Web accessibility requires a thorough, in-depth review using both automated and manual methods that examine every single component (for example: is a video on the site accessible? Does a downloadable document need adjustments? And so on).
It's therefore natural that whenever we make changes to our business website, the question often arises: does this require a new accessibility review for users with disabilities?
Website owners can update their sites on a regular basis in countless ways — swapping out images, changing backgrounds, or even rolling out a full visual rebrand with a new design language.
Accessibility regulations do not exempt previously accessible websites from undergoing a new accessibility audit when changes are made.
The law clearly requires that a website give every visitor — regardless of their abilities — easy and available access to information at any given time.
Website Redesign
Let's start with the most straightforward question: does a full visual overhaul of a website require a review by a web accessibility expert? The answer is yes.
When a website undergoes a process involving a redesign, content updates, and sometimes structural changes such as new features, the need arises to re-evaluate how clear and easy it is to use for visitors with disabilities.
Such a redesign often includes adding new design elements like image carousels or accordions that reveal hidden text, changes to menu structure or the placement of interactive elements, changes to background colors and text colors, and more.
All of these and more can make it harder for people with disabilities to access information. Play it safe and make sure every visitor can continue to enjoy your website fully and without interruption.
Adding a New Feature
Added even a single new feature to your site that wasn't there before?
That too requires a new accessibility review.
Not always, but in most cases, adding a single feature doesn't require an overly complex or lengthy process — just a review that lets us determine whether the new component is accessible and, if not, produce the technical fix that resolves the issue.
For example, adding a new form can absolutely justify reaching out to the company responsible for your site's accessibility. Is keyboard navigation between the form's text fields possible? Can the submit button be activated by pressing Enter? If it's a multi-step form, each individual step needs to be examined.
Moreover, if you've decided to add a large volume of new content, it's worth picking up the phone and calling your accessibility provider to confirm everything is in order.
Migrating to a New Platform
Let's talk about the more common scenario: migrating from a closed-source platform to the open-source WordPress platform.
Many website owners choose to move to WordPress because of the convenience it offers and the freedom to make all kinds of changes.
Even if you decide to keep the site's design as close as possible to its appearance on the previous closed-source platform, a new accessibility audit is essential.
To put it even more plainly: the site on the new platform will absolutely need a fresh accessibility implementation, just like a site that has never been made accessible before. The underlying code is built differently, and features function differently.
On this topic, see also our article on web accessibility on closed-source platforms.
Adding a Video or Downloadable File
If you've added a video to your site, give your accessibility provider a call — there will almost certainly be recommendations to address.
For instance, if the video doesn't include captions, or if it can't be played using keyboard controls for one reason or another.
Adding a downloadable file to your site also requires a fresh accessibility review. We've written about this in depth in two articles we highly recommend — one covers making presentations accessible and the other covers making PDF files accessible. Definitely worth a read for anyone who wants to fully understand the field of accessibility :)
Embedding a Third-Party System on Your Site
For example, a payment processing system that is typically embedded within the site but is not actually part of the site itself.
In such cases, we don't have full control over it, and we submit the accessibility gap report to the payment provider if they request it from us. However, because the system appears on your website, you are responsible for its accessibility to the visitor — and you must therefore require your vendor to ensure the system is accessible.
And of course, every other third-party system (booking tools, banners, etc.) also requires a review and audit by accessibility teams.
Always remember: as long as it appears on your website, you are responsible for its accessibility.
Adding a Banner
This may seem like a small item among the changes we've listed here, but there's a good reason we chose to dwell on it.
Banners include a promotional image alongside written marketing messages such as 'End-of-Year Sale' or a range of other promotional offers.
Many website owners make sure to add an ALT tag to the banner image that describes what is shown in the image for blind or visually impaired users — for example, 'smiling parents with their child' or 'birds flying on the horizon'. Yet they often forget to include the marketing text displayed on the banner itself, thereby preventing someone who cannot or struggles to read the banner from understanding its full marketing message and taking advantage of it like everyone else.
Added a banner? Make sure you did it correctly and that you've transcribed the promotional content word for word in the ALT tag as well.
Creating a Mobile App Version of Your Site
We've written a full article on this that we'd be happy to point you to (it's very comprehensive). But to summarize here: an app, even if it's derived directly from the website, must undergo a separate accessibility process.
The features can be very different, and the functionality that gives users with disabilities the ability to navigate the website is not necessarily present in the app version.
Changes in Legislation
We feel we've covered the most important topics fairly thoroughly. To wrap up, we'll add that if legislators make any changes to accessibility law itself, that will require a new review of the website or app.
Concerned about accessibility gaps on your site? Welcome to User A — we have a solution that can put your mind at ease.
We offer full accessibility services, including year-round support and implementation of updates and re-accessibility work as needed, for a single flat annual fee. No fine print, no hidden conditions.
If we've sparked your curiosity — great! Get in touch and we'll be happy to explore how we can work together.