Navigating the complexities of digital accessibility can be daunting for any business. This article provides a pragmatic guide, enriched with expert insights, on how to integrate inclusive practices into digital platforms. Discover actionable strategies to make technology accessible for all users, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
- Conduct Comprehensive Accessibility Audits
- Integrate User Testing for Accessibility
- Design with Detailed Alt Text
- Implement Empathy Walkthroughs
- Use AI-Powered Accessibility Validation
- Enhance Compatibility with Assistive Technologies
- Consult Real Users During Testing
- Test Keyboard-Only Navigation
- Simplify Online Booking System
Conduct Comprehensive Accessibility Audits
As a consultant helping businesses ensure digital accessibility, I focus on embedding accessibility into every stage of the digital asset lifecycle while involving the communities most impacted. One effective strategy I recommend is conducting comprehensive accessibility audits as a baseline. These audits evaluate websites, apps, and digital content against WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to identify barriers for users with disabilities.
However, compliance alone isn’t enough. A critical step I emphasize is engaging with the disability community to gather feedback and co-create solutions. Whether forming advisory panels or conducting user testing with individuals with diverse accessibility needs, this collaboration ensures that solutions are practical and genuinely address real-world challenges.
I also guide businesses in integrating accessibility into the design and development process with features like alt text for images, captions, and transcripts for videos, and keyboard navigation for websites. Combined with ongoing training for teams, this approach makes accessibility a natural part of the workflow. Businesses can create equitable, user-friendly experiences that benefit everyone by partnering with the community and prioritizing inclusive design.
Lekeshia Hicks
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategist, Lekeshia Angelique Consulting
Integrate User Testing for Accessibility
Ensuring digital accessibility starts with our website design. Instead of just relying on standard accessibility features, we integrate user testing with individuals from various ability backgrounds. This approach uncovers specific issues and helps us refine our platform to be more intuitive. For instance, incorporating high-contrast design elements isn’t just about color choices; we focus on texture and pattern to help visually impaired users navigate without relying solely on contrast. Testing with real users provides insights you can’t get from guidelines alone and ensures that our digital assets are genuinely user-friendly and inclusive.
Jovie Chen
CEO & CHRO, Zogiwel
Design with Detailed Alt Text
Making digital assets inclusive involves designing with accessibility in mind from the get-go. Many overlook the importance of alt text, but it’s crucial for those using screen readers. Describing an image in detail, not just with labels, can make a big difference. Think about the emotion and message the image conveys, not just what’s physically in it. So, if it’s a wedding dress, mention the elegance and unique lace patterns, not just “white dress.” This approach helps create a more immersive experience for everyone, ensuring that all users enjoy and understand the visuals. This strategy goes beyond compliance and genuinely enhances user experience across the board.
Jean Chen
COO & CHRO, Mondressy
Implement Empathy Walkthroughs
One of the major steps we took toward digital accessibility began with a simple question during a brainstorming session: “How do we ensure everyone, regardless of ability, feels welcome here?” That sparked an approach we now call “empathy walkthroughs.” We moved beyond standard tools, bringing in individuals with diverse abilities to explore prototypes at every stage. Their insights shaped how we structured layouts, adjusted text hierarchies, and streamlined navigation.
In one instance, a visually impaired participant shared how confusing form labels often turned a simple task into a frustrating ordeal. That insight completely shifted our focus. We introduced clear, descriptive labels for every field and ensured all interactive elements worked seamlessly with keyboard navigation. These adjustments didn’t just solve a problem; they created smoother, more inclusive interactions for every user.
The most meaningful part of this shift was how it redefined our entire process. Designers and developers began approaching accessibility as an integral aspect of creativity rather than an afterthought. It became less about meeting standards and more about fostering genuine connections through thoughtful design choices.
Alan Carr
Director, Webpopdesign
Use AI-Powered Accessibility Validation
Our foundational strategy, which we call “Universal Design Intelligence,” goes far beyond basic compliance—it’s about fundamentally reimagining digital experiences through a lens of comprehensive accessibility.
We’ve developed an AI-powered accessibility validation platform that:
- Conducts real-time accessibility scans
- Provides automated remediation recommendations
- Uses machine learning to predict potential user interaction challenges
- Creates adaptive content transformation capabilities
One breakthrough approach involves our “Contextual Accessibility Mapping”—a sophisticated system that:
- Analyzes digital assets across multiple disability interaction scenarios
- Generates comprehensive accessibility scores
- Provides granular recommendations for improvement
- Creates dynamic content adaptation mechanisms
Key Accessibility Considerations:
- Screen reader compatibility
- Color contrast optimization
- Keyboard navigation support
- Alternative text generation
- Semantic HTML structure validation
We don’t just validate accessibility—we’ve created an intelligent platform that transforms digital experiences into truly inclusive environments that respect diverse user interactions.
Our current implementation has improved digital accessibility across our platform by 67%, demonstrating that inclusive design isn’t a compliance checkbox, but a fundamental approach to creating genuinely human-centered technology experiences.
The future of digital design is about creating experiences that are inherently accessible, not retrofitted for compliance.
Harman Singh
Senior Software Engineer, StudioLabs
Enhance Compatibility with Assistive Technologies
I believe enhancing compatibility with assistive technologies is one key aspect of digital accessibility. In practical terms, that means having your website or app completely operational with things like screen readers, voice recognition software or alternative input devices, like eye-tracking systems or adaptive keyboards.
For example, implementing proper ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles and labels allows screen readers to convey meaningful information to visually impaired users. It also means that your design includes intuitive navigation that is demonstrated with clear headings and logical tab ordering to help users who are dependent on keyboard navigation to easily explore your site. These accommodations enhance the user experience for people with disabilities and demonstrate your organization’s commitment to inclusion.
For instance, we rely on software like WAVE, Axe, or Accessibility Insights to catch issues like low color contrast or missing alt text on images and supplement this with manual assessments for a human factor. We also review our site’s structure with assistive technology simulators to identify practical barriers that automated tools might overlook.
When you help your digital assets remain perceivable, operable, and dependable, you ensure that all users can use them, regardless of their abilities. As a result, you will not only avoid legal risks, but you will also be able to reach a wider audience!
Aaron Whittaker
VP of Demand Generation & Marketing, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency
Consult Real Users During Testing
We prioritize accessibility by consulting real users with disabilities during testing. Their insights highlight gaps that automated tools alone cannot identify. By involving them directly, we design solutions that address practical challenges inclusively. This approach fosters empathy while ensuring our assets are truly accessible to everyone.
We focus on clear, inclusive language to improve comprehension for all users. Complex jargon is replaced with simpler terms, making content accessible universally. Automated language checkers flag confusing phrases, while human editors refine tone and clarity. This ensures our messaging connects meaningfully with diverse audiences.
Jason Hennessey
CEO, Hennessey Digital
Test Keyboard-Only Navigation
Digital accessibility is about making sure everyone, including those with disabilities, can use our platform easily. We’ve integrated a method called keyboard-only navigation testing. Many users rely on keyboards instead of a mouse, so this technique ensures that every function on our website can be accessed just using a keyboard. This means reviewing our site to confirm that tab sequencing is logical and that all interactive elements, like buttons and links, are reachable and usable. It’s surprising how often websites overlook this, assuming mouse use is universal. Testing this way not only improves user experience for people with disabilities but also enhances overall functionality, making navigation smoother for everyone.
Will Yang
Head of Growth & Marketing, Instrumentl
Simplify Online Booking System
We ensure digital accessibility by making our online booking system straightforward and inclusive. Many of our patients come to us after struggling with sleep issues or airway concerns, so making their first step as stress-free as possible is essential. Our booking platform is designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, offering features like large, clearly labeled buttons and an intuitive flow to minimize frustration.
For instance, we noticed that patients with dexterity challenges or those using assistive devices struggled with small, densely packed menus. To address this, we optimized the interface for touchscreens and keyboard navigation. Each form field is well-spaced and includes clear instructions, ensuring all patients can complete the process independently.
We also incorporated calendar tools that integrate with screen readers, enabling visually impaired users to select dates and times easily. By testing these updates with accessibility tools and gathering feedback from patients, we’ve created a system that feels welcoming and usable for everyone.
Kalli Hale
Dentist, The Airway Dentists