Product accessibility isn't a "set it and forget it" kind of deal. A product is in constant development. You'll add new features, fix bugs, update branding and that'll change the look and feel. Each time you do that, it affects how accessible your product is.
And here's the kicker.
Even if you don't touch your product at all, the tools people use to access it keep changing. Web browsers roll out updates all the time. Screen readers get regular updates too. Some of these changes can mess with how well people use your product.
So let's say you've made everything perfectly accessible today. Awesome job!
But that's kind of like taking a snapshot. You can claim compliance today, but tomorrow that may change.
The solution is to implement a continuous accessibility monitoring and maintenance strategy.
Here's what this looks like in practice:
- Regular automated testing using accessibility tools to catch common issues.
- Manual testing on a scheduled basis to catch what automated tools inevitably miss.
- Keep up with the WCAG and tech updates.
- Build accessibility checks into your regular QA process.
- Create a feedback system where users can easily report accessibility issues they find.
It's not perfect, but that's not what you're looking for. Neither is "full compliance."
Accessibility is a moving target, so a better approach is to actively work to maintain and improve accessibility, looking at specific standards and following a clear process for addressing issues as they come up.