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Imagine spending years perfecting an app only to discover a quarter of your potential users can't access it. For developers, accessibility should be a priority from the start. It defines how customers will experience your technology. And when you focus on an intuitive design for your website or app, all of your users benefit. Those positive interactions shape your reputation.
People with disabilities represent a vast, diverse audience who depend heavily on accessible technology. Ignoring this audience means ignoring valuable market opportunities -- and potentially violating digital rights regulations. But developers who prioritize accessibility can expand their reach, avoid costly rework, and deliver a better user experience.
The Shifting Landscape of Accessibility Regulations
Digital accessibility laws are evolving rapidly due to technological advancements, rising litigation, and a growing emphasis on equitable access. In the last two years, plaintiffs filed more than 8,000 accessibility lawsuits in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for businesses to ensure their digital products are compliant and user-friendly for everyone. For developers, understanding these regulations means building products that clients can trust.
In the United States, Section 508 sets clear accessibility guidelines for digital assets like websites and apps. Complying with these standards broadens their usability, reduces legal risks, and demonstrates your commitment to inclusive design -- and could qualify your product for federal contracts.
In Europe, the European Accessibility Act (EAA / EN 301 549) lays out clear accessibility criteria for digital products, influencing procurement decisions across public sectors. Companies complying with these guidelines benefit from wider market acceptance and improve the quality of your product -- something your users will love.
Similarly, Canada's Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and Ontario's Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) highlight national and provincial commitments to digital inclusion.
Knowing these laws means you can build products that meet global standards and make your work more valuable to clients who care about compliance.
What is an Accessibility Conformance Report?
An ACR is your proof that your technology meets established accessibility standards. Think of an ACR as a detailed, trustworthy record of your product's accessibility compliance — an essential part of any procurement discussion, especially with large enterprise clients or government contracts. It's a clear way to show that your code and design meet accessibility best practices.
The process of creating an ACR typically involves:
- Identifying relevant accessibility standards (like WCAG, Section 508, EN 301 549).
- Conducting thorough accessibility audits and usability testing, ensuring your code and interface are accessible.
- Clearly documenting the results, providing actionable insights for developers.
An accurate ACR provides clear evidence of your commitment to inclusive design and demonstrates transparency to your potential clients. It's about delivering a product you can confidently stand behind.
What Types of Products Does an ACR Cover?
ACRs apply broadly to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products, which include software applications, websites, mobile apps, multimedia content, hardware, and digital documentation. If you build or design technology that users interact with, an ACR helps your product stand out in crowded markets.
Industries frequently requiring ACRs include:
- Government and public sector
- Education and e-learning platforms
- Healthcare and medical technology
- Financial services and banking platforms
- Telecommunications and media
- Consumer software and mobile applications
An ACR shows your products are designed with care, tested for accessibility, and ready to serve diverse users -- which makes your product more valuable to more people.
Why You Need an Accessibility Conformance Report
In competitive markets, businesses with a clear, accurate ACR gain a distinct advantage because it offers a transparent look at your commitment to accessibility. It signals that your technology is thoughtfully designed and meets recognized standards like WCAG 2.1 or Section 508.
An ACR saves you from costly accessibility fixes by clearly showing where your product meets compliance standards. Organizations relying on your technology can trust that it's designed for all users, reducing their risk of legal challenges and strengthening their compliance efforts.
An Accessibility Conformance Report provides a clear advantage over your competitors. It highlights your dedication to quality, positions your brand as a trusted technology leader, and opens doors to new opportunities in both public and private sectors.
How PLUS QA Can Help With an ACR
Creating a thorough ACR takes more than just checking boxes. It requires experience with the process, technical understanding, and rigorous methodology. At PLUS QA, we specialize in accessibility testing and reporting, working directly with you to ensure your reports are accurate and dependable.
Our team of seasoned accessibility specialists conducts in-depth audits, usability tests, and evaluations tailored to your technology. We document your product's accessibility features with clarity and accuracy, reducing the risks associated with incomplete or misleading reports.
Contact Us
As digital markets continue to emphasize inclusive technology, staying ahead of accessibility requirements can protect you from costly fixes and open doors to more clients. An ACR demonstrates your commitment to quality, inclusion, and proactive compliance.
If you're ready to enhance your product's accessibility and market appeal, reach out to PLUS QA today. Our experts can guide you through the process of preparing your Accessibility Conformance Report.