Imagine launching a new feature only to receive complaints from users who can’t navigate it with a screen reader.
The last time this happened to me, it was a wake-up call. I hadn’t explained to stakeholders why accessibility mattered, so it was deprioritised. The result? Frustrated users and a costly rework.
Lesson learned.
Stakeholders need to understand the why behind decisions. Without context, accessibility can feel like an extra burden until it becomes an afterthought.
So now I start by explaining the bigger picture. How accessibility isn’t just about compliance, it’s about making room for everyone. How over one billion people worldwide have disabilities. And how inaccessible websites exclude them from using our product.
Next, I tie accessibility to business goals. Accessible websites often rank higher in search engines, reach a wider audience and reduce legal risks. There's plenty of real-world examples around lawsuits to share to make the stakes clear.
Finally, I connect accessibility to the company’s values. I've yet to meet a company that specifically excludes some people. By framing decisions in terms of brand integrity, I can help stakeholders see accessibility as a priority, not an obstacle.
Here's the thing.
When stakeholders understand the why, they’re more likely to support the how.