When Accessibility Checkers Fail to Complete Their Task, Do These 3 Things
Don’t assume everyone can or wants to access information the way you do.
Reading a post from Maryam Ndope this morning left me buzzing with agreement, saying “YES!” to myself. Her infographic and outline points are 100% correct. For what it is worth, I do not share content casually for clout on LI. Maryam’s infographic is especially useful for novice accessibility professionals.
Break Down Information: Even if you use an AI-assisted accessibility tool, such as UserWay or AudioEye, you still must break down instructional steps into clear, plain language. While accordions can be accessibility blockers, they work well in this scenario if your JavaScript doesn’t produce console errors.
Use Active Voice 📣. It makes useful information clear and direct, which in turn helps people find what they need. In regulated organizations and sectors, subject matter experts tend to write at a college level when web content needs to be scannable and straight to the point. This is best practice for any digital web content production.
Remove “Click Here” from UX/UI language. What are people clicking? Why would a 2026 person not know how to click a button? My mother, nearing 80, knows how to click a button despite using a typewriter for her Berkeley papers. What are alternatives to clicking? Will they eat it, stare at it like a Banksy piece to admire the CSS hover effects? No! They know to click it, so tell them why!
Fun Facts: Most of Us Live with a Disability
For example, most of my professional network does not know I have ADHD (unless you work with me in person and witness me managing my Nee-doh Squishes and/or sitting in a chair that lets me sit and work in a criss-cross applesauce position). Now you know, and that is okay with me.
Don’t assume everyone can or wants to access information the way you do.
Plus, it would be a real blow to your bottom line if you don’t address WCAG requirements up front. Under Title III of the ADA, businesses may face fines up to $75,000 for a first violation and up to $150,000 for subsequent violations. The hefty fines are just part of the penalties for non-compliance.
For more musings and findings on #Accessibility, #ContentStrategy, #WebStrategy, #UXStrategy, #SEO, and #WritingforWeb, simply connect and reach out. I won’t bite.