I'm not  in the US, so I can't make any recommendations, but I would strongly suggest looking for someone who is familiar with accessibility requirements and web standards, rather than the usual run of firms who haven't a clue. Be aware that many firms can, as we say, 'talk a good game' on accessibility and standards, but their practice indicates that they haven't really understood the concept. The current web site has a lot of accessibility and validation errors. While they won't be apparent to most users, you will want to correct them in your re-design.

It's good that you're taking your time over this project. Whatever you do, don't let anyone tell you that accessibility costs extra, or that making the site accessible/conforming to web standards means that you can't do all kinds of whizzy, exciting things. It's not true -- do it right in the first place and accessibility comes built-in.

Good luck!

Pete
-- 
Peter M Gray
Museums Officer
East Lothian Council

> 
> Hi all
> Shedd Aquarium is looking for a company to assess/evaluate 
> its web site.  
> Anybody have suggestions on who we should send the RFP?
> 
>  - We'd like a company that has done web evaluation (we're 
> not looking for web design at this point - we want to spend 
> this year on a site and design audit, a needs assessment and 
> the development of the process).
> 
>  - We'd want to concentrate on firms that specialize or have 
> extensive experience with non-profits and/or entertainment 
> and experience venues, especially in how web sites contribute 
> to marketing goals.
> 
>  - And of course we would give special consideration to firms 
> in the Chicago or Midwest area, though that's not a requirement.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Linda Wilson
> Manager, Audience Research and Evaluation


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