ChatGPT answers, unedited

Yes. For a Chicago nonprofit redesign where accessibility is a core requirement, I’d put these at the top of your RFP list:

1. Sandstorm Design — my first call. Chicago-based, mission/purpose-oriented, and specifically offers accessibility audits, remediation, and training. Their accessibility work is backed by IAAP certification, which is a meaningful differentiator.
2. Mightybytes — strong choice for a technically rigorous redesign. They say their deliverables target WCAG 2.2 AA by default and offer accessibility audits, remediation, and training.
3. LimeRed Studio, Inc. — especially worth considering for a mission-driven nonprofit. Their services include web strategy/design/development plus accessibility auditing and WordPress work.
4. Dialogue Theory — good fit if your site has complex content, civic/community functions, or multiple stakeholders. They're Chicago-based and focus on mission-driven organizations, with accessibility and inclusive design part of their work.

One important distinction

I would not select a firm simply because it promises “ADA compliant.” There isn't a magic certification that makes a website permanently ADA-compliant. For the RFP, require the firm to:

• Audit against WCAG 2.2 AA (and identify any other standard legally applicable to your organization).
• Combine automated scanning with manual keyboard and screen-reader testing.
• Test actual critical journeys: donation, contact, registration, applications, volunteer signup, etc.
• Remediate the findings rather than merely handing you an audit.
• Conduct an independent post-remediation audit/retest before launch.
• Provide an accessibility statement and documentation of the testing performed.
• Train your staff so accessibility doesn't disappear when they add content.
• Avoid accessibility overlays as the primary compliance solution.

For example, the Chicago Lighthouse independently offers accessibility consulting, audits, certification, WCAG/508 compliance, and technology assistance; that makes it a particularly interesting potential independent accessibility-audit partner if you want the redesign agency and auditor to be separate. chicagolighthouse.org

My preferred setup: hire Sandstorm or Mightybytes for the redesign, but have an independent accessibility specialist perform the final audit. That gives your board something stronger than the web firm's own claim that its work is compliant.

Also, I'd have your attorney confirm which accessibility obligations actually apply to your nonprofit; “ADA compliance” is a legal conclusion, while WCAG is a technical standard. A web agency shouldn't be the only party making the legal determination.

If you tell me your approximate budget (e.g. <$25k, $25–75k, $75k+) and whether you're on WordPress, I can narrow these to the best 2–3 and pull together their nonprofit work, accessibility credentials, and contact/RFP links.

• Mightybytes - 4001 N Ravenswood Ave, Ste 404, Chicago, IL 60613
• Sandstorm Design - 4422 N Ravenswood Ave #50, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
• Firebelly Design - 1402 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States
• Glantz Design - 1881 Oak Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
• Dialogue Theory - 1932 S Halsted St #509, Chicago, IL 60608, United States
• Garenne Bigby - 200 E Randolph Dr, Ste 5100, Chicago, IL 60601
• Clique Studios - 20 N Wacker Dr, Ste 1075, Chicago, IL 60606
• EDUCO Web Design - 128 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302, United States
• Karim McCall Creative - Evanston, IL 60202, United States
• UX 4Sight - 111 W Jackson Blvd Unit 1700, Chicago, IL 60604, United States
• Cybernautic Web Design - 515 N State St #14-126, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
• Be Accessible - 611 Wilshire Blvd 9th floor #55, Los Angeles, CA 90017, United States
• Accessibilities - 8671 Wilshire Blvd #700, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, United States
• Advocate Creative - 320 N Damen Ave d301, Chicago, IL 60612, United States

Yes. For a Chicago nonprofit redesign where accessibility is a core requirement, I’d put these firms on the shortlist:

1. Mightybytes — my first call. They’re Chicago-based and specifically focus on mission-driven organizations. Their accessibility practice includes audits, remediation, training, and manual testing with assistive-technology users; they state that deliverables target WCAG 2.2 AA. Mightybytes

mightybytes.com

2. Sandstorm Design — strong design/strategy alternative. They’re Chicago-based and emphasize inclusive design alongside UX, web development, and longer-term website modernization. Good option if you want a substantial brand and UX redesign rather than simply an accessibility retrofit.
3. Firebelly Design — worth an RFP. Their work spans information architecture, UX, accessibility compliance, responsive development, and nonprofit/mission-driven organizations. Their listed clients include Chicago Community Trust and Illinois Humanities.
4. Glantz Design — consider if you’re open to Evanston. They explicitly use WCAG 2.2 AA as a baseline and have client feedback citing their proactive ADA/accessibility guidance.

