Accessibility
Organization-wide accessibility policy: what, why, & how
Building a barrier-free world through comprehensive policies
When we talk about creating an inclusive world, accessibility policies are crucial. In this article, we will explore what an organization-wide accessibility policy is, why it’s vital, and how to create and implement one effectively.
What is an accessibility policy?
An accessibility policy is a formal statement outlining a company’s commitment to making its digital products, services, and content accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. It establishes the organization’s goals for digital accessibility and outlines the strategies and actions it will take to meet those goals. The policy typically includes guidelines on adhering to recognized accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) (World Wide Web Consortium, 2018)[1].
Why is an accessibility policy important?
- Ethical considerations: An accessibility policy reflects an organization’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities, aligning with broader corporate social responsibility initiatives.
- Legal requirements: Many jurisdictions require organizations to meet specific accessibility standards. An accessibility policy can help organizations meet these legal obligations and avoid potential lawsuits or penalties.
- Business benefits: Accessibility can enhance usability for all users, not just those with disabilities. It can lead to increased customer satisfaction, wider audience reach, and ultimately, a competitive advantage.
How to create an accessibility policy
Each organization’s accessibility policy should be tailored to its specific context, taking into account its unique needs, goals, resources, and user base. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective and comprehensive accessibility policy.
- Understanding the importance and benefits of accessibility
Before you start writing the policy, it’s crucial to understand why accessibility is essential. Accessibility not only enables users with disabilities to use your products and services but it also improves the overall user experience, leading to increased customer satisfaction and potential market expansion.
2. Creating a statement of commitment
The policy should start with a clear statement of the organization’s commitment to digital accessibility. This statement should outline the recognized accessibility standards the organization will adhere to and the scope of the policy. For example, if you are committed to following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, this should be stated clearly.
3. Defining the policy scope
Specify which parts of your organization and its services or products the policy applies to. It could range from all digital content like websites, documents, and applications, to physical accessibility like office buildings or event locations.
4. Setting accessibility standards
Decide on the accessibility standards your organization will follow. The most widely accepted standard is WCAG, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It’s essential to identify which level of compliance you aim to achieve — A, AA, or AAA. Most organizations aim for Level AA.
4. Assigning responsibilities
Your policy should identify who within your organization is responsible for implementing and maintaining accessibility. This could range from developers and designers to management. It’s also crucial to appoint a person or team with overall responsibility for the policy’s implementation.
5. Implementing training
Develop a training plan to ensure that all relevant employees understand their roles in creating accessible products and services. Training should not be a one-time event; rather, it should be ongoing to account for changes in staff and advancements in accessibility practices.
6. Planning for regular audits
Your policy should include a plan for conducting regular audits to ensure that your products and services remain compliant with the policy. Audits should ideally be conducted by a third party for objectivity.
7. Providing feedback mechanisms
The policy should include a process for addressing accessibility issues identified by users. Users should have an easy way to report accessibility issues and receive timely responses.
8. Making policy public
Publicly share your policy, showing your commitment to accessibility. This not only keeps your organization accountable but also promotes transparency and trust with your users.
9. Reviewing and updating the policy
Accessibility practices are not static; they evolve over time. Therefore, it’s important to periodically review and update your policy to reflect any changes in accessibility standards, technologies, or organizational goals.
Remember, creating an accessibility policy is the first step. The real work lies in implementing the policy and ensuring it is reflected in your organization’s culture and practices.
Case studies and real-world examples
To better illustrate the principles we’ve discussed, let’s delve into a couple of case studies.
- Microsoft’s Accessibility Policy
Microsoft has set an excellent example of a comprehensive accessibility policy. Their commitment to creating products and services accessible to all, including people with disabilities, is outlined in detail in their policy. It includes specifics such as how they adhere to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act in the United States and similar accessibility laws and standards globally. They also provide clear contact information for users who encounter accessibility issues or have suggestions for improvement (Microsoft, 2023)[2].
2. Google’s Accessibility Policy
Google is committed to making its products and services accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. They claim they adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, a globally recognized standard for digital accessibility. Their policy is far-reaching, encompassing all their digital platforms — from web and mobile applications to hardware products. They believe in continuous improvement and welcome feedback from users to further enhance accessibility (Google, 2023)[3].
3. BBC’s Accessibility Policy
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is another organization that has made significant strides in accessibility. Their policy is user-focused, with a commitment to making their digital services accessible and easy to use for all users, irrespective of their abilities. They also have a detailed approach to maintaining this accessibility, including regular accessibility checks and updates to their standards (BBC, 2023)[4].
Accessible by design
Implementing an organization-wide accessibility policy and maintaining an accessible digital presence isn’t a quick fix; it’s a continuous effort. It requires commitment, resources, and a design philosophy that embraces accessibility as a fundamental aspect, not an afterthought.
In the world of software engineering and web development, there’s a well-known principle:
“Design for all, and you’ll include everyone; design only for the average, and you’ll exclude many.”
By embracing this mantra, we can start to see accessibility not as a challenge, but as an opportunity — an opportunity to innovate, to create better user experiences, and to build a more inclusive digital world.
Summing up
The benefits of implementing an accessibility policy extend beyond compliance with legal requirements. It sends a strong signal that your organization values all users equally. It positions you as a socially responsible organization, enhancing your reputation and potentially expanding your customer base. And most importantly, it plays a part in creating an inclusive digital landscape where everyone has equal access.
By taking a proactive approach and developing a robust accessibility policy, we can contribute to a more inclusive digital world. Remember, inclusivity isn’t a destination; it’s a journey of continuous improvement. As such, regular review and updating of your accessibility policy should be an integral part of your organization’s strategy.
References:
- World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) (2018). Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. Retrieved from: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/.
- Microsoft (2023). Microsoft’s Accessibility Policy. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility.
- Google (2023). Google’s Accessibility. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/accessibility/.
- BBC (2023). BBC’s Accessibility Help. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility/.
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