At Taoti Creative, digital accessibility has always been a focus and pride for the work we deliver to our clients. However, over the past few years, Taoti’s executive leaders saw that they have an obligation to give the subject the attention it demands as a creative agency. To accomplish that goal, Taoti is taking it a step further by breaking out its accessibility work into its own practice and appointed Scott Spector as director of accessibility and quality. Scott will lead the practice’s growth and management to accommodate the rapidly changing laws and regulations of the space and the R&D required to develop new technologies and processes.
“Making websites accessible used to be an afterthought, almost an extra feature we tacked on for a fee, but that was the wrong approach on several levels,” said Brent Lightner, CEO of Taoti Creative. “Under Scott’s leadership, we now rightfully put accessibility first and give it a seat at the table from the project outset. One of my favorite things is when doing the right thing is also good business, and that’s exactly what’s going on with our accessibility practice.”
Scott is well known in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) for his knowledge of accessibility. He’s been a featured speaker at various conventions and training events for organizations and educational institutions. Last month, he presented at an event hosted by the AIGA D.C. (American Institute of Graphic Arts) D.C. At the event, he discussed how accessibility and design should work together for genuine accessibility, rather than only aiming to check the boxes for compliance.
“Our mission is fueled by our ethical obligation to create a more accessible digital realm and being relentlessly curious – figuring out how to take the beautiful, award-winning work we create and making it fit with our clients’ compliance goals without compromise,” Scott said when asked about where he intends to take the practice. “We plan on making the subject more approachable by reinventing how we deliver work to clients, rethinking how WCAG and available technology intersect, and investing significantly in R&D. Universal design is measured by making something so undeniably better that it eventually becomes the standard. That’s exactly what we’re striving for – creating something with accessibility in mind, that has just as many benefits for those with disabilities as those without”.
Taoti Creative has built a cross-functional and specialized team to push this new practice forward, and they all ensure that the work we are doing for our clients, from websites to marketing campaigns, is accessible. But this is just beginning; Taoti is looking forward to continuing growth for the accessibility practice and positioning itself as a leader in the digital accessibility arena.
About Taoti Creative
Established in 1996, Taoti Creative is a Washington, D.C.-based full-service creative agency committed to driving measurable and meaningful impact through website design, marketing and brand strategy, and unique experiences like virtual events. Taoti is made up of a group of dreamers, makers, and doers who are passionate about more than the agency’s award-winning work—they want their partners to thrive. The agency is built upon the pillars of Quality, Innovation, Service, and Teamwork and has moved the needle for over 800 clients to date—a roster that spans all industries and sectors, including all government levels.
