Scaling a11y

Digital accessibility is about creating applications that are accessible for everyone, regardless of disability. It ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can use web applications effectively.

Accessibility is crucial because it ensures that web applications are usable by everyone, including the 1.3 billion people with significant disabilities. It aligns with the web's original intent of universality, as stated by its creator, Tim Berners-Lee.

WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which are internationally defined guidelines providing a baseline for web accessibility. They are used in legislation around the world to ensure digital inclusivity.

Organizations can improve web accessibility by building a knowledge base, conducting regular testing (automated, manual, and user testing), monitoring issues, and performing accessibility audits. This approach should include management support and adequate budgeting.

Management plays a vital role by providing support and resources for accessibility initiatives. Senior management should endorse accessibility, appoint responsible personnel, and allocate budget and capacity for accessibility efforts.

The accessibility feedback loop is a process where a development team undergoes testing to assess their application's accessibility. They receive feedback, make improvements, and are re-audited until they meet accessibility standards, eventually earning a certification.

Automated accessibility tests are useful but can only catch about 20% to 25% of accessibility issues. Manual testing and user testing, including people with disabilities, are essential for a comprehensive accessibility evaluation.

Challenges include large sample sizes in audits, potential to miss issues, and audits occurring after code is in production, which can be inefficient. Continuous testing throughout the development cycle is recommended for better results.

Teams should stay updated with the latest accessibility standards, incorporate accessibility checks throughout their development processes, and engage in regular training and knowledge-sharing sessions to build expertise.