One important caveat

I wouldn't ask a firm merely to promise an "ADA-compliant website." No website redesign firm can honestly guarantee immunity from ADA litigation. Instead, make the contract require WCAG 2.2 AA conformance, documented manual testing, remediation, and an independent post-launch audit. The Chicago Lighthouse, for example, provides dedicated accessibility audits, certification, consulting, and WCAG/508 compliance services. The Chicago Lighthouse

For your RFP, I'd specifically require:

• Automated and manual WCAG 2.2 AA testing
• Keyboard-only testing
• Screen-reader testing with actual assistive technology
• Accessibility testing of donation, application, registration, and contact forms
• Color contrast, focus management, headings, labels, alt text, ARIA, and error handling
• Accessibility of PDFs and other downloadable documents
• A WCAG-mapped findings/remediation report
• Pre-launch and post-remediation audits
• User testing involving people with disabilities
• Training for your staff so accessibility doesn't regress after launch
• No reliance on an accessibility overlay as the compliance solution

If I were choosing three firms to interview, I'd start with Mightybytes, Sandstorm Design, and Firebelly. For a nonprofit where accessibility is genuinely mission-critical, I'd also consider hiring an independent accessibility auditor to validate the finished site rather than letting the redesign firm grade its own work.

If you tell me your approximate budget (e.g. $25k, $50k, $100k+) and whether you're on WordPress, Drupal, or another CMS, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 and compare their nonprofit/accessibility track records.

Yes. For a nonprofit, I’d prioritize a firm that treats WCAG 2.2 AA as an engineering requirement, not just “ADA-friendly design,” and that includes manual testing with assistive technology.

My Chicago shortlist

1. Mightybytes — my first call
   • Chicago-based and explicitly focused on mission-driven organizations.
   • Says its deliverables meet WCAG 2.2 AA by default.
   • Offers accessibility audits, remediation and training, and has partnered with Access Living for manual testing involving people who use assistive technology. www.mightybytes.com
   • Best fit if you want strategy + redesign + accessibility + ongoing maintenance in one engagement.

Mightybytes website

2. Sandstorm Design — strong nonprofit/mission-driven option
   • Chicago-based, women-led agency with accessibility and inclusive design expertise.
   • Its services include accessibility audits, remediation and training, with accessibility expertise/certification represented in its team.
   • Worth getting an RFP from if brand/UX quality is especially important.

3. Firebelly Design — particularly interesting for a nonprofit
   • Chicago agency offering UX, web development and accessibility compliance.
   • It also has a long-running Grant for Good program providing donated design services to nonprofits, which is a meaningful signal of nonprofit experience.

One important move: separate the auditor from the builder

If legal/compliance risk is your primary concern, I'd actually consider hiring an independent accessibility specialist to audit the finished redesign rather than having the agency certify its own work.

The Chicago Lighthouse is particularly compelling: it provides accessibility certification, consulting, audits, WCAG/508 compliance services and technology assistance, with substantial accessibility-services experience. chicagolighthouse.org

Chicago Lighthouse accessibility services

Another excellent independent testing option is Access Living, a Chicago disability-rights organization whose web-accessibility testing combines automated scans with manual evaluation and testing against WCAG 2.2 AA. www.accessliving.org

What I'd put in your RFP

Don't ask vendors simply to promise “ADA compliance.” Ask for:

• WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the target
• Automated and manual accessibility testing
• Keyboard-only testing
• Screen-reader testing (NVDA/JAWS/VoiceOver)
• Testing by people with disabilities where feasible
• An issue-by-issue audit with WCAG success criteria and severity
• Remediation and post-remediation verification
• Accessibility review of forms, donation flows, PDFs, videos and third-party embeds
• Accessible CMS/editor training for your staff
• A documented accessibility statement and feedback process
• Accessibility testing of the staging site before launch
• Independent final audit if compliance risk is significant

One caveat: no web agency can honestly guarantee that a site is permanently “ADA compliant.” Accessibility is ongoing, and third-party tools/content can introduce problems after launch. Even agencies that target WCAG 2.2 AA acknowledge this. loopchicago.com

If I were choosing today, I'd interview Mightybytes, Sandstorm and Firebelly, while separately getting a proposal from Chicago Lighthouse or Access Living for independent accessibility validation. That gives you much stronger assurance than asking the redesign agency to grade its own homework.

