Custom Accessible WordPress Websites

Your Website Needs to Work for You and Your Users

We build WordPress sites for small businesses, non-profits and local governments that are easy for you to edit and maintain. We build accessible websites that are easy for more people to use.

Elevage Digital builds websites that meet the current version of Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

How We Build Websites

All WordPress website projects are developed to meet the following requirements

Manageable

Blocks-based tools to easily build pages; training provided

Accessible

High contrast color palate; tested with screen readers and keyboards

Optimized

Content and SEO optimization included in every website

Fast

Lightweight sites so pages load quickly

Our Process for Building WordPress Websites

Discovery and Planning

We review your goals, pains points, and current site performance before planning the new site.

  • Full content inventory paired with current Google Analytics and current SEO performance
  • Site map and information architecture plan for the new site
  • Interviews, surveys and card sorting activities can also be included

Website Design

We will take a mobile-first approach to the design to focus on keeping the site lightweight, streamlined and optimized for SEO. 

  • Style Guide for common website elements includes WCAG conformant color palate and combinations
  • Wireframes for the homepage, a section landing page and a generic interior page
  • A list of reusable component design patterns that staff can “mix and match” to easily create new pages while maintaining a consistent design.
  • User testing can be conducted as well

Website Development

We build new WordPress sites using Gutenberg Blocks along with other custom or advanced block tools.

  • Responsive and accessible theme, templates and patterns
  • Custom development, if included in your project
  • Content migration, ensuring accessibility and SEO optimization
  • Google Analytics, Google Search Console, site-wide SEO settings and 301 redirects to prevent broken links

Testing and Launch

We do a thorough review of the completed site to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

  • Cross-browser and cross-device testing
  • Final accessibility testing
  • Broken link testing

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – all public websites are subject to the ADA. State and local governments are required to meet WCAG 2.1 AA for all of their digital content starting in 2027.
  • Section 504 and Section 508 – If your business is subject to Section 504 or Section 508, your website must meet WCAG 2.1 AA
  • European Accessibility Act (EAA) – If your business sells to customers in European Union countries, your website must meet WCAG 2.1 AA starting in June 2025
  • Virginia Information Technology Standard (VITA) – All Virginia state agencies, colleges, universities, and other public organizations must meet WCAG 2.0 AA
  • Other states and countries may have additional laws and regulations that you need to meet. These laws apply based on where your customers are, not where your business is based.

It is estimated that up to 25% of the population has a disability. People with disabilities may not be using your website because you haven’t made it accessible. But if your competitors have done a better job, they are likely getting the sales you are missing out on.

Applying accessibility best practices also helps people who:

  • have trouble reading small text, especially in low light
  • have ADHD
  • find it hard to read their phone screen in bright outdoor sunlight
  • watch videos in noisy environments and prefer to read the captions
  • have broken or have had surgery on their dominant hand/arm, making it hard to use a computer mouse
  • have arthritis in their hands, making it painful or difficult to use a computer mouse
  • have conditions like vertigo, seizures, or migraines that can be triggered by motion or flashing lights
  • have dyslexia

Do any of these describe your current or target customers?

No! Approximately 25% of accessibility lawsuits are against sites that have these tools. Despite their marketing claims, these tools cannot make your site WCAG compliant. One such tool has even been fined by the FTC for these misleading claims.

People with sight-related disabilities typically have their own assistive technology tools that can be used across all websites. They don’t need you to provide special tools. In fact, these toolbars often get in the way of their assistive technologies, which is part of the reason for the high number of lawsuits against sites with these widgets.

Achieving accessibility is a journey and every journey starts with a step. Here are some steps you can consider:

  • Remove Accessibility Toolbars, Widgets and Overlays: The presence of these tools on your site can increase the risk of being sued and will interfere with testing and properly fixing issues on your site
  • Test your site: Use free tools and Chrome extensions to start identifying issues. Use only your keyboard to navigate and interact with your site. For more extensive testing, have a full accessibility audit conducted for your site.
  • Add an Accessibility Statement: Let your users know you are committed to finding and fixing accessibility issues on your site. Include contact information for the person heading your accessibility initiatives in case users have trouble using your site.
  • Here are some additional steps to consider

Elevage Digital can audit websites built on any platform (ex. Wix, Shopify, SquareSpace, Drupal, CivicPlus, etc.). Depending on the platform, you may need to work with the website software provider or a developer that specializes in a particular platform in order to remediate issues. Elevage Digital only remediates and builds new sites on WordPress.

Yes! Elevage Digital frequently partners with other agencies who are leading the website redesign and building project. We can review color palettes, design mockups, page templates and nearly complete sites to identify accessibility issues that should be addressed before launch. We also offer post-launch monitoring and maintenance to help you maintain accessibility.

Benefits of an Accessible Website

  • Comply with laws and regulations*
  • Reduce the potential of being sued*
  • Increase customers and conversions
  • Improve website usability for everyone
  • Improved brand reputation
  • Improved SEO and AI Visibility

The costs of ignoring accessibility include lawsuits, lost revenue, lost customers, bad PR and reduced SEO.

*LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Elevage Digital uses current WCAG standards as the guide for website accessibility best practices. However, following these best practices may not automatically result in an ADA-compliant website or compliance with any other laws. Elevage Digital cannot offer legal advice on compliance. Elevage Digital cannot guarantee protection against legal action related to compliance with ADA guidelines for Elevage Digitals’ potential and current customers. Elevage Digital will not be liable for any claims brought against potential or current clients related to ADA compliance; further, Elevage Digital will not be liable for claims related to code or content produced by you or any third party. If you are concerned about legal compliance with ADA guidelines or any other legalities related to your website, you must consult a licensed attorney.

Accessible Website Results from Elevage Digital

Jump Mountain homepage

New Website for Virginia Winery

Elevage Digital recently built a new website for Jump Mountain Vineyard, incorporating modern best practices for website accessibility and SEO.

Testimonials

  • Not only did she help us understand and meet regulatory requirements, she also ensured we are providing a superior user experience for all of our visitors.
    Alicia S
    Oaklawn

Ready to Get Started?

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