Accessibility - your business superpower 

Why accessibility is the new buzzword in digital transformation  

Picture this: a bustling digital marketplace where millions of potential customers are standing just outside your door, eager to engage with your business. But there's a catch - many of them can't enter because the door is too heavy, the handle is too complex, or the entrance is too narrow. This isn't just a metaphor; it's the reality of the digital world today, where accessibility isn't just a buzzword, it's the key that unlocks doors to unprecedented growth.  

In the current digital world, accessibility is more than just a compliance requirement—it’s a business opportunity and a commitment to inclusivity. Yes, regulations like the European Accessibility ACT (EAA), are set to take effect by June 2025, increasing the legal requirements on organisations to comply with WCAG2.1 guidelines, for example. But did you know that by excluding accessibility features, businesses are essentially turning away one in four potential customers?  

Understanding the true value of accessibility  

Think of accessibility like a master key that unlocks multiple doors simultaneously. Behind these doors, you will find millions of users with disabilities, 71% of whom will leave a website that doesn’t meet their needs (according to WEBAIM's eye-opening study.) But here's the surprising twist; this same key opens doors to everyone else too. 

Imagine a store where the aisles are wider, the signs are clearer, and everything is within easy reach. That's what digital accessibility does – it creates an environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can navigate with ease. Features like keyboard navigation, clear captions, and intuitive interfaces aren't just accessibility features; they're universal improvements that enhance everyone's experience.
  

Empowering employees with accessible internal systems 

Accessibility isn’t just for customers—it’s for your team too. Imagine trying to do your job with tools that just don’t work for you. Frustrating, right? When internal tools are designed for everyone, employees can work more efficiently and feel included, fostering a more productive and supportive workplace. 

Where to begin?   

Whether you're starting afresh or adapting to an existing digital presence, it’s never too late to begin. Here are the steps to get started.  

If you already have a website or solution up and running:  

• Gap analysis based on relevant accessibility guidelines such as Web Compliance Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
• Prioritise improvements  
• Add to the backlog as a standalone project or incorporated with other development activities  
• Train the team and incorporate accessibility into the development cycle  

If you are building from scratch: 

Incorporating accessibility during the design and development phases is easier and more cost-effective than adding it later. When accessibility is part of the foundation design, it aligns with global user expectations from the start, reducing the risk of compliance gaps and rework down the line. Additionally, using wireframe tools that offer built-in accessibility features can streamline this process.  

In a nutshell….

Accessibility isn't just about meeting regulations - it's about unlocking business potential.  When you make your services easier for everyone to use, you create a better experience that reaches more customers and helps your employees work more efficiently.  This mindset shift transforms accessibility from a checkbox to a competitive advantage that drives value across your entire organisation.