If the goal is a Chicago-based nonprofit redesign where accessibility is a core requirement—not a checkbox at launch—I’d shortlist these three:

1. Mightybytes — my first call. Chicago-based, purpose-driven, and explicitly focused on accessibility. They state that deliverables conform to WCAG 2.2 AA by default, and their accessibility work includes audits, remediation, training, and manual testing with assistive-technology users through a partnership with Access Living. www.mightybytes.com

Mightybytes accessibility services

2. Sandstorm Design — strong nonprofit/mission fit. Their Chicago team combines UX, web development and inclusive design, with accessibility audits, remediation and content-team training. Their IAAP accessibility certification is another positive signal.

Sandstorm Design

3. Clique Studios — consider for a larger, more complex redesign. They offer strategy, UX/UI, development and accessibility design, and work with nonprofits as well as larger organizations.

One important caveat about “ADA compliance”

I wouldn't hire anyone who promises that a website will be “ADA compliant” or “lawsuit-proof” simply because it passes an automated scanner. A credible engagement should include manual keyboard testing, screen-reader/assistive-technology testing, WCAG 2.2 AA evaluation, remediation, and post-launch verification. For example, nonprofit accessibility specialist Elevation explicitly combines automated scans with expert manual testing and notes that ongoing monitoring matters because sites can regress after launch. www.elevationweb.org

For your RFP, I'd make these requirements explicit:

• WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the design/development target
• Independent or clearly documented manual accessibility testing
• Keyboard + screen-reader testing
• Audit of templates, forms, navigation, PDFs/documents and third-party integrations
• Prioritized remediation report before launch
• Re-test after remediation
• Accessibility training for whoever will maintain the CMS
• Post-launch monitoring/periodic audits
• An accessibility statement and process for reporting barriers
• Clear documentation of exactly what was tested and what remains unresolved

If I were booking calls today, I'd start with Mightybytes and Sandstorm, then use the same RFP with both so you can compare their actual audit methodology rather than comparing marketing claims. For a nonprofit, Mightybytes is particularly compelling because accessibility and mission-driven organizations appear to be central to their positioning. www.mightybytes.com

Also, no firm can honestly guarantee legal compliance without knowing your organization's specific legal obligations; have counsel review the final compliance posture if ADA exposure is a major concern.

If you want a Chicago firm that can handle both the redesign and serious accessibility work, I’d put these at the top of the shortlist:

1. Sandstorm Design — my first call. Chicago-based, mission/purpose-oriented, and its accessibility offering includes audits, remediation support, and training. That combination is particularly well suited to a nonprofit redesign rather than bolting accessibility on afterward.

Sandstorm Design

2. Mightybytes — strong nonprofit/mission-driven fit. They're Chicago-based and specialize in digital work for purpose-driven organizations, with accessibility and sustainability built into their approach.

Mightybytes

3. Dialogue Theory — worth an RFP. They're a Chicago digital design/development studio with a particularly strong mission-driven/nonprofit focus. I'd ask them to demonstrate their accessibility QA process and specific WCAG testing credentials before selecting them.

4. Glantz Design — another local option. Based in nearby Evanston, with web development and documented client feedback specifically mentioning proactive ADA/accessibility guidance.

One important caveat about “ADA compliance”

Don't hire anyone who promises a simple “ADA-compliant” certificate or guarantee. For a defensible project, your RFP should require WCAG 2.1 AA or 2.2 AA testing, manual keyboard and screen-reader testing, remediation, and an independent post-launch retest. Automated scanners alone aren't sufficient. For example, specialist auditors describe manual screen-reader, keyboard, visual and code testing as necessary components of a meaningful audit. accessible.org

I'd also require the contract to specify:

• accessibility review during design, not just after launch
• WCAG criteria mapped to every finding
• keyboard + screen-reader testing
• testing by people with disabilities/user testing where appropriate
• accessible PDFs/forms and third-party integrations included in scope
• remediation by the development team
• independent validation/retest after remediation
• an accessibility statement and process for reporting accessibility problems
• staff training so your nonprofit doesn't regress after launch

If I were choosing where to start, I'd invite Sandstorm Design and Mightybytes to pitch, and ask each to show a recent accessibility audit and post-remediation validation report. That will tell you much more than an agency saying “ADA compliant” on its website.

