Legal and social requirements for digital accessibility are increasing. Many organisations today are therefore making efforts to make their web solutions accessible and user-friendly for all. Implementing accessibility, however, is not just a matter of hiring a single expert, but a process that requires wide distribution of knowledge, continuous training of teams and systematic testing of solutions.
In this article, we will look at how accessibility competences should be built and distributed within an organisation, what mistakes companies most often make, and why investing in accessibility benefits not only compliance but also the user experience.
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Knowledge distribution and the role of experts in the organisation
Many organisations initially choose to employ a single person - an accessibility expert - to implement the required solutions. While such a model may be effective at the outset, over time it becomes crucial to disperse competencies across the organisation.
Key points:
- Centralisation vs. distribution of knowledge
Initially, the employed specialist acts as a 'source of knowledge', which, over time, should be transferred to other employees. The aim is for accessibility competence to cease to be the domain of one person and become part of the organisational culture. - The role of the accessibility manager
As the organisation grows, it is worth introducing the position of an accessibility manager to coordinate activities, oversee implementations and ensure that teams are systematically upskilled. Such a person can also monitor ongoing technological and regulatory changes and identify new sources of knowledge.
Budgetary errors and underestimation of needs
One of the most common problems organisations face is the misestimation of the budget needed to implement full accessibility. It is often thought that the only cost is to hire an expert or purchase an off-the-shelf solution, while the reality turns out to be much more complex.
Główne wyzwania:
- Underestimation of training and implementation costs
Implementing accessibility requires not only hiring a specialist, but also investing in training for developers, designers and testers. Lack of adequate budget for competence development results in makeshift implementations that do not meet the requirements of users with special needs. - Investment in tools and hardware
In order to test solutions on a variety of devices - from the latest smartphones to older models or computers with legacy systems - an organisation should have the right hardware facilities. Often, we find that carefully prepared accessibility audits reveal the need to invest in additional equipment, which can generate unforeseen costs. - Space for learning and experimentation
The process of implementing accessibility cannot be done under deadline pressure, as it requires time for testing, iterative tweaking and hands-on experience. Companies that try to 'fast-track' accessibility often forgo in-depth analysis and training, which translates into problems for users in the future.
Space for learning and continuous improvement
Digital accessibility is a field in which knowledge is constantly evolving. To ensure that the solutions implemented in an organisation are not only compliant but also effective, it is essential to create an environment conducive to continuous learning and practice.
Key aspects:
- Gradual competence building
It is not enough to impart basic information - it is important that employees have the opportunity to experiment, test and learn from their mistakes. Access to educational materials, online courses and in-house accessibility workshops is an investment that pays off in the long term. I recommend BTW the Digital Accessibility School - Knowledge-based organisational culture
Implementing accessibility should be seen as an integral part of designing and developing digital products. Every department - from IT to marketing to customer service - should be aware of the importance of accessibility. Only then is it possible to develop coherent solutions that truly respond to users' needs. - Systematic testing with real users
Training and theoretical familiarisation with guidelines (e.g. WCAG) is one thing, but practical testing with people using assistive technologies is key. Testing on a variety of devices and in a variety of conditions allows barriers to be detected that might be missed during internal audits.
Sources of knowledge and standards - foundations of accessibility
The primary source of knowledge on digital accessibility is the W3C, the organisation responsible for the development of web standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines are the foundation on which modern accessibility solutions are based.
Why use WCAG:
- Comprehensive and up-to-date standards
WCAG is a set of detailed recommendations that are constantly updated to respond to new technological challenges. Implementing these standards helps to ensure that a website is user-friendly for users with different types of disabilities. - An essential reference point for developers
For developers of software and websites, WCAG is a kind of 'compass' - a document that can be referred to when making corrections and optimisations to code. This makes it possible to create solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but above all functional and accessible. - Integration with regulations
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) and national laws on digital accessibility often refer to WCAG standards. Understanding and implementing these guidelines therefore become a key element of compliance with current legislation.
Zrzut ekranu - ...
Accessibility as a continuous process
One of the most important lessons from the conversation is that implementing accessibility is not a one-off task. It is an ongoing process that requires regular updating, testing and improvement.
Key reflections:
- The website is never 'finished'
As with other digital products, work on a website is never over. New technologies, changing devices and growing user expectations require constant monitoring and adjustments. Therefore, if you are working with an agency then choose one that is not only aware of digital accessibility (with knowledge, competence and proven implementations), but also treats accessibility as a process. (We recommend ourselves --> Krakweb :) ). And if you are using a CMS then choose one that natively supports WCAG, automates elements of the accessibility process and is constantly implementing new solutions (I recommend --> ICEberg CMS 5 ). - Organic user experience
Accessibility is something that translates into a real user experience. Even small shortcomings, such as an inaccessible form or an improperly optimised interface, can have big consequences - from losing a customer to more serious consequences in critical situations, such as in banking or healthcare.Pay attention to the details, retrain your team and use a CMS that automates WCAG and constantly receives new solutions (like ICEberg CMS 5 ) as part of updates. - An investment that pays off
While there is a cost to implementing accessibility - both financially and in terms of time - this investment translates into long-term benefits. Organisations that make their products fully accessible build a positive image, increase customer trust and minimise the risk of possible legal sanctions.
The impact of accessibility on everyday user experience
Digital accessibility is not just a matter of compliance, but above all a real impact on users' lives. Anyone using a digital interface - whether using a keyboard instead of a mouse or using a screen reader - experiences digital products that may be more or less user-friendly.
Examples of impact:
- Purchase process in an online shop
An inaccessible form or unintuitive navigation can make it impossible to complete a transaction. For a person who has difficulty accessing technology on a daily basis, such shortcomings can have serious consequences - from frustration to financial loss. - Interactions in banking and healthcare
In critical situations where the speed and accuracy of the interface matters (such as when transferring money or registering for a medical appointment), inaccessibility can lead to delays or errors that have a real impact on quality of life. - Daily user experience
Accessibility affects how a user perceives a brand. A company that ensures that its website or app is accessible to everyone gains a reputation as a socially responsible organisation, which translates into customer loyalty.
Holistic approach to accessibility
Implementing digital accessibility is a task that requires an integrated approach in which knowledge is distributed throughout the organisation and competencies are continuously developed. The key elements are:
- Spreading knowledge - it is not enough to rely on one person, competencies need to be built across the team.
- Appropriate budgeting - implementing accessibility is an investment that requires allocating resources not only for hiring specialists, but also for training and purchasing the necessary tools.
- Continuous testing and improvement - the accessibility implementation process has no end point. Regular audits, testing on different devices and hands-on user experience are essential to maintain a high standard.
Organisations that approach the subject comprehensively will not only gain regulatory compliance, but above all improve the quality of their digital products. Accessibility is not just a legal obligation - it is an investment in a better, more inclusive user experience that can determine a company's success in a competitive market.
Finally, it is worth emphasising that technology in itself is no substitute for a fundamental knowledge of how the internet works "inside out". The use of W3C standards, such as WCAG, and ongoing education of project teams are key to creating solutions that are truly accessible to all. Investing in accessibility is not just about improving the interface, but building an organisational culture where every customer has the right to fully and comfortably use digital products and services.
With this holistic approach, organisations can not only meet legal requirements, but also create an environment where accessibility becomes a natural part of the design process - from the first sketches of the interface to the final product. As a result, companies build a positive image, increase customer trust and ensure that their digital solutions are truly inclusive.
I hope that the reflections and tips presented in the article will inspire you to make informed decisions and investments in accessibility, resulting in a better user experience and sustainable business success.
We look forward to working with Krakweb and implementing ICEberg CMS 5!
CMS in WCAG and WCAG agency
ICEberg CMS 5 and Krakweb can make it significantly easier for organisations to implement digital accessibility, automating many key aspects and providing comprehensive content and technical support.
Automation of accessibility processes through ICEberg CMS 5
- Automatic compliance with WCAG standards:
The system has been designed to comply with WCAG 2.1 guidelines. ICEberg CMS 5 automatically takes care of correct HTML structure, generation of alternative descriptions for images, appropriate colour contrast and hierarchy of headings, which is crucial for users using screen readers or keyboard navigation [ https://www.krakweb.pl/jak-iceberg-cms-5-automatyzuje-dostepnosc-stron-internetowych-spelnianie-wytycznych-wcag-i-dostosowywanie-stron-do-potrzeb-osob-z-niepelnosprawnoscia ]. - Responsiveness and interface optimisation:
Thanks to built-in mechanisms, the system ensures that websites are fully responsive, meaning that they work correctly on a variety of devices - from computers to tablets to smartphones. This not only improves the user experience, but also makes it easier to adapt to the specific needs of people with different limitations. - Facilitating content management:
ICEberg CMS 5 allows content to be published dynamically, changes to be made in real time and elements of the site to be managed easily, enabling a quick response to reported accessibility issues. Thanks to the intuitive interface, even people without technical expertise can make the necessary adjustments.
Wsparcie eksperckie Krakweb
- Accessibility audit and consultation:
Krakweb, as developer of ICEberg CMS 5, offers comprehensive accessibility audits to help identify barriers and determine the scope of implementation work. Krakweb consultants also help optimise processes within the organisation, advising on how to distribute accessibility knowledge among teams [ Read more:https://www.krakweb.pl/dostepnosc-cyfrowa-produktow-i-uslug-w-swietle-prawa-ustaw-polskich-i-europejskich . - Training and competence development:
In order to ensure that the implementation of accessibility is not just based on the employment of one person, Krakweb organises trainings and workshops for developers, UX designers and testers. This ensures that accessibility knowledge is systematically transferred and developed within the organisation to create sustainable solutions in line with best practices. - Technical support and ongoing updates:
Krakweb also provides technical support and regular updates to ICEberg CMS 5, enabling organisations to maintain compliance with the latest standards and regulations. This support is crucial as accessibility is an ongoing process that requires constant monitoring and adaptation.
Summary
ICEberg CMS 5 automates and simplifies the implementation of digital accessibility - from alt text generation and automatic contrast adjustment, to responsive design and intuitive content management. As an accessibility expert, Krakweb offers audit support, consultation, training and technical support, enabling organisations to not only meet legal requirements, but also to build positive, inclusive user experiences. Through this approach, companies minimise legal risks, increase customer satisfaction and build a long-term socially responsible brand image.
