5 Key Elements of Accessibility Culture (2024)

Accessibility culture is a growing and necessary component of corporate infrastructure. But what should it look like?

It has standards

Companies with accessibility culture have chosen a standard to follow that provides guidelines for accessibility compliance. It could be Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), or the US Section 508 guidelines, regional standards such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), or maybe it’s the EU Directive. Whatever the chosen standard, it is made available publicly for all employees to reference.

It’s educated

Companies that display accessibility culture have educated, trained employees. The staff is aware of the adopted accessibility guidelines, they know how accessibility affects their jobs and their content creation. They receive regular training, and new employees are trained. Topic-specific training is obtained for various departments. For example, web designers are trained in web accessibility, marketing staff is trained in accessibility for social media, IT staff is trained on how to evaluate software tools for accessibility and usability.

It’s accountable

Employees of companies with accessibility culture are accountable for their content creation and the accessibility of any materials that are produced by them or their staff. They know who to ask for assistance, and they know that they are responsible for compliance. They know feedback and complaints must be addressed willingly and immediately. They are not afraid to communicate to coworkers and management when something is inaccessible and needs to be addressed.

It’s inclusive

Companies with accessibility culture work alongside people with disabilities (PWD) to ensure that they go beyond compliance and include PWD in planning and content creation. They actively seek input from PWD and incorporate their feedback into the planning and creation of content, software, and services. Staff members with disabilities are used as valuable resources to help educate fellow employees and management.

It’s everyone’s job

Companies that have accessibility culture make accessibility part of every person’s daily responsibility. Just like all staff must adhere to health and safety policies and non-discrimination policies, all staff is expected to adhere to the accessibility policy. All staff is trained and accountable. No person is afraid to speak up when they find a compliance failure, and all are encouraged to suggest more accessible and inclusive ways to achieve success in any aspect of the business.

Companies with accessibility culture are more inclusive and have a lower chance of facing accessibility lawsuits. Their material reaches more of their target audience, and they miss fewer opportunities.