If you want, I can also narrow this to 3–5 Chicago firms specifically experienced with nonprofits and give you their typical project size, accessibility credentials, and contact/RFP links.

Yes. For a Chicago nonprofit redesign where accessibility is a core requirement, I’d shortlist these three:

1. Mightybytes — my first choice. They’re Chicago-based, explicitly mission-driven, and combine web strategy/design/development with accessibility audits, remediation, training, and manual testing with assistive-technology users. Their stated baseline is WCAG 2.2 AA. chicagolighthouse.org

Mightybytes

2. Sandstorm Design — strong alternative for a larger, strategy-heavy redesign. They specialize in purpose-driven organizations and offer accessibility audits, remediation, and training; their team also highlights IAAP accessibility expertise.

Sandstorm Design

3. SEO Design Chicago — worth pricing as a more conventional full-service agency. They explicitly offer audits, remediation, manual plus automated testing, and ongoing accessibility monitoring. seodesignchicago.com

SEO Design Chicago

One important caveat

I wouldn't ask any agency to simply promise “ADA compliant.” There isn't a magic certification that guarantees legal compliance. For your RFP, specify WCAG 2.2 Level AA, require both automated and manual testing, and have the final site independently validated. The Chicago Lighthouse, for example, provides accessibility certification/consulting and audit services and has extensive accessibility experience. chicagolighthouse.org

I'd put these requirements in the RFP:

• [ ] WCAG 2.2 AA as the contractual accessibility target
• [ ] Manual keyboard testing
• [ ] Screen-reader testing (not just an automated scanner)
• [ ] Testing with people who use assistive technology
• [ ] Accessibility audit before launch
• [ ] Written remediation report mapping issues to WCAG success criteria
• [ ] Post-remediation audit before acceptance
• [ ] Accessibility training for your nonprofit's content staff
• [ ] Accessibility requirements for third-party donation/forms/event platforms
• [ ] Ongoing monitoring after launch

My pick: start with Mightybytes and Sandstorm, and use the Chicago Lighthouse or another independent accessibility specialist for final validation. That separation is preferable to having the same firm effectively grade its own work.

If you tell me your approximate budget and current CMS (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, Squarespace), I can narrow this to 2–3 firms and compare likely fit, nonprofit experience, and audit capabilities.

Yes. For a Chicago nonprofit redesign where accessibility is a core requirement, I’d shortlist these three—and I’d make Mightybytes the first call.

1. Mightybytes — best overall fit
   • Chicago-based, mission-driven digital agency with extensive nonprofit/purpose-driven experience.
   • They state that their deliverables target WCAG 2.2 Level AA by default.
   • Their process includes accessibility checks, reporting, and the option for more rigorous manual testing through Access Living, which is particularly valuable because automated scanners alone don't catch everything. www.mightybytes.comwww.sandstormdesign.comwww.mightybytes.com
   • They also have nonprofit/mission-driven clients and are a Certified B Corp. www.mightybytes.com
   • Mightybytes website

2. Sandstorm Design — strong alternative for a larger, sophisticated redesign
   • Chicago-based UX/web agency with IAAP-certified CPACC professionals.
   • They explicitly describe accessibility being incorporated from the beginning of redesigns, plus accessibility training and ongoing audits. www.sandstormdesign.com
   • Particularly worth considering if your nonprofit has a complicated content architecture, lots of stakeholders, or a substantial CMS.
   • Sandstorm Design website

3. The Chicago Lighthouse — use as the independent accessibility specialist
   • This is the option I'd consider alongside, rather than instead of, your redesign agency.
   • Its Digital Accessible Experience practice provides accessibility consulting, audits, certification, training, and WCAG/508 compliance services. chicagolighthouse.orgwww.mightybytes.com
   • Having an accessibility-focused organization independently test the finished site can give you substantially more confidence than asking the company that built the site to declare its own work compliant.

What I'd put in your RFP

Don't simply ask vendors for an "ADA-compliant website." Ask for:

• WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the technical target.
• Automated and manual accessibility testing.
• Keyboard-only testing.
• Screen-reader testing with NVDA/JAWS/VoiceOver.
• Testing of forms, menus, search, donation/payment flows, PDFs, video, and other interactive components.
• An issue-by-issue accessibility report mapped to WCAG success criteria.
• Remediation and a post-remediation audit.
• Accessibility testing by people who actually use assistive technology, where feasible.
• Accessibility training for your staff who will maintain the CMS.
• A plan for maintaining accessibility after launch.

I'd also have your attorney review the final compliance posture if you're specifically trying to manage legal ADA risk. No web agency can honestly guarantee that a site is permanently "ADA compliant"—accessibility is an ongoing practice, and legal compliance depends on more than a single audit.

My preferred setup: hire Mightybytes for the redesign, and budget for an independent Chicago Lighthouse accessibility audit before launch. That gives you both a capable nonprofit-oriented builder and a separate accessibility check rather than relying on the builder to grade its own work. chicagolighthouse.orgwww.mightybytes.com

For a Chicago nonprofit website redesign where accessibility is a core requirement, I’d put Mightybytes at the top of the shortlist.

My shortlist

1. Mightybytes — best overall fit
   • Chicago-based and specifically focused on purpose-driven organizations.
   • Accessibility is a core service, not an add-on: audits, remediation, training, and manual testing.
   • They state that their deliverables meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA by default and have partnered with Access Living for testing involving people who use assistive technologies. www.mightybytes.com
   • This is the one I'd interview first for a nonprofit redesign.

2. Sandstorm Design — strong alternative
   • Chicago agency with experience in mission-driven organizations, inclusive design, accessibility audits, remediation, and content-admin training.
   • Particularly worth considering if you want a larger UX/strategy component alongside the rebuild.

3. Firebelly Design — good nonprofit/brand option
   • Chicago studio offering web strategy, UX, accessibility compliance, development, and CMS integration.
   • Their nonprofit credentials are notable: their Grant for Good program has provided donated design services to nonprofits since 2004.

One thing I'd do differently

Don't ask a redesign agency to simply promise "ADA compliant." ADA compliance isn't something an agency can responsibly guarantee just by installing an accessibility widget or running an automated scan.

Put this in your RFP:

• WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the technical target.
• Automated and manual accessibility testing.
• Keyboard-only testing.
• Screen-reader testing (e.g., NVDA/JAWS/VoiceOver).
• Testing of forms, donation flows, navigation, PDFs and other critical content.
• Accessibility testing by people with disabilities where practical.
• A written audit documenting each issue, its WCAG criterion, severity, affected users, and remediation.
• Post-remediation independent validation/re-audit before launch.
• Accessibility requirements for third-party tools such as donation platforms and event systems.

The Chicago Lighthouse is also worth considering as an independent accessibility specialist rather than your redesign agency: it provides accessibility consulting, audits, WCAG/508 compliance services, and certification, with substantial experience serving nonprofits. chicagolighthouse.org

That separation can be especially valuable: Mightybytes (or another agency) designs/builds → an independent accessibility specialist audits and validates. It gives your board considerably stronger evidence that accessibility was actually tested rather than merely promised.

Mightybytes · The Chicago Lighthouse accessibility services

If you tell me your approximate budget and current platform (WordPress, Drupal, etc.), I can narrow this to the best 2–3 firms and compare their nonprofit/accessibility track records and likely fit.

For a Chicago nonprofit website redesign where accessibility is a core requirement, I’d shortlist these three:

1. Mightybytes — my first call. They specialize in mission-driven organizations, explicitly make WCAG 2.2 Level AA their default, and offer accessibility audits, remediation, training, and manual testing with people using assistive technology. They also have a Chicago office. www.mightybytes.com

Mightybytes

2. Sandstorm Design — strong alternative. They're Chicago-based and specifically combine UX/web development with accessibility audits, remediation, and content-admin training. Their accessibility credentials make them worth including in an RFP.

3. Glantz Design — especially worth considering for a nonprofit redesign. They're in nearby Evanston and have a documented nonprofit case study (Center for Enriched Living) involving a redesigned WordPress site and comprehensive accessibility improvements. glantz.net

One important caveat

No firm can honestly guarantee "ADA compliance" simply by running an automated scanner. For your RFP, I'd require:

• WCAG 2.2 AA as the technical target.
• Automated and manual testing.
• Keyboard-only plus NVDA/JAWS/VoiceOver testing.
• Testing by people with disabilities where possible.
• An issue-by-issue audit mapped to WCAG success criteria.
• Remediation and an independent post-remediation audit/retest.
• Accessibility testing of forms, PDFs, video, third-party embeds, and the CMS—not just the homepage.
• An accessibility statement and an ongoing monitoring/training plan.
• A clear statement that overlays/widgets aren't being presented as a substitute for accessible code.

For comparison, Chicago Lighthouse offers dedicated accessibility consulting, audits, certification, and WCAG/508 services, including work with nonprofits; it could be useful as an independent accessibility auditor even if you use a different agency for the redesign. chicagolighthouse.org

My preferred setup: have Mightybytes compete for the redesign, but seriously consider having an independent accessibility specialist audit the finished site before launch. That separation gives you stronger assurance than asking the redesign firm to declare its own work compliant.

If your organization is a 501(c)(3), there's also a potentially useful reduced-cost audit program from AccessAbility Officer for qualifying nonprofits. accessabilityofficer.com

For a Chicago nonprofit, I’d put Mightybytes at the top of the shortlist.

Why: they’re a Chicago agency focused on purpose-driven organizations, and accessibility is part of their core offering—not an add-on. They say their deliverables conform to WCAG 2.2 Level AA by default, and their accessibility work includes audits, remediation, training, and manual testing with people using assistive technologies. www.mightybytes.com

My Chicago shortlist

1. Mightybytes — best overall fit
   • Strong nonprofit/mission-driven orientation.
   • Full redesign + accessibility rather than just an audit.
   • WCAG 2.2 AA as the stated baseline.
   • Accessibility audits, remediation and training. www.mightybytes.com
   • Mightybytes website

2. Sandstorm Design — strong alternative
   • Chicago agency with experience in mission-led organizations.
   • Offers accessibility audits, remediation and training.
   • Particularly worth considering if you need substantial UX/content strategy alongside the redesign.

3. Firebelly Design — nonprofit-friendly option
   • Chicago studio offering UX, web development and accessibility compliance.
   • Has a long-running nonprofit-focused Grant for Good program, so they understand mission-driven organizations.

4. Dialogue Theory — worth interviewing
   • Chicago digital studio working with nonprofits and civic organizations.
   • Good candidate if your site needs deeper information architecture/UX work in addition to accessibility.

One important caveat

I wouldn't ask a firm simply to promise "ADA compliance." There isn't a magic audit or widget that guarantees legal compliance. For the RFP, I'd require:

• WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the technical target.
• Automated and manual testing.
• Keyboard-only testing.
• Screen-reader testing (e.g., NVDA/JAWS/VoiceOver).
• Testing by people with disabilities where feasible.
• A page-by-page/component accessibility audit with WCAG success criteria mapped to each finding.
• Remediation and a post-launch independent validation audit.
• Accessibility requirements for your CMS, donation forms, PDFs, videos and third-party embeds.
• Training for your staff so new content doesn't reintroduce barriers.
• An accessibility statement and process for handling accessibility feedback.

That's important because automated scanners catch only part of the problem; Chicago Lighthouse, for example, explicitly offers accessibility audits, consulting, WCAG/508 compliance and certification-oriented services. chicagolighthouse.org

If your budget permits, my preferred setup would be Mightybytes for the redesign + an independent accessibility specialist for the final audit. That separation gives you a much stronger check than having the same team build the site and declare its own work compliant.

If you tell me your approximate budget, current CMS (WordPress, Drupal, etc.), and nonprofit size, I can narrow this to the 2–3 firms I'd actually invite to bid and compare their accessibility credentials and nonprofit work.

For a Chicago nonprofit redesign where accessibility is a core requirement, I’d put these at the top of the RFP list:

1. Mightybytes — my first choice. They’re Chicago-based, explicitly serve mission-driven organizations, and say their deliverables meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA by default. Their accessibility work includes audits, remediation, training, and manual testing with people who use assistive technology. www.mightybytes.com

Mightybytes website

2. Sandstorm Design — strong nonprofit/mission-driven option. They combine UX, web development and accessibility, and their local profile specifically notes accessibility audits, remediation, training, and IAAP-related expertise.

Sandstorm Design website

3. Clique Studios — worth an RFP if you need a larger full-service team. They offer strategy, UX/UI, engineering and accessibility-oriented design, and work with nonprofits as well as larger organizations.

4. Advocate Creative — particularly interesting if nonprofit communications are a major priority. They're Chicago-based and focus on nonprofits and foundations, with website strategy, content, UX and development capabilities. I'd specifically verify their depth of manual accessibility testing before selecting them.

One important caveat

I wouldn't promise that any firm can simply make a site “ADA compliant.” ADA compliance is a legal determination, while WCAG is the technical accessibility framework. For a serious procurement, ask the firm to contractually commit to a specific WCAG target—I'd request WCAG 2.2 AA—and to conduct manual testing in addition to automated scanning.

For example, Running Start Digital describes testing with keyboard navigation plus NVDA, JAWS and VoiceOver, followed by a post-remediation audit. runningstart.digital The Chicago Lighthouse is another excellent potential partner if you want an independent accessibility audit/testing organization rather than having the redesign firm grade its own work; it offers accessibility audits, consulting and WCAG/508 services. chicagolighthouse.org

My recommended setup: hire Mightybytes or Sandstorm for the redesign, but consider having an independent accessibility specialist perform the final audit/validation. That gives you substantially stronger evidence that accessibility wasn't merely “checked” by the same team that built the site.

If you tell me your approximate nonprofit budget (e.g. <$25k, $25–75k, $75k+) and whether you're on WordPress, Drupal, or something else, I can narrow this to 2–3 firms and compare their nonprofit experience, accessibility methodology, and likely fit.

Yes. For a Chicago nonprofit redesign where accessibility is a core requirement, I’d put these firms at the top of your RFP list:

1. Mightybytes — my first call. They specialize in mission-driven organizations, offer accessibility audits/remediation/training, and say their deliverables meet WCAG 2.2 AA by default. They also describe manual testing in partnership with Access Living, which is a particularly good sign because automated scanners alone don't establish real-world accessibility. www.mightybytes.com

Mightybytes

2. Sandstorm Design — strong nonprofit/mission fit. Their Chicago team emphasizes inclusive design and accessibility audits/remediation, and their accessibility credentials include IAAP certification. Sandstorm Design

3. Dialogue Theory — worth an RFP if strategy and UX are important. They're a Chicago studio focused on mission-driven organizations, including nonprofits and civic agencies, with accessibility incorporated into their UX work.

4. Firebelly Design — good if brand + nonprofit storytelling are major priorities. Their web work includes IA, UX, accessibility compliance, development and CMS integration, and they have a long-running nonprofit-focused giving program.

5. Advocate Creative — especially interesting for nonprofit communications. They're specifically focused on nonprofits and foundations, though I'd probe harder on the depth of their independent accessibility testing before selecting them.

One important caveat

I wouldn't promise that any agency can “ensure ADA compliance.” ADA compliance is a legal determination, while WCAG 2.2 AA is a technical accessibility standard. Your contract should require a documented accessibility process and independent validation rather than simply accepting an agency's “ADA-compliant” badge.

For your RFP, I'd require:

• WCAG 2.2 Level AA as the target.
• Automated and manual accessibility testing.
• Testing with actual assistive technologies/screen readers and keyboard-only navigation.
• Accessibility testing of donation forms, PDFs, videos, third-party embeds and CMS-generated content.
• An audit report mapping failures to specific WCAG success criteria.
• Remediation of identified issues before launch, followed by a second validation audit.
• Accessibility training for your nonprofit's content staff.
• An ongoing post-launch monitoring/remediation plan.
• A clearly defined accessibility warranty/acceptance criterion in the contract.

If you want the strongest accessibility-first option, I'd start with Mightybytes, and get competing proposals from Sandstorm and Dialogue Theory. For an additional independent check, the Chicago Lighthouse offers accessibility certification, consulting and audit services, which could be useful as a third-party auditor rather than relying entirely on the redesign firm. chicagolighthouse.org Chicago Lighthouse accessibility services

And if budget is tight, AccessAbility Officer specifically offers reduced-cost accessibility audits for qualifying nonprofits. accessabilityofficer.com AccessAbility Officer nonprofit audits

If you give me your approximate budget and current CMS (WordPress, Drupal, etc.), I can narrow this to the best 2–3 firms and compare them on nonprofit experience, accessibility credentials, likely cost, and audit methodology.

For a Chicago nonprofit, I’d put Mightybytes at the top of the shortlist. Mightybytes They’re Chicago-based, have a strong mission-driven/nonprofit orientation, and explicitly offer accessibility audits, remediation, training, and manual testing. Their stated baseline is WCAG 2.2 Level AA. www.mightybytes.comchicagolighthouse.org

Two other firms I’d interview:

• Project6 Design — particularly strong if accessibility is a central requirement rather than just one item in a redesign. They specifically serve nonprofits and foundations, offer WCAG 2.2 AA audits, remediation, screen-reader/keyboard testing, training, and post-launch monitoring. www.project6.com
• Sandstorm Design — Chicago-based and experienced with mission-driven organizations; its accessibility work includes audits, remediation and training, with IAAP accessibility expertise. Sandstorm Design

My pick: start with Mightybytes and Project6, and ask both for a fixed-price proposal that includes:

1. Audit of the existing site before redesign.
2. WCAG 2.2 AA as the contractual accessibility target.
3. Manual keyboard + screen-reader testing, not just an automated scanner.
4. Remediation of findings during the redesign.
5. A post-launch independent audit and documented results.
6. Accessibility testing of PDFs, forms, videos, and other nonprofit content—not just HTML.
7. Staff training so accessibility doesn't deteriorate after launch.

One important caveat: no web agency can honestly guarantee that a site is permanently “ADA compliant.” Accessibility is an ongoing process, and ADA obligations can depend on your organization's particular circumstances. I'd have counsel review the final compliance position if legal exposure is a major concern.

If you want the safest procurement approach, I'd actually separate the redesign from the final audit: have the agency build/remediate the site, then have an independent accessibility specialist validate the finished product. That gives your board much stronger evidence than having the same firm grade its own work. chicagolighthouse.org

I can also narrow this to 3 Chicago firms with nonprofit experience, approximate project budgets, and the best fit for your CMS (WordPress, Drupal, etc.).

If accessibility is a core requirement, I’d shortlist these Chicago firms rather than choosing a general web-design shop and adding an accessibility plugin afterward:

1. Mightybytes — my first call. They’re Chicago-based, explicitly work with mission-driven organizations, and state that deliverables meet WCAG 2.2 AA by default. Their accessibility work includes audits, remediation, training, and manual testing with assistive-technology users through Access Living. www.mightybytes.com

2. Sandstorm Design — strong nonprofit/mission-driven option. They combine strategy, UX, web development and accessibility, and their accessibility practice includes audits, remediation and training.

3. Dialogue Theory — worth an RFP if the redesign is strategy-heavy. They're a Chicago studio that works with nonprofits and civic organizations, with accessibility/inclusive design incorporated into their digital work.

4. Firebelly Design — good if branding/storytelling is a major part of the redesign. Their services include UX, web development and accessibility compliance, and they have a notable nonprofit focus through their Grant for Good program.

One important caveat

I wouldn't promise that any agency can “ensure ADA compliance.” ADA obligations are legal requirements, while WCAG 2.2 AA is the technical accessibility standard you can contract and test against. For a serious nonprofit project, I'd make the RFP require:

• automated and manual accessibility testing
• keyboard-only testing
• testing with actual screen readers/assistive technology
• WCAG 2.2 AA criteria documented for every finding
• remediation and an independent post-remediation audit
• accessible forms, donation flows, PDFs and third-party embeds
• an accessibility statement and documented process for future content
• no reliance on an accessibility overlay/widget as the primary solution

For an especially high-confidence approach, consider pairing the redesign firm with Digital Accessibility by WeCo or Pure Accessibility LLC for an independent audit. WeCo, for example, says its manual audits are performed by accessibility professionals with disabilities and include WCAG-focused testing.

If you want one firm to book first: Mightybytes. Their combination of Chicago presence, mission-driven work, redesign capability, WCAG 2.2 AA commitment, and accessibility testing makes them the strongest fit from this shortlist. www.mightybytes.com

Mightybytes official site

If your nonprofit is 501(c)(3) and budget-sensitive, there are also reduced-cost nonprofit accessibility audit programs worth investigating before you pay for a full audit. accessabilityofficer.com