Accessibility
Maturity
Embarking on the journey towards better accessibility often starts with small steps and a recognition of the need for change.
Accessibility maturity models help organizations understand their current standing and guide their progression towards creating more inclusive environments and digital products.
Congratulations, you’re an
Optimizer
Your organisation has fully embraced accessibility, integrating it into every facet of operations, from product development to HR to sales. Full accessibility processes and tools are consistently implemented, with the organisation actively measuring effectiveness and tracking improvements. This level is characterised by a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive culture, ensuring that accessibility is a core value for both customers and employees.
Accessibility is now an integral part of the organisation’s strategy and processes. It is embedded into the earliest stages of the product lifecycle, influencing design and development from the outset. This strategic approach goes beyond individual systems or projects, viewing accessibility as a fundamental component of the organisation’s mission and goals.
Ownership of accessibility initiatives is clear, with an individual in the executive leadership responsible for its success. All employees involved with digital content have formal accessibility responsibilities, have undergone comprehensive training, and have access to resources to support them when challenges arise. The most important priority at this stage is to focus on maintaining a culture of accessibility, keeping skills up-to-date, and using metrics to influence policy and strategy.
What this might look like
at your organisation:
Commitment to accessibility clearly reflected in all corporate communications, events and brand messaging
Accessibility is treated as “business as usual” for all project teams, is considered mandatory and is included in acceptance criteria
Automated tools including assistive technologies are used regularly in design, development and testing
Staff are actively encouraged to participate in internal or external accessibility events
There is an accessibility messaging channel or hub where ownership is assigned, that is contributed to regularly by different members of staff
Accessibility training is mandated across all job roles, not just those directly involved in product development
Blockers are in place to prevent inaccessible products and features from being launched
Policy is in place to regularly audit systems for accessibility
Disabled users are proactively sought out for user testing
An action plan is in place to address legacy and non-compliant systems
Accessibility is promoted as a differentiating factor
Professional accessibility expertise is used for assessing products and services in procurement
Requirement of executive sign-off for any non-compliant procurement
A dedicated role or team exists for accessibility
Accessibility audits have been performed on major systems, and work is being made to act on the outputs
Developer and testing documentation and resources (style guides, component libraries, templates) include relevant accessibility guidance
Accessibility training is included in all new staff onboarding
Disability included in all design personas
There is policy that mandates accessibility for all digital platforms and outlines remediation for non-conformance
Policies point to WCAG 2.2
Policies are verified and enhanced by individuals with lived experience of disability
Budget available for accessibility training, benchmarking, and remediation
Public accessibility statement exists and identifies known issues and current plans to remedy them
Recruitment channels have been audited for accessibility
Accessibility capability is mentioned in all relevant job descriptions and is vetted for in the interview process
Executive-level champion’s performance formally linked to organisational accessibility
Accessibility commitment is promoted externally
Benchmarking reports are shared with the executive leadership, made available to external stakeholders, and used for future planning
What’s next?
Now that you’ve determined what accessibility maturity level your organisation is at, it’s time to create an action plan to determine your next steps. Aleph Accessibility’s roadmap workshop will explore the 5 dimensions of accessibility to identify your strengths and areas for improvement, and craft an action plan that is strategic and specific to your organisation.
You can also explore auditing to help you establish a baseline or training options to upskill your staff.