I often come across this idea and it's honestly been bugging me.
It's this misconception that it's too late to implement accessibility after the product is perfectly designed and developed. That usually means after you've shipped.
I disagree.
There is no perfect moment to begin. It's never too early and it's never too late either.
If you're honest about your intentions, you know that accessibility is about making room for everyone. Everyone, regardless of their abilities, should easily use your product.
Sure it's easier to start early. It's much easier to plan for the ramp before building the stairs. It's costly to redesign the ramp, account for handrails and non-slip surfaces, pour concrete and then have the ramp inspected to make sure it meets all necessary safety and accessibility standards.
But we don't all get that luxury.
Mots of the products I work on aren't green field. Which means I never get to start early with accessibility. I rarely get to build the ramp before someone else built the stairs.
I mostly have to retrofit products.
Is it easy or pretty or glamorous? No, it is not.
But it is necessary. And it's doable when you have a plan, when you approach it in steps and when you emphasise small wins along the way.
There is no perfect moment to begin.
But once you do, you'll get plenty of moments to make it better.