Accessibility strategy – what, why and how?

An accessibility strategy is a plan that ensures digital services and products are accessible to everyone, including individuals with various physical or cognitive limitations. In the development of digital services, an accessibility strategy also refers to the way accessibility is addressed in a timely manner, enabling a cost-effective and sensible approach to developing accessibility. This article examines the importance of an accessibility strategy, the benefits it brings, and methods for its successful implementation.

What is an accessibility strategy?

The accessibility strategy extends to all aspects of digital projects, starting from design and continuing through maintenance. It ensures that accessibility is comprehensively and systematically addressed throughout the entire project lifecycle. In each phase of the project, the accessibility strategy is implemented as follows:

Definition phase

• Accessibility Goals: Setting clear objectives ensures that accessibility remains a key focus throughout the project.
• Stakeholder Engagement: It's essential for all parties to understand and participate in ensuring accessibility.
• Budgeting: Adequate resources, such as testing tools and experts, should be allocated from the start of the project.

Planning phase

• Inclusive Design Principles: Design solutions that take user diversity into account are a priority.
• Prototype Testing: Ensuring accessibility early on through user testing during the prototype phase.

Development phase

• Accessible Components: Development uses standards like semantic HTML to enhance accessibility.
• User Testing and Peer Reviews: Conducting user testing with real users, along with peer reviews, ensures high-quality accessibility and functionality.

Content creation and documentation

• Content Creation Training: Content creators are provided with training on how to produce accessible content.
• Documentation: Accessibility is incorporated into technical documentation throughout the entire project.

Maintenance and future development

• Accessibility Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring and regular testing ensure that accessibility standards are consistently upheld.
• Problem Solving: Prompt action and evaluating new features with accessibility in mind are essential for long-term success.

Why accessibility matters?

An accessibility promotes equality and inclusivity, ensuring that all users can access digital services regardless of their abilities. This not only complies with legal requirements, such as the EU Accessibility Directive and national digital service laws, but also expands the company's customer base and improves search engine visibility. Additionally, accessibility can enhance a company's reputation and demonstrate responsibility—values that are increasingly important in today's business environment. It is worth keeping in mind that accessible services benefit everyone; for example, adequate contrast is helpful for everyone when scrolling one’s phone outdoors on a sunny day, and cognitive accessibility helps everyone grasp the main point of the content faster.

Business benefits

An accessibility strategy offers companies numerous benefits, the most significant of which include:

• Improved User Experience for All: Accessible services are clearer and easier to navigate, leading to increased customer satisfaction and willingness to buy from the site (online shopping)
• Wider User Base: Individuals with various limitations can also access the services, expanding the overall user demographic.
• Enhanced Search Engine Visibility: Accessible websites are better optimized for search engines, improving their online presence.
• Strengthened Corporate Responsibility and Reputation: This can lead to new business opportunities and foster trust among customers.

Accessibility auditing

Accessibility audits are a key component of implementing the strategy. They ensure that digital services meet accessibility requirements.

Auditing types:

• Full Audit: A comprehensive review of the entire service, analyzing content, functionalities, interactions, appearance, and semantic structures.
• Targeted Audit: A more in-depth examination of a specific functionality.
• Iterative Audit: A continuous auditing process that evaluates the service in stages throughout its development.

Conclusion

An accessibility strategy is crucial for advancing digital equity. It offers businesses a range of benefits, including enhanced user experience, an expanded user base, and a positive boost to the company’s reputation. Effectively implementing this strategy demands careful planning, commitment, and continuous improvement, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

P.S. Be sure to check out our webinar recording (in Finnish) on accessibility strategy and cost-effective accessibility development!