Don't Fix Over It, Demand It: Why You Should Require Accessibility from Your Suppliers
- Nir Horesh
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
When organizations commit to digital accessibility, they often focus internally—auditing their own code, training their teams, and implementing "accessible by design" practices. But what happens when accessibility barriers aren't coming from your code at all?
Recently, while working with a major client, we discovered 27 accessibility issues during our audit. The client's response was exemplary—they fixed 24 issues within a week and committed to improving their processes to prevent future problems. However, three issues remained:
A carousel component displaying catalog PDFs—provided by a third-party supplier as a complete solution
A contact form connecting website visitors to the CRM system—another third-party integration
A language selector in the site header—built into the website creation platform
These three issues remained stubbornly out of reach, not because they were technically complex, but because they weren't actually within the client's control.
When Accessibility Issues Aren't Yours to Fix
In each case, the client faced the same frustrating reality: they couldn't access the code because they didn't create these components. They felt helpless and assumed it would require significant time and resources to resolve.
My advice? Don't fix it—demand it.
I don't mean leaving inaccessible components on your website. I mean recognizing that you shouldn't have to fix what your suppliers should have built correctly in the first place. Instead of struggling with workarounds, contact your suppliers and require accessible solutions.
Why Demanding Accessibility Makes Business Sense
The same four motivations for accessibility that apply to your own development apply here:
1. Values Alignment You risk excluding people with disabilities, contradicting your organizational values, even when the barrier comes from a supplier.
2. Revenue Impact Inaccessible third-party components can block potential customers from using your services, costing you money because of your supplier's oversight.
3. Legal Exposure You remain liable for accessibility issues on your website, regardless of their source. Legal action could target you for choosing inaccessible solutions when accessible alternatives existed.
4. Product Quality Standards Poor accessibility reflects poor overall quality. Your suppliers' substandard components diminish the experience you provide to all customers.
You're Not "Bothering" Anyone—You're a Paying Customer
If you feel uncomfortable demanding accessibility from suppliers, remember:
You have a business relationship, not a favor-based one. You pay for quality solutions. Accessibility is part of quality, not an extra feature. You always have the option to choose different suppliers who prioritize accessibility.
Suppliers need your voice. In our data-driven business environment, user feedback drives product decisions. This is especially true in areas with low awareness, like accessibility. During my time managing accessibility at Wix, every support call about accessibility helped us understand priorities and deliver better, faster solutions.
Your voice as a customer carries weight. Use it.
The Procurement Solution: Shift Left on Supplier Accessibility
The most effective approach is addressing accessibility during procurement—before you're locked into inaccessible solutions as part of the Shift Left approach.
Evaluate accessibility upfront. When assessing suppliers, verify they provide fully accessible solutions. Prioritize vendors who demonstrate accessibility competence and commitment.
Make accessibility contractual. Include accessibility requirements in every supplier contract. This protects you legally and ensures suppliers understand accessibility as a non-negotiable requirement.
Stay competitive. Your customers may require accessibility from you—and with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) coming into force, the legal landscape is becoming stronger than ever. Don't lose deals because your suppliers failed to meet accessibility standards that you could have demanded from the start.
The Path Forward
Accessibility responsibility doesn't end at your organization's boundaries. Every component, platform, and service you integrate becomes part of your accessibility commitment to users.
Rather than accepting inaccessible third-party solutions as unchangeable constraints, recognize your power as a customer. Demand accessible solutions, evaluate suppliers based on accessibility competence, and build accessibility requirements into every contract.
Your users deserve accessible experiences. Your suppliers should deliver them. And you have every right—and business reason—to demand nothing less.
Ready to implement accessibility throughout your supplier relationships? At NirA11y, we help organizations comprehensive accessibility strategies that extend beyond internal development to include supplier management and procurement processes.