You’ve read the articles, tried the tools, maybe even fixed a keyboard trap or two. But then reality kicks in: tight timelines, shifting requirements, and that one person who says, “We’ll add accessibility later.” Here’s the truth. Accessibility doesn’t need to be perfect from day one. But it does need to start somewhere. And it works best when it’s part of your design process: not tacked on after launch like a forgotten footnote. Let’s talk about how to build accessibility into your workflow in a way that’s practical, sustainable, and honestly, kind of empowering.
Start Where You Are. Just Start.
Accessibility doesn’t need a grand kickoff. It needs a mindset shift. And that starts early.
- During discovery meetings: Ask if accessibility is in scope. (Spoiler: it should be.)
- In budgeting conversations: Make the case for including time and tools to support accessible design.
- While storyboarding or prototyping: Think about structure, focus order, and interactive patterns from the very beginning.
If you can name it early, you can build for it. And that saves everyone time later.
Design, Test, Repeat
Accessibility isn’t a checkbox. It’s an iterative practice. Here’s a sample loop that works for most teams:
- Design with inclusion in mind
Use semantic elements, meaningful alt text, and consistent interaction patterns. - Test your assumptions
Navigate your prototype with a keyboard. Turn on a screen reader. Zoom in to 200 percent. What breaks? - Fix what you find
Is the tab order off? Are the buttons unlabeled? Are the error messages useful? Tweak it now while it’s still easy. - Validate with tools and users
Run Axe or Lighthouse. But also ask real people (especially people with disabilities) to give feedback.
Document and share
Accessibility wins should be celebrated. Share what you learned and how you fixed it.
Common Fixes That Make a Big Difference
You don’t need to overhaul your design system overnight. These small changes pack a big punch:
- Add skip links to skip repetitive navigation.
- Label your form fields clearly, not just visually.
- Avoid using colour alone to convey meaning.
- Make buttons look and behave like buttons, and check that they’re labelled for screen readers.
- Support drag-and-drop interactions with keyboard alternatives.
Even one fix can change a user’s entire experience. That’s the power you hold as a designer.
Perfection Is a Trap. Progress Is the Goal.
You’re going to miss things. We all do. Accessibility isn’t about being flawless, it’s about being committed. Fix the biggest barriers first. Prioritize what has the highest impact for the most users.
Then keep improving as you learn more. That’s how inclusive design grows from “something we should do” to “something we just do.”
What’s Next?
You don’t need to become an expert overnight. Just stay curious. Keep testing. Keep iterating. Keep advocating. And remember: accessibility isn’t just about compliance or checklists. It’s about real people. When your design works for someone who’s been left out before, that’s not just a win for them. It’s a win for all of us.
