Many organizations struggle with accessibility because they treat it as a one-time compliance task rather than an ongoing commitment. However, true digital accessibility is about creating a sustainable, inclusive experience that benefits all users. A short-term fix might help meet immediate legal requirements, but only a long-term accessibility strategy ensures continuous improvement, compliance, and better user engagement over time.
Why a Long-term Accessibility Strategy is Essential
Many organizations approach accessibility as a reactive process; fixing issues only when they arise. However, a proactive accessibility strategy has significant advantages:
- Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to standards such as WCAG 2.2, ADA, Section 508, EAA, RPwD Act 2016, etc. helps avoid legal risks.
- Enhanced User Experience: Accessibility improvements often lead to better usability for all users, including those without disabilities.
- Brand Reputation & Reach: An accessible website and digital presence foster trust, inclusivity, and engagement.
- Future-proofing Digital Assets: Embedding accessibility in design and development from the start minimizes costly retroactive fixes.
Key Steps to Building a Sustainable Accessibility Strategy
Building a sustainable accessibility strategy requires more than just compliance—it demands a proactive, structured approach that integrates accessibility into every aspect of digital operations. By following these key steps, organizations can ensure long-term digital inclusivity while reducing future accessibility barriers.
1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit
A comprehensive digital accessibility audit is the foundation of a long-term accessibility strategy. It involves:
- Evaluating web pages, mobile apps, and digital documents for WCAG 2.2 A & AA compliance.
- Using a mix of automated tools, manual testing, and assistive technologies to detect accessibility barriers.
- Involving IAAP-certified accessibility experts to ensure accurate, thorough assessments.
2. Define Accessibility Goals and Policies
Organizations should establish a clear accessibility policy that outlines:
- Commitment to accessibility as a core business value.
- Compliance benchmarks (e.g., WCAG 2.2, ADA, GIGW) for all digital products.
- Timelines and milestones for achieving accessibility improvements.
- Stakeholder responsibilities across design, development, and content teams.
You can also follow Accessibility Maturity Models to inform your policies and vision for accessibility.
3. Implement a Structured Remediation Plan
Once accessibility gaps are identified, a remediation plan should:
- Prioritize high-impact issues that affect critical functionality.
- Establish a timeline for fixes to ensure steady progress.
- Assign roles to developers, content creators, and QA teams to integrate accessibility improvements.
- Leverage remediation support services from accessibility specialists to ensure accurate implementation.
4. Integrate Accessibility into Development Workflows
Sustainable accessibility requires embedding best practices into existing design, development, and content workflows:
- Shift-left approach: Address accessibility in the early stages of design and development.
- Accessible UI/UX design: Ensure color contrast, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility.
- Inclusive content creation: Provide alternative text for images, captions for videos, and structured headings.
- Regular accessibility testing before deployment.
5. Train Teams on Accessibility Best Practices
To implement long-term accessibility, organizations must invest in accessibility training for:
- Designers (inclusive design principles, color contrast, typography choices).
- Developers (semantic HTML, ARIA roles, keyboard accessibility).
- Content creators (alternative text, clear language, accessible document formats).
- QA testers (screen reader testing, assistive technology compatibility).
6. Continuous Monitoring and Compliance Maintenance
Accessibility is an ongoing process, requiring regular monitoring and updates:
- Periodic accessibility audits to identify new issues.
- User feedback and testing to refine accessibility features.
- Policy updates to align with evolving accessibility standards and legal requirements.
Need Expert Help?
Organizations serious about long-term accessibility should engage IAAP-certified accessibility professionals. IAAP Experts in India bring specialized knowledge and hands-on experience in WCAG compliance, accessibility audits, and remediation, helping businesses achieve sustainable digital inclusivity.
Implementing a long-term accessibility strategy is not just about compliance—it’s about fostering inclusivity, improving user experience, and future-proofing digital assets. By integrating accessibility into every stage of digital development, businesses can create a truly accessible digital environment for all users.
For expert guidance on accessibility strategy development, auditing, and remediation, connect with IAAP-certified professionals at Pivotal Accessibility today and take the first step toward sustainable digital accessibility.