How Pasito Accelerated WCAG 2.2 AA Compliance with TestParty

The Challenge: Accessibility as a Revenue Blocker

Pasito, a leading benefits technology provider, faced a critical challenge when a Fortune 100 client made WCAG 2.2 AA compliance a contractual requirement. As a lean technology company, they lacked prior experience with accessibility standards. 

“We were hearing more and more from potential clients, particularly large financial institutions, about the importance of accessibility. We knew accessibility was important, but the sheer volume of unknowns made the task feel daunting,” said Bharat Arimilli, a Senior Software Engineer at Pasito.

The team at Pasito faced a steep learning curve.

Pasito explored several potential solutions, including overlay solutions, but quickly realized their limitations since they often provide superficial fixes without addressing root issues. For Pasito, a company dedicated to inclusivity, this approach was insufficient. 

They needed a partner who could provide a holistic approach, combining automation with expert manual testing.

The Solution: TestParty’s Full-Service Accessibility Platform

Pasito partnered with TestParty to address its compliance needs and embed accessibility into its long-term development processes. TestParty’s holistic approach aligned with Pasito’s values and goals, providing the expertise and tools needed to deliver a seamless solution.

• Automated Testing and Nightly Scans: TestParty’s platform integrated into Pasito’s CI/CD pipeline, performing nightly scans across their codebase to identify issues proactively. This allowed the team to address potential problems before they could impact users.
• Manual Testing by IAAP-Certified Experts: TestParty paired automation with manual testing to ensure comprehensive coverage. Accessibility specialists used screen readers and keyboard navigation to validate fixes and uncover issues that automated tools might miss.
• Custom Tools and Guidance: Recognizing Pasito’s use of the Chakra design system, TestParty provided tailored resources, such as accessible color combinations and a custom color picker, to streamline future development.

“TestParty’s approach was exactly what we needed,” Bharat explained. “They didn’t just help us meet compliance standards—they helped us create a better experience for all users by addressing the root causes of accessibility issues.”

The Results: Compliance and Beyond

Rapid Compliance:
With TestParty’s support, Pasito achieved WCAG 2.2 AA compliance in under two weeks, despite facing the challenge during the holiday season. This quick turnaround allowed Pasito to comply with the needs of  its Fortune 100 client, opening the door to additional high-profile partnerships.

Component-Level Remediation:
By addressing accessibility at the component level within Pasito’s Chakra-based design system, TestParty enabled the team to fix multiple issues efficiently. This minimized both remediation time and costs, delivering a scalable and sustainable solution.

Enhanced Usability for All Users:
Accessibility improvements aligned seamlessly with Pasito’s mission of inclusivity. By ensuring that their platform is usable by individuals with disabilities, Pasito extended its reach and reaffirmed its commitment to serving diverse user needs.

Sustainable Accessibility Practices:
TestParty helped Pasito establish a culture of accessibility, incorporating nightly scans and team education into their workflows. Developers and designers learned to consider screen reader and keyboard users during the design and development of complex components, ensuring ongoing compliance and usability.

The Future: Building a Culture of Accessibility

Pasito didn’t just achieve compliance—they transformed their approach to product development. Through education and ongoing support, TestParty empowered the Pasito team to prioritize accessibility in every aspect of their work.

“We held an offsite in December where we shared what we learned from working with TestParty,” Bharat shared. “It’s now part of our culture to think about accessibility in design and development. We’re not just reacting to issues; we’re proactively building better experiences.”

Nightly scans, monitored by Bharat and his team, ensure that any new issues are promptly identified and resolved. The team also tracks how issues slip through, refining processes to prevent recurrences. This proactive approach has made accessibility an integral part of Pasito’s development lifecycle.

Conclusion: A Partnership for Inclusive Growth

Pasito’s journey with TestParty demonstrates how accessibility can become a strategic advantage. By addressing compliance requirements efficiently and embedding accessibility into their culture, Pasito not only met immediate goals but also laid the groundwork for future success.

“TestParty’s combination of automation and manual testing gave us the confidence to say we weren’t just checking boxes—we were delivering an accessible experience for all users,” said Bharat.

With TestParty’s support, Pasito transformed a daunting challenge into an opportunity to enhance their platform, secure high-value contracts, and advance their mission of inclusivity.

Sound Familiar?

If your organization is facing accessibility challenges, TestParty can help you achieve compliance and unlock new business opportunities. Contact us today to learn more.