Getting Up to Speed with Vendors and WCAG

Author: Syd L. Stephenson, Technical Services & Systems Librarian, Thurgood Marshall State Law Library

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are an especially hot topic with the WCAG and ADA Title II compliance deadline coming up in April 2026. Law librarians are working diligently to ensure that the resources they provide to patrons meet these accessibility standards.

Evaluating the accessibility compliance of vendor-based services and platforms can be tricky. Below are some tips on keeping yourself informed of how vendors are working toward WCAG compliance and how you can collaborate with vendors to make your library’s resource compliant.

Newsletters/Emails/Webinars

Some vendors have sent updates to libraries with their timeline for WCAG compliance, current level of product compliance, and general accessibility information.

Vendors may also host webinars within their products on accessibility updates or training on using accessibility tools.

Vendor Websites

You can also check vendor websites to see if they have an accessibility policy or additional details about steps they have taken or will be taking toward full WCAG 2.2 compliance.

HeinOnline’s Knowledge Base includes an article stating that they are compliant with WCAG 2.0 guidelines. More specifics on the implementation of accessibility-related features can be found across various postings on the HeinOnline Blog.

Westlaw’s accessibility policy states that they are “committed to designing products and services to conform to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.” Details on accessibility compliance are not provided on this webpage, but there is contact information for several accessibility support services for Westlaw customers, as well as a contact email for a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) request. There is also a link to product documentation, but this link does not appear to be working.

LexisNexis’ accessibility policy includes a commitment to compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA “and future revisions.” LexisNexis also provides contact information for accessibility support and to request a VPAT. The accessibility features list on the web page appears to be incomplete, as it only lists “unique, descriptive titles” as of December 26, 2025.

Bloomberg’s accessibility policy similarly states a commitment to accessibility and states that “With some exceptions, Bloomberg Industry Group’s products are compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.” They also provide contact information for accessibility support and on how to request a VPAT.

Testing accessibility tools and compliance

Some databases, like LexisNexis Digital Library, have tools for users to customize their reading experience to their needs, including display screen contrast, text size and weight, dyslexia-friendly typefaces, line spacing, and more.

Accessibility tools can be limited or broad in scope/application and will vary by vendor, if they are available at all.

You can also run your own accessibility audit to note areas of non-compliance that vendors may need to address ahead of the deadline.

meeting directly with vendor reps

It is also recommended to meet with your vendor representative directly, especially if you have any concerns or noted areas of non-compliance that would impact whether you decide to keep or cancel contracts with vendors.

You can also work with your vendor rep to request and complete a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT). More information about VPATs can be found in a previous CRIV blog post on the subject by Laurel Moran.

Utilize the resources at your institution

Some institutions, like government law libraries or law libraries at public universities, may be able to work with accessibility departments and/or legal counsel to assist in evaluating the compliance of online resource and pursuing solutions towards compliance.

further your knowledge

WCAG compliance and best practices can be complex to navigate for librarians new to accessibility work. Thankfully, there are many resources available for beginners to learn how to better prepare their libraries and departments ahead of the 2026 deadline:

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