Beyond SEC compliance: Building a smarter document accessibility program

2 minute read
Beyond SEC compliance: Building a smarter document accessibility program

Overview

Accessibility has evolved beyond a compliance requirement. As organizations expand digital communications and increase electronic delivery, accessibility has become an essential part of regulatory readiness, operational efficiency and delivering inclusive experiences for investors, members and constituents.

Building an effective accessibility strategy requires leveraging technology to support evolving standards, integrating accessibility into the document lifecycle and creating consistent processes that reduce risk while delivering inclusive communications.

Corporations, investment firms, health plans and County Registrar of Voters offices are responsible for delivering critical communications to investors, members and constituents that must be accessible, accurate and compliant with evolving requirements. A comprehensive accessibility program should provide a structured workflow, from document intake assessment through remediation, validation and final delivery, to support compliance and operational efficiency throughout the document lifecycle.

Building a scalable accessibility strategy

For many organizations, the challenge is not determining whether accessibility matters, but establishing a scalable program that supports compliance requirements while integrating accessibility into everyday communications and operations.

Whether establishing a new accessibility program or expanding existing capabilities, organizations need a strategy that creates consistent processes, improves efficiency, reduces risk and helps deliver accessible experiences across digital channels.

Five critical components of an effective accessibility program

Organizations should build an accessibility remediation program and workflow that provides a transparent, scalable process supporting compliance, quality and governance throughout the document lifecycle. Key components include:

  1. Document intake and workflow management
    A defined intake process that provides collaboration and outlines volumes, prioritization – if needed and delivery timelines. The ability to segment files by complexity, urgency or business priority helps organizations manage deliveries efficiently.
  2. Comprehensive document assessment
    A thorough accessibility review evaluates document structure, embedded elements, graphics, content flow and potential accessibility barriers before remediation begins. This assessment helps establish a smooth workflow or identify any areas requiring additional attention.
  3. Accessible tagging and remediation requirements
    Remediation should include proper tagging, correct reading order and navigation features, including bookmarks, links, tables and other interactive elements. Together, these underpinnings ensure that the documents are not only compliant, but usable and accessible for assistive technology and all audiences.
  4. Validation and quality assurance
    A strong accessibility process includes automated and manual quality checks to confirm that the documents meet established accessibility standards. Validation should confirm conformance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, PDF/UA and ISO 14289‑1 requirements.
  5. Experience with evolving accessibility requirements
    Accessibility requirements continue to evolve as regulations, technology and governance practices change. Organizations should consider providers with demonstrated experience supporting accessibility initiatives, collaboration and sharing knowledge that helps elevate the experience with investors, members and customers.

A trusted accessibility partner should provide more than remediation services. Organizations need expertise, technology and a proven approach to help integrate accessibility into their communications strategy and support evolving governance requirements.

Toppan Merrill is ready to help

Toppan Merrill helps organizations navigate evolving accessibility regulations through remediation services, ADA compliance consulting and technology solutions.

Our accessibility services aligns with major global accessibility regulations, including Section 508 of the Workforce Investment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and the European Accessibility Act (EAA).

Whether you are building an accessibility program or enhancing existing capabilities, Toppan Merrill can help develop a strategy that supports governance objectives, improves the investor experience and prepares your organization for the future of digital communications.

Investment Company Compliance Solutions

Health Plans Member Communications

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Gary Iverson - Global Composition and Accessibility Director

Gary Iverson provides decades of operational production leadership, with a focus on SEC compliance regulations and accessibility. His expertise spans mutual fund, healthcare, insurance, government and financial industries around the globe. This includes a foundation in Six Sigma and LEAN operational principles and his influential contributions with software developers in the integration of ADA requirements. His continual workflow improvements incorporating new technology, subject matter expert and hosting webinars, blogs and educational presentations, provides clients with realistic, sustainable growth.

Gary Iverson - Global Composition and Accessibility Director's Photo

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