UserWay vs TPGi: Comparing Digital Accessibility Solutions
UserWay is typically an on-site accessibility widget and automated scanner suited to quick fixes; TPGi offers consultancy, manual audits and programme support for enterprises. Use automated tools for continuous checks but engage expert consultants for thorough audits and remediation.
UserWay vs TPGi: Comparing Digital Accessibility Solutions
This comparison helps buyers choose between UserWay and TPGi. In short: UserWay is most often encountered as a site-level accessibility widget and automated scanner aimed at quick, self-service remediation; TPGi is primarily an accessibility consultancy and enterprise-focused provider offering manual audits, training and programme services. The right choice depends on whether you need a fast automated interface or a long-term, expert-led accessibility programme.
Quick comparison table
| Criteria | UserWay | TPGi |
|---|---|---|
| Company type | Vendor known for an on-site accessibility widget/overlay and automated scanning | Accessibility consultancy and enterprise services provider |
| Primary offering | Widget/overlay plus automated scanning and remediation suggestions | Manual audits, remediation guidance, training and accessibility programme services |
| Best for | Small to midsize teams seeking rapid, low-friction fixes or a visibility layer | Organisations needing independent audits, accessibility governance and developer support |
| Automated vs manual | Primarily automated; limited manual services available via vendors or partners | Emphasises manual testing and expert review alongside tooling |
| Compliance guarantees | Provides automated remediation; overlays do not guarantee legal compliance | Delivers audit reports and guidance used to support legal and procurement needs |
| Pricing transparency | Often positioned with subscription tiers; details vary by plan and site | Typically customised for enterprise needs; pricing often by engagement |
What is UserWay?
UserWay is commonly offered as an on-site accessibility widget combined with automated scanning. Organisations install a script or plugin that displays an accessibility menu and runs automated checks to detect common WCAG issues. Vendors like this position their tools to reduce barriers quickly and to surface common defects without a specialist team.
Strengths:
- Fast to deploy; can be added to a site with minimal developer effort.
- Automates detection of common accessibility issues and offers an on-page interface for end users.
- Appeals to organisations seeking an immediate, visible accessibility signal to visitors.
Limitations:
- Automated checks cover only a portion of WCAG criteria; many issues require manual testing.
- On-page overlays or widgets are not a substitute for remediation of underlying code.
- Claims of “compliance” from automated or overlay products should be evaluated carefully; legal risk may remain without manual audit and remediation.
What is TPGi?
TPGi is known as an accessibility services provider that focuses on consultancy, manual testing, training and accessibility programme implementation for larger organisations. Their services are typically oriented around audits, VPAT/ACR preparation support, developer enablement and ongoing governance.
Strengths:
- Provides manual audits and expert-led testing that find issues automated tools miss.
- Delivers strategic guidance for accessibility programmes, training for teams and developer workflows.
- Can support procurement, VPAT/ACR processes and enterprise governance needs.
Limitations:
- Engagements are usually longer and require more budget and internal coordination.
- Not aimed at a one-click site widget experience; technical changes are typically implemented in the codebase.
Feature comparison
Testing scope
UserWay: focuses on automated scans for detectable issues and provides a user-facing accessibility menu. Automated tools efficiently detect a subset of WCAG failures (for example, missing alt attributes or colour-contrast issues) but cannot validate semantic correctness, keyboard focus logic or content meaning.
TPGi: places emphasis on manual testing methods (expert review, keyboard and screen reader testing, user testing with people with disabilities) to cover WCAG criteria that automation cannot assess. For robust compliance programmes, manual and user testing are essential.
WCAG coverage and compliance posture
Both vendors reference WCAG as the standard for accessibility. It is important to remember that automated scanners are complementary: they help find and prioritise issues but do not certify a site as WCAG-conformant. Organisations should combine automated scans with manual audits and acceptance criteria mapped to WCAG levels (A / AA / AAA) as appropriate for their obligations.
Integrations and developer tooling
UserWay-style widgets typically integrate by adding a script or CMS plugin; some provide dashboards for scan results. TPGi’s work is usually integrated into development workflows through remediation tickets, developer training, and bespoke tooling or platform integrations as part of a consultancy engagement.
Reporting and governance
UserWay: reporting often focuses on scan results and remediation suggestions from automated checks. TPGi: reporting tends to include detailed audit reports, remediations, test evidence and governance roadmaps to support long-term accessibility management.
Pricing comparison
Public pricing models vary by vendor and plan. UserWay-style solutions commonly offer subscription tiers or hosted widgets with different levels of scanning and support; exact fees depend on site size and features. TPGi engagements are typically quoted per audit, training session or retainer for ongoing services and are therefore more custom-priced. If price transparency is a deciding factor, request detailed proposals and scopes of work from both vendors before committing.
Ratings and user reviews
User reviews exist on commercial review platforms for both kinds of offerings. Review themes commonly include speed of deployment and visibility for widget vendors, while consultancy providers receive feedback on depth of audits, practical remediation advice and training effectiveness. Because review scores and counts change over time, check up-to-date listings on platforms such as G2 and Capterra and read recent user feedback when evaluating either provider.
Ease of use and support
UserWay-style widgets are generally easier to install and use day-to-day, with lower technical onboarding. Support tends to focus on configuration and dashboard results. TPGi engagements involve more upfront coordination and ongoing collaboration with development and product teams; support emphasises training, remediation guidance and programme management. Choose the model that matches your team’s capacity for sustained accessibility work.
Which one is right for you?
- Choose UserWay-style solutions if: you need a fast, low-friction way to surface common accessibility issues, you lack immediate developer bandwidth, or you want a visible accessibility control on your site while you plan longer-term remediation.
- Choose TPGi-style consultancy if: you require enterprise audits, independent verification for procurement or legal processes, developer training, or a roadmap to embed accessibility into product development.
- Best practice: use automated tools and widgets to augment, not replace, manual audits and user testing. Combine a quick automated approach with expert-led reviews for a defensible accessibility programme.
Verdict
UserWay and TPGi serve different buyer needs. UserWay-style offerings provide quick automated coverage and an on-page experience that can improve visibility and catch common issues rapidly. TPGi focuses on rigorous, manual assessment and enterprise-level programme work that supports long-term compliance and governance. For most organisations, the practical approach is to use automated tooling for continuous checks while engaging expert consultants for audits, remediation and training.
FAQs
Are accessibility overlays like UserWay sufficient for legal compliance?
No. Overlays and automated fixes reduce certain barriers but do not guarantee legal compliance. Manual testing and remediation of underlying code are typically required to meet WCAG and to address legal risk.
Does TPGi provide automated tools?
TPGi offers services that include testing and tooling as part of engagements, but their core offering centres on manual audits, training and programme support rather than a single on-page widget.
Can I use both a widget and a consultancy together?
Yes. Many organisations deploy automated scanning and a widget for immediate coverage while commissioning manual audits and remediation work from consultants to address deeper issues.
Which WCAG level should I target?
Target at least WCAG 2.1 AA (or the level required by your jurisdiction or sector); some organisations aim higher. Match your target to legal obligations, user needs and risk tolerance.
How do I evaluate vendors?
Request recent audit samples, evidence of manual testing, references, scope-of-work documents and clear pricing. Verify whether the vendor produces VPATs/ACRs or supports procurement needs if required by your organisation.
What’s the single most important thing to remember?
Automated tools are useful but incomplete—combine them with manual testing, user testing with people with disabilities, and a governance plan for lasting accessibility.