Why “Ongoing Compliance” Matters for PDF Accessibility

What we mean by “ongoing compliance”

Many agencies approach PDF accessibility as a one-time fix—remediate files, check the box, move on. But accessibility standards like WCAG evolve as technology advances and as people with disabilities identify new barriers. Regulations also clarify and update over time. A one-time project leaves documents “frozen” at yesterday’s standard.

Why a subscription model supports long-term compliance

“If we stop paying, we lose compliance.”

That’s true—and it’s actually a strength, not a weakness. Just like hosting or security software, the protections work while the service is active. A subscription aligns the outcome you need (accessible documents) with an ongoing service that continuously delivers it.

1) Laws and standards change

WCAG and related rules are not static. A one-time remediation locks you into the standard of the day. With a subscription, your accessible outputs can adapt as expectations evolve, so you don’t need costly rework every time guidance updates.

2) Your content changes, too

New agendas, budgets, forms, emergency notices—agencies publish new PDFs every week. Ongoing compliance means every new PDF is handled right away, without batching, waiting, or paying per-file fees.

3) Accessibility is a living promise

Compliance isn’t just about risk mitigation—it’s about serving the public. If a resident using assistive technology can’t access today’s council minutes, last year’s remediation doesn’t help. Ongoing compliance ensures people can access information the moment they need it.

4) Predictable, lower total cost

Periodic “big bang” remediation projects are expensive and unpredictable—especially when standards update. A subscription spreads investment over time, replacing peaks and surprises with steady, budget-friendly costs.

Ongoing compliance = peace of mind

Think of ongoing compliance like reliable infrastructure. As long as it’s active, your PDFs remain accessible and aligned with current expectations. If the service stops, the protections stop—just as they would for expired SSL certificates or anti-virus software. While it’s active, you can be confident that accessibility keeps pace with change.

Conclusion

Accessibility isn’t a box to check—it’s a daily commitment to your community. A subscription designed for ongoing compliance keeps you aligned with evolving standards, accommodates the constant flow of new documents, and reduces long-term cost and risk.

Talk to us about ongoing compliance

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