Where we stand

Accessibility at Elevation

Elevation is committed to creating digital experiences that are usable, understandable, and respectful of people with a wide range of abilities, needs, and circumstances. Accessibility is not an add-on or a compliance checkbox for us– it is a core expression of our values as an agency that serves mission-driven organizations and the communities they support.

We believe that accessible design leads to clearer communication, better usability for everyone, and more durable, future‑proof digital products. For that reason, accessibility is integrated into our strategy, design, development, quality assurance, procurement, and training practices.

How We Understand Disability

At Elevation, we adopt the Biopsychosocial Model of disability.

This model recognizes disability as the result of interactions between:

  • Biological factors (such as sensory, physical, or cognitive differences),
  • Psychological factors (such as stress, fatigue, or mental health), and
  • Social and environmental factors (such as inaccessible design, technology, policies, or cultural expectations).

This more nuanced framework allows us to acknowledge real variations in human physiology and cognition while also addressing the role that design decisions, environments, and systems play in either enabling or limiting participation. It aligns with how people actually experience the web in real life, and it informs how we design, build, and evaluate digital products.

Standards & Conformance

Client Websites

For client websites within scope of an accessibility engagement, Elevation designs and builds to conform with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA.

This standard was formally adopted into Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through an April 2024 rule update, which now requires state and local government entities, and organizations acting on their behalf, to ensure their web content conforms to WCAG 2.1 AA. This update reflects a broader shift toward clearer, more consistent expectations for accessible digital experiences.

For nonprofit organizations, this change underscores something we already believe: accessibility is not just a legal consideration, but a responsibility to the communities you serve. Whether or not an organization is directly subject to Title II, the direction of public policy, technology standards, and user expectations is moving decisively toward inclusive design. Elevation adopts WCAG 2.1 AA for client work because it represents a durable, human-centered baseline that supports long-term usability and equity.

Our Website

Elevation’s company website is not currently represented as fully conforming to WCAG 2.1 AA.

Our site was audited in May 2023 and partially remediated through December 2025. Remaining issues will be fully addressed as part of our upcoming website rebuild, scheduled for release in Q2 2026. Transparency about scope and status is an intentional part of our accessibility practice.

How We Operationalize Accessibility

Our commitment to accessibility goes beyond published statements:

  • Dedicated leadership: Elevation maintains an in‑house Accessibility Director who oversees standards adoption, training, QA criteria, procurement review, and client guidance.
  • Procurement standards: We preferentially select plugins, platforms, and third‑party tools that demonstrate WCAG conformance and publish VPATs or Accessibility Conformance Reports when available.
  • Integrated workflows: Accessibility requirements are incorporated into UX, design, development, content, and QA processes—not addressed retroactively.
  • Training & education: All team leaders and the majority of Elevation staff have completed foundational training in digital accessibility and inclusive design, with ongoing retraining for leadership roles.
  • Continuous improvement: We audit our work, track internal accessibility metrics, and evolve our practices as standards and guidance mature.

Feedback & Accommodation Requests

We welcome feedback on the accessibility of our website and digital materials.

If you encounter a barrier or need an accommodation, please contact our Accessibility Director:

  • Email: accessibility@elevationweb.org
  • Phone: 202-800-5030

These channels connect directly with our in-house Accessibility Director. We aim to respond to all accessibility-related inquiries within 48 hours.

A copy of Elevation’s full Accessibility Policy is available upon request.

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