging 51 accessibility errors per page among the top 1,000,000 websites. By monitoring issue density, teams can prioritize addressing the most significant barriers. Regular tracking ensures accessibility becomes an integral part of each release cycle, avoiding the costly scramble to fix issues later.
However, it’s worth noting that automated scans can only detect about 30% to 40% of WCAG violations. This underscores the importance of combining automated tools with manual reviews for a comprehensive approach.
Impact on User Experience
Aaron Farber, Senior Accessibility Platform Consultant at TPGi, emphasizes the user experience implications:
"If a site has a high number of automated errors, you know there's a good chance users are going to have a bad experience".
High issue density can be especially frustrating for users dependent on assistive technologies. Addressing these issues not only enhances usability for people with disabilities but also improves navigation and functionality for all users. With approximately 15% of the global population living with a disability, reducing issue density directly impacts a significant portion of your audience while enriching the overall experience.
Ease of Measurement and Tracking
Calculating accessibility issue density is straightforward with the proper tools. The formula is simple: divide the number of accessibility errors by the total number of elements or pages scanned. For example, 20 errors across 100 interactive elements result in a 20% issue density. To streamline resolution, classify errors by severity and develop templates for common problems like missing alt text or incorrect focus order. Consistent monitoring not only tracks progress but also reduces the need for repetitive audits.
Relevance to Legal and Business Goals
A high issue density isn’t just a usability concern - it’s a legal and business risk. In 2024 alone, over 4,000 digital accessibility lawsuits were filed. Reducing issue density lowers the chances of facing such lawsuits, particularly for e-commerce sites. On the business side, accessible websites have been shown to boost conversion rates by 25% or more. Additionally, benchmarking your site's accessibility against industry standards can help demonstrate progress to nontechnical stakeholders, making accessibility improvements more tangible and aligning them with broader business objectives. These insights not only support compliance but also guide meaningful design enhancements.
4. Assistive Technology Compatibility
Building on established WCAG guidelines and usability metrics, assistive technology compatibility focuses on how well digital products function with tools like screen readers, voice recognition software, magnifiers, and alternative input devices.
Adherence to WCAG Standards
WCAG Guideline 4.1, titled "Compatible", emphasizes ensuring web content works seamlessly with both current and future assistive technologies. This guideline includes specific success criteria - 4.1.1 (Parsing), 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value), and 4.1.3 (Status Messages) - which serve as benchmarks for compatibility testing.
To meet these standards, use semantic HTML, appropriate ARIA labels, and ensure keyboard navigation works for both static and dynamic content. These practices directly influence how users with assistive tools interact with your digital interfaces.
Impact on User Experience
When digital products lack assistive technology compatibility, users relying on these tools are effectively excluded from accessing vital online services. This is particularly significant, given that over 1 billion people worldwide live with disabilities and contribute substantially to global purchasing power.
Compatibility testing can uncover critical issues like inaccessible controls, missing alt text, and keyboard traps that hinder usability. Ensuring users can navigate your interface with their preferred assistive technologies improves navigation efficiency and overall interaction quality.
Ease of Measurement and Tracking
To assess compatibility, test your products with the same assistive tools real users rely on. Automated tools can help, but testing with widely used assistive technologies often reveals deeper access barriers they might overlook.
Key steps include structuring content with semantic HTML and ARIA labels to ensure assistive tools can interpret website elements accurately. Regular testing with magnification software and alternative input devices provides a fuller picture of compatibility. Incorporating these tests early in the design process helps identify and fix usability issues before they become major obstacles.
Relevance to Legal and Business Goals
Compatibility testing does more than ensure compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG - it also helps mitigate legal risks tied to inaccessible digital products. However, compliance alone isn’t enough. A broader commitment to meeting user needs is essential.
5. Legal Compliance Audit Results
Legal compliance audits assess how well your digital products align with accessibility standards and regulatory requirements. These audits not only highlight areas for improvement but also help ensure your organization meets its goals for inclusive design. By breaking down complex guidelines into actionable insights, these audits can directly influence both your legal standing and the user experience.
Adherence to WCAG Standards
One key focus of legal audits is testing your website against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These tests uncover issues like inadequate color contrast or missing alt text. WCAG success criteria are structured as straightforward pass-or-fail statements, making it easier to interpret results and monitor progress over time.
Most accessibility laws require compliance with WCAG Level AA standards. Audit results will specify whether your site meets Level A, AA, or AAA compliance. This clarity not only simplifies tracking but also helps identify barriers that affect real-world user experiences.
Impact on User Experience
Legal audits do more than just ensure compliance - they identify specific obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from accessing your content. Fixing these issues can improve the digital experience for over 70 million Americans with disabilities, a group with an estimated $490 billion in annual disposable income.
For example, consider a button with a shopping cart icon that’s meant to add items to a cart. If its accessible name is mistakenly labeled "Search", a screen reader user will hear "Button, search" instead of "Button, add Rice, 500 grams to cart." This violates WCAG Success Criterion 1.1.1 (Non-Text Content) and 2.5.3 (Label in Name). Addressing such errors not only enhances usability but also ensures compliance with accessibility standards.
Ease of Measurement and Tracking
Measuring compliance involves a combination of automated tools and manual checks. Accessibility scoring systems assign a numerical or categorical value to reflect your compliance level and track progress. These scores are crucial for identifying specific WCAG violations and prioritizing fixes.
For example, France's Montchamp Law incorporates a scoring system through its RGAA compliance standard. Regular monitoring helps you track accessibility improvements across your digital properties, allowing you to address high-priority issues first. As WCAG 3.0 introduces new scoring mechanisms, standardized measurement methods will become even more accessible.
Relevance to Legal and Business Goals
Quantifiable audit results are essential for both legal and business strategy. In 2022, more than 4,500 accessibility lawsuits were filed, many targeting businesses for ADA non-compliance. Regular audits help organizations mitigate legal risks by identifying and addressing violations before they lead to litigation.
From a business standpoint, 60% of companies plan to maintain or increase their budgets for digital accessibility. Audit results provide concrete evidence of your organization’s commitment to accessibility, which can support funding requests and build trust with stakeholders.
"There's a lot of data available, but that doesn't mean that it's all meaningful data. Choose metrics that clearly indicate where you are in relation to your goals." – Melissa Sape, Global Digital Accessibility Service Manager at Dow
By comparing your accessibility scores with industry benchmarks, you can evaluate your competitive position and set realistic goals. Globally, over 1 billion people live with disabilities, representing a market that, along with their families and friends, controls over $13 trillion annually.
At Brandhero Design, we integrate audit findings into every project, ensuring compliance with legal standards while enhancing usability across all digital solutions.
6. User Satisfaction Scores
User satisfaction scores are a powerful way to determine if your accessibility efforts are hitting the mark. They measure whether users can complete tasks smoothly and enjoy a positive experience with your digital products.
Impact on User Experience
These scores go beyond technical audits to reveal how users truly feel about your accessible design. Interestingly, it’s estimated that 20% of the population faces challenges using digital services when accessibility isn’t prioritized. That’s a significant portion of potential users who could struggle without proper accommodations.
Satisfaction scores often highlight gaps between what you think is accessible and what users actually experience. Frustration caused by inaccessible features can drag these scores down, offering clear signals about where improvements are needed.
"Accessibility isn't just a checkbox; it's about showing users you've got their back... Happy users stick around, frustrated ones leave – it's that simple."
– Faizan Qamar, UXer | Digital Product Designer
This insight underscores the importance of measuring satisfaction effectively.
Ease of Measurement and Tracking
Collecting satisfaction data is straightforward when using accessible surveys designed to work seamlessly with screen readers and other assistive technologies. Focus survey questions on key areas like navigation, content clarity, and task completion to gauge how well accessibility features are performing.
Usability testing with assistive technology users adds another layer of understanding. Observing how users interact with screen readers, voice recognition tools, or alternative input devices can uncover specific pain points that satisfaction scores alone might miss.
You can also create open feedback channels where users with disabilities can share their experiences directly. Keep an eye on social media, review platforms, and forums for unfiltered feedback about accessibility. Tools like survey forms, star ratings, and user testimonials can provide deeper insights into accessibility challenges.
Craft surveys with accessibility-specific questions to pinpoint exact problem areas.
Relevance to Legal and Business Goals
Strong satisfaction scores among users with disabilities do more than just validate your accessibility efforts - they also align with legal requirements and drive business growth. Companies that emphasize disability inclusion are 28% more likely to outperform competitors in profitability and twice as likely to achieve higher total shareholder returns. These scores can demonstrate the tangible value of accessibility to stakeholders.
Beyond compliance, high satisfaction scores show a genuine commitment to creating inclusive experiences. While technical audits confirm adherence to standards like WCAG, satisfaction scores prove that your efforts resonate with real users - a distinction that’s critical in legal and regulatory discussions.
"Prioritising the user experience and accessibility is essential for business success. It is not just about fulfilling the legal requirements, but also caring and dedication to a more inclusive future."
– Mataleena Pöyhtäri, Senior Product Designer, Solita
Regularly tracking satisfaction scores also helps you spot accessibility issues early. Users often identify barriers that automated tools miss, giving you the chance to address these problems proactively instead of reacting after the fact.
At Brandhero Design, we’ve found that user satisfaction feedback is key to refining our design process and delivering experiences that users genuinely value.
7. Employee Accessibility Training Completion
Keeping track of employee accessibility training completion rates is essential for maintaining long-term compliance. This metric shows how well your team is equipped with the knowledge and skills to build inclusive digital experiences.
Adherence to WCAG Standards
Completion of accessibility training plays a direct role in ensuring your organization consistently meets WCAG 2.1 guidelines. When employees understand accessibility principles, they can integrate these standards into their work from the start, rather than treating compliance as a last-minute fix.
"When employees get training on accessibility, they better understand the needs of people with disabilities and how to create inclusive products, services and tools for all." - TPGi
Training programs should cover WCAG 2.1 guidelines and provide practical, real-world examples. Beyond the technical aspects, these courses help employees understand how disabilities affect everyday life and the accommodations that can make a difference. Tailoring the training to specific roles - whether developers, content creators, or project managers - ensures the material is relevant and actionable. This kind of focused learning lays the groundwork for ongoing improvements in user experience and makes progress easier to track.
Impact on User Experience
Employees who are well-trained in accessibility go beyond just meeting technical requirements - they create better experiences for users. Training that includes role-playing and real-life scenarios helps teams understand how ADA compliance works in everyday situations. This proactive mindset not only anticipates user needs but also fosters a sense of belonging, which can boost both employee performance and retention. Tracking training completion effectively reinforces these benefits, leading to more thoughtful design choices and improved user satisfaction.
Ease of Measurement and Tracking
Modern learning management systems (LMS) make it simple to monitor training progress. These tools use analytics and assessments to evaluate both immediate and long-term impacts of training.
To enhance tracking, it’s helpful to set clear objectives, use various evaluation methods (like quizzes, surveys, and performance reviews), and gather data at different stages. This approach captures both short-term improvements and lasting changes.
Relevance to Legal and Business Goals
Employee training is a cornerstone of both legal compliance and business success. It ensures your team meets legal requirements while also broadening your customer base and promoting social responsibility. This is especially important in a market where 16% of the population lives with disabilities.
"Accessibility training ensures your team has the knowledge and skills needed to create accessible, inclusive digital experiences for individuals with disabilities." - Missy Jensen, Senior Copywriter, SEO, AudioEye
Survey results show that 96% of participants reported improved skills and knowledge after completing an accessibility course, and the same percentage said they were likely to apply those skills in their daily work. This high engagement means that investing in training delivers tangible benefits for digital products and services.
At Brandhero Design, we’ve seen how comprehensive accessibility training empowers teams to build inclusive digital experiences from the ground up. This proactive approach reduces the need for costly fixes later while ensuring inclusivity is built into every project.
Comparison Table
Selecting a tracking method - automated, manual, or hybrid - affects WCAG compliance in terms of detection accuracy, false positives, maintenance, cost, and speed.
Approach | Detection Accuracy | False Positive Rate | Maintenance Effort | Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Automated Tools | 30–40% of WCAG guidelines | High – prone to excessive false positives | Low – simple to use and widely available | Low | Very Fast |
Manual Audits | High – identifies complex issues missed by automation | Low – human verification reduces errors | High – requires expertise and significant time | High | Slow |
Hybrid Approach | Comprehensive – addresses most accessibility issues | Moderate – combines automated speed with manual accuracy | Moderate – balances efficiency with thoroughness | Moderate | Moderate |
A study by government accessibility advocates in the UK highlighted the limitations of automated tools. They designed a webpage with 142 intentional accessibility barriers and tested it with 13 different automated tools. The best tool identified just 40% of the barriers, while the worst managed only 13%.
Specialized platforms like AudioEye can improve automated results, detecting up to 70% of common WCAG issues and automatically fixing about two-thirds of them.
However, automated tools often produce false positives, which can slow down workflows. On the other hand, manual testing significantly reduces these errors but requires considerable time and expertise.
A hybrid approach strikes a balance, combining the broad coverage of automated scans with the precision of manual verification. This method is practical for addressing both straightforward and complex issues, making it a valuable strategy for resource allocation and ongoing compliance.
At Brandhero Design, we’ve found that automated scans are an excellent starting point for identifying obvious violations, such as color contrast issues. Manual reviews then step in to catch more nuanced problems, like keyboard navigation flows and ARIA implementation errors.
When it comes to maintenance, automated tools require minimal effort, while manual audits demand substantial expertise and time. The hybrid model offers a middle ground, balancing efficiency with thoroughness. This blend supports a strategic approach to achieving and maintaining accessibility compliance.
Conclusion
Accessibility metrics aren't just about avoiding legal troubles - they're about building digital spaces that work for everyone. With a staggering 95.9% of websites failing to meet web accessibility standards, businesses that embrace these metrics are better positioned to serve the 1.3 billion people worldwide living with significant disabilities.
The seven metrics we’ve discussed offer a solid starting point for evaluating your accessibility efforts. From WCAG compliance scores to user satisfaction ratings, each metric sheds light on how effectively your digital products meet the needs of all users. In the U.S. alone, people with disabilities make up about 25% of the adult population and control $21 billion in disposable income, making them a market segment no business can afford to overlook.
The numbers tell a compelling story. 71% of users with disabilities will abandon a website that’s hard to navigate, and 62% of consumers prefer companies that champion inclusion and diversity. These statistics underscore the importance of building accessible digital experiences - and the business opportunities that come with it.
To make accessibility a reality, start with a data-driven approach. Integrate accessibility requirements into your development process from the beginning. Automated tools are great for initial checks, but don’t skip manual testing - it’s essential for catching issues that tools often miss.
Remember, accessibility isn’t a one-and-done effort. It’s an ongoing process. Set clear, actionable goals for each metric and revisit them regularly. Continuous monitoring and improvement are key to staying on track. Keep an eye on WCAG standards, listen to user feedback, and let the data steer your strategies.
At Brandhero Design, we've seen firsthand how aligning design decisions with accessibility metrics leads to better outcomes. Designing with accessibility in mind doesn’t just support users with disabilities - it creates simpler, more intuitive experiences that everyone can appreciate.
Investing in accessibility pays off in more ways than one: happier users, fewer legal risks, better SEO, and a stronger brand image. With over 4,000 web accessibility lawsuits filed in the U.S. in 2023 alone, the cost of ignoring accessibility far outweighs the investment in doing it right.
The benefits are clear. Start small, measure consistently, and use the insights to guide your next steps. By prioritizing accessibility, you’re not just meeting guidelines - you’re creating digital experiences that truly include everyone.
FAQs
What’s the best way to combine automated and manual testing for WCAG compliance?
To ensure comprehensive WCAG compliance, businesses should use a mix of automated tools and manual testing. Automated tools are excellent for spotting common technical issues and can efficiently handle large-scale testing. However, they typically identify only about 30-40% of potential accessibility concerns.
This is where manual testing steps in. It tackles more complex issues that require human insight, like assessing how accessible and user-friendly content is for people with disabilities. By combining these approaches, businesses can achieve technical compliance while also creating a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for everyone. This balanced strategy not only aligns with WCAG guidelines but also promotes better usability and accessibility.
What legal risks do businesses face if they fail to comply with accessibility standards?
Failing to meet accessibility standards isn’t just a moral misstep - it can hit businesses hard legally and financially. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) imposes steep penalties: $75,000 for a first violation and $150,000 for any repeat offenses. Beyond fines, companies may also face lawsuits that bring hefty settlement costs, legal fees, and lasting damage to their reputation.
Accessibility lawsuits are becoming more common. In fact, over 4,600 ADA digital lawsuits were filed in 2023 alone. Staying compliant not only helps businesses steer clear of these risks but also shows a genuine commitment to making their services accessible to everyone.
How does improving website accessibility benefit SEO and boost online visibility?
Why Website Accessibility Matters for SEO
Making your website accessible doesn’t just help users with disabilities - it can also boost your SEO and overall online presence. When your site is easy to navigate for everyone, it creates a better user experience. This means visitors are more likely to stick around, engage with your content, and come back again. These behaviors - higher engagement, lower bounce rates, and better retention - are exactly what search engines look for when deciding rankings.
Search engines favor sites that are user-friendly. Accessibility improvements like a clear site structure, faster page load times, and easily discoverable content align perfectly with SEO best practices. By focusing on accessibility, you’re not just meeting compliance requirements - you’re also opening the door to a wider audience and gaining an edge in digital marketing.
