Spurred by recent AI advances and improvements made during the global pandemic, accessibility has become an integral component to an increasingly digital-first world. Ensuring that technology is accessible for everyone should be a high priority for all digital properties.
Providing an outstanding experience for both customers and employees is crucial for business success, and directly meeting these needs opens opportunities for organizations to reach new markets and up to two billion people with disabilities.
One often overlooked aspect of creating these exceptional experiences is the procurement and implementation of accessible technologies and services. By prioritizing accessibility, organizations can foster inclusivity, boost satisfaction, and unlock the full potential of their workforce and customer base. Additionally, committing to digital accessibility better positions organizations to attract and retain the best talent. Perficient experts were recently interviewed for a Forrester article, Prioritize Accessibility In Procurement For Better CX And EX, which outlines best practices for procuring accessible technologies and services.
Accessibility Should Be a Factor in Procurement
In the report, Forrester cites 2023 data showing “that just 47% of design pros at companies that have people working on accessibility say that their organization considers accessibility when evaluating potential services or technology vendors.” These brands are not only doing a disservice to their employees and customers, but they’re missing opportunities to provide higher-quality experiences for a large portion of the population.
“Inclusive procurement is an important dimension of effectively implementing accessibility. For organizations with the goal of winning and retaining consumers and talent, selecting a procurement service that fits your needs, culture, and accessibility objectives is more than a nice to have, it’s an imperative.”
Lisa McMichael, Senior Manager Digital Accessibility, Perficient
Accessible Procurement Elevates Experiences for Customers and Employees
Forrester outlines why high-quality experiences are beneficial to both customers and employees, stating that:
- “Accessible technology is critical for creating an inclusive and equitable workplace.
- Addressing accessibility concerns through accommodations is not enough.
- Most organizations rely on vendors to deliver components of their Customer Experience.
- Accessibility is only a competitive advantage if your vendors are also accessible.”
Learn More About Digital Accessibility
Thought leaders from Perficient’s Customer Experience and Digital Marketing practice were interviewed by Forrester while researching this article. Perficient has subject matter experts who can help organizations quickly get started on improving accessibility. Read the article here.
Whether your business is just starting its accessibility journey or seeking to enhance its current efforts, partnering with the right service provider can make all the difference. With a team of more than 125 customer experience professionals, Perficient combines data-driven insights with human-centered methodologies to maximize business impacts. Contact us to discover how our expertise can take your business to new heights.
