Web accessibility – an unbeatable focus from start to finish

In today's digitally driven world, accessibility is not just a nice bonus, it is a necessity and for many customers a legal requirement. Through my work, I strive to make information and functionality accessible to everyone, regardless of the user's abilities. In this blog post, I want to share my thoughts and experiences on why and how accessibility should be integrated into every step of the development process.

From the first line of code to the last pixel

Many people mistakenly believe that accessibility is something that can be "fixed at the end" of a project. It's a misconception that not only complicates the work of developers, but also creates a poorer experience for the user. In my work with Sitevision development, I've learned that the best strategy is to include accessibility from the start.

Sitevision is a great platform for that, as the platform and framework are already designed with accessibility in mind. This makes it easier for us developers to create websites that are accessible to everyone, regardless of technical skills or physical abilities.

Training and certifications – a pillar of my work

Keeping up to date with the latest guidelines and techniques is crucial. This is where organisations like the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) come in. Through my certification (WAS) from IAAP, I have not only expanded my knowledge but also increased my commitment to creating accessible websites.

However, to maintain the certification, continuous training is required. Every three years, you have to report on how you have maintained your expertise, for example by attending training courses or webinars.

I bring this knowledge to every project, from training team members on how to build and test accessible solutions to implementing these principles in every website and module.

An end-to-end perspective is key

Integrating accessibility into every aspect of web development means thinking about how every part of a page interacts with the user. It's not just about technology, it's about people. From how a menu is navigated with a screen reader, to how well the contrast of text stands out for someone with a visual impairment. Everything counts.

Every project is a chance to improve, to learn and to make the web a more inclusive place. That's why I look not only at the technology but also at the human experience. That means continuous testing (both automatic and manual), user feedback and iterations that all focus on accessibility.