What is an accessibility audit?

An accessibility audit is specifically defined as a comprehensive review of a facility’s compliance with accessibility standards. These standards typically include guidelines and regulations designed to ensure that environments, products, and services are usable by people with a wide range of disabilities. During an accessibility audit, various aspects such as physical access, usability, and the overall experience of individuals with disabilities are evaluated.

The audit examines elements such as entrances and exits, pathways, signage, restrooms, and the availability of assistive technologies to determine how well they align with established accessibility criteria. By identifying any barriers to access, an accessibility audit helps organizations to understand their obligations under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and makes recommendations for improvements to ensure compliance and enhance accessibility for all users.

The other options—financial compliance, environmental impact, and customer service practices—do not focus on accessibility issues or the specific requirements necessary to evaluate accessibility for individuals with disabilities, making them unrelated to the concept of an accessibility audit.