Many organizations still think of digital accessibility as a task that can be finished once and for all. In reality, accessibility is never truly “done.” It is an ongoing commitment, one that grows and changes as technology, people, and standards evolve.
By treating accessibility as a journey instead of a checkbox, organizations create digital spaces that stay usable and inclusive over time, not just at launch.
Digital Accessibility Is a Practice, Not a Project
Some teams see digital accessibility as a project milestone: pass an audit, fix issues, and move on. Lord knows I have experienced this. But real accessibility doesn’t stop there. Like security, privacy or performance, it must be maintained, updated, and improved continuously.
A product that works well for people with disabilities today may run into barriers tomorrow if it isn’t kept up to date. Digital accessibility is strongest when it becomes part of everyday work, not a one-time effort.
Why Digital Accessibility Is Never Finished
Technology Keeps Changing
New devices, platforms, and frameworks are released every year. Each change can affect how people with disabilities use digital products. For example, an app that worked well on older mobile devices may no longer perform smoothly with new screen reader updates.
Employee and Consultant Attrition
Development teams experience high attrition rates due to a fiercely competitive talent market, burnout from intense workloads, a lack of career growth, and dissatisfaction with management and company culture. With the loss of developers with experience with accessibility comes a void in knowledge that can be a challenge to maintain.
People’s Needs Are Different, and Evolving
Disability is diverse and often changes over time. A person with low vision may start by using magnification, but later depend on voice navigation. Digital accessibility means preparing for a wide range of needs, both now and in the future.
Standards and Laws Move Forward
Accessibility rules and guidelines are updated to keep pace with technology. An organization that once met WCAG 2.0 now needs to consider WCAG 2.1 and 2.2, and eventually be ready for WCAG 3.0.
Examples of the Accessibility Journey
Retail Example
A global retailer once relied only on audits. Issues kept returning. They changed their approach by training teams, adding accessibility into design and development, and testing regularly. The result? Fewer issues, happier customers, and stronger brand trust.
Nonprofit Example
A nonprofit launched a new, accessible website. But users with screen readers still struggled with event sign-ups. Instead of ignoring feedback, the team created an ongoing loop with their community. This led to quick fixes and stronger connections with the people they serve.
Steps Organizations Can Take
Build Awareness and Training
Teach teams about accessibility. Show them how people with disabilities use technology. This builds both skills and empathy.
Establish an effective training program from a third-party vendor that has expertise in digital accessibility. Make it a requirement for new developers and designers to take fundamental digital accessibility training. Offer this training in multiple formats to ensure everyone can take advantage of the training, in any method that works for them.
Add Accessibility into Everyday Work
Include accessibility checks in all design, development and content create processes. Establish design reviews early on before design are handed to the development team. Ensure that code reviews and QA testing are implemented consistently by experienced leads. Make it a standard part of quality, not an afterthought.
Work with People with Disabilities
Test products with real users who have disabilities. This testing may uncover issues missed through automated, even manual testing. Their feedback offers insights in improved user experiences that tools alone can’t provide.
Measure Progress
Track accessibility improvements over time. Examples include fewer recurring issues, higher customer satisfaction, or more use of accessible design patterns.
And speaking of design patterns, if you are going to create them, ensure there is enforcement in using them by all teams. A design pattern library used by only 30% of all teams means you have a problem with the remaining 70% of user interface elements. More on that some day.
Plan Ahead
Stay up to date on new standards and emerging technology. Prepare for future accessibility needs in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), voice tech, and virtual reality.
Conclusion
Accessibility is not about crossing a finish line, it is about staying committed to continual improvement and inclusion over time. Organizations that treat accessibility as a journey create stronger, more innovative, and more welcoming digital products.
Those who make accessibility part of their culture will not only meet compliance but also lead the way toward a more inclusive digital future.
So, how does your organization view digital accessibility, one and done, or a way of operating?