Engineering
Playbook: Why disability accessibility issues could derail your projects, and how to ensure compliance
Sep 12, 2024
Is this a problem your team encounters?
Ensuring your product is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is not just a legal obligation—it’s a core requirement of delivering a successful, inclusive product. Accessibility problems discovered after launch can lead to user dissatisfaction and costly legal consequences.
Many teams face this issue due to a lack of integration of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and insufficient audits. These oversights create delays, increase costs, and cause unnecessary friction that could have been avoided.
Your goals are our goals
Compliance with accessibility standards is non-negotiable, and addressing these challenges ensures your product meets legal requirements while enhancing user satisfaction. A proactive approach avoids expensive post-launch fixes and keeps your project on track.
Key benefits of solving this:
- Eliminate legal and compliance risks
- Boost user satisfaction and engagement
- Streamline development with fewer post-launch corrections
Key approaches to tackle this challenge
Best Practice #1: Adhere to WCAG guidelines for accessible design
WCAG provides a clear framework for ensuring web content is accessible to all users, including those with impairments. Following these guidelines from the outset ensures compliance and enhances your product’s usability, minimizing risks and improving the overall experience.
Best Practice #2: Conduct regular accessibility audits
Regular audits are critical to maintaining compliance and addressing issues before they become costly problems. Integrating audits into your development process ensures that all updates and new features meet accessibility standards, keeping your project in line with best practices and legal requirements.
What does success look like?
Success looks like building inclusive products by embedding WCAG guidelines into your design process and conducting regular accessibility audits. This approach mitigates risks, enhances the user experience, and solidifies your team's reputation for delivering high-quality, accessible